After a lot of consideration, Mohamed and I decided we can't make the operant faceplate without a PCB.  The wiring is too cumbersome and annoying to do.  We've previously tried really hard not to make a PCB for FED because we thought it may limit some people from making FED, but I guess it's time!  We plan to make a board that will hold 3 photo-interrupters (2 pokes and one to detect pellets), the Adalogger, a Neopixel strip, the motor controller, and all relevant connectors.  Photos of our first attempts!