Proto Shield

Arduino prototyping

This is a design for an open-source prototyping shield for Arduino NG/Diecimila. It has tons of cool features, to make prototyping on your Arduino easy.

• Compatible with NG or Diecimila
• Reset button up top
• ICSP header
• Lots of GND and +5V rails
• DIP prototyping area makes it easy to add more chips
• SOIC prototyping area above USB jack for up to 14-pin SOIC chip, narrow medium or wide package.
• Use 'mini' or 'medium' breadboard
• Two 3mm LEDs with matching resistors
• Extra 6mm button

Ideas for use

• Larger breadboard for tons of working space!
• Tiny breadboard fits nicely on top
• 2 LEDs and one button are available for general purpose use!

Step 1 Make it! Tools

Lets go!

This is a very easy kit to make, just go through each of these steps to build the kit

1. Tools and preparation
2. Check the parts list
3. Solder it

Tutorials

Learn how to solder with tons of tutorials!
http://www.ladyada.net/learn/soldering/index.html

Don't forget to learn how to use your multimeter too!
http://www.ladyada.net/learn/multimeter/index.html

Tools

There are a few tools that are required for assembly. None of these tools are included. If you don't have them, now would be a good time to borrow or purchase them. They are very very handy whenever assembling/fixing/modifying electronic devices! I provide links to buy them, but of course, you should get them wherever is most convenient/inexpensive. Many of these parts are available in a place like Radio Shack or other (higher quality) DIY electronics stores.

I recommend a "basic" electronics tool set for this kit, which I describe here.
http://www.ladyada.net/library/equipt/kits.html#basic

Soldering iron. One with temperature control and a stand is best. A conical or small 'screwdriver' tip is good, almost all irons come with one of these.

A low quality (ahem, $10 model from radioshack) iron may cause more problems than its worth!

Do not use a "ColdHeat" soldering iron, they are not suitable for delicate electronics work and can damage the kit (see here) http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/cold-soldering2.htm

Solder. Rosin core, 60/40. Good solder is a good thing. Bad solder leads to bridging and cold solder joints which can be tough to find. Dont buy a tiny amount, you'll run out when you least expect it. A half pound spool is a minimum.

Multimeter/Oscilloscope. A meter is helpful to check voltages and continuity.

Flush/diagonal cutters. Essential for cutting leads close to the PCB.

Desoldering tool. If you are prone to incorrectly soldering parts.

'Handy Hands' with Magnifying Glass. Not absolutely necessary but will make things go much much faster.

Good light. More important than you think.

Check out my recommendations and where to buy.
http://www.ladyada.net/library/equipt/kits.html#basic

Comments

[boscopsoultrane]

I found the Instructable extremely helpful, thank you.

[killersquirel11]

Just thought I'd throw it out there... If you want your pins to be perfectly lined up, if you have another shield just plug that shield into the pins, then push the pins through the protoshield, then solder

[Chowmix12]

but, to make the other shield, you'll need another shield when building the other shield...

[zoltzerino]

 How much does it cost to buy the components separately rather than just buy the kit?

[ReCreate]

this looks to me that it should be compatible with the Duemilanove...or was this i'ble created before the Duemilanove came out?

[microman171]

You take the best photos =)

[ReCreate]

Agreed.