Introduction: Diy Arduino Nano!

About: I am an electronics hobbyist in NSW Australia. I like to do projects on PC hardware, repair and electronics design, repair and building. General enquirers/questions support@clebstech.com and all marketing/spon…

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In this instructable, I will show you how to make your very own Arduino Nano.

The Arduino Nano is a small & breadboard-friendly based on the ATmega328P Chip. It has more or less the same functionality of the Arduino UNO but in a different package. It lacks only a DC power jack and works with a Mini-B USB jack instead of a standard B jack.

Let's get started!

Step 1: Everything We Need!

Here is the parts list-

▶ AT Mega 328P-AU (LCSC)

▶ 16MHz Resonator (LCSC)

▶ Resistor Pack 2X4 - 1k ohm (0603) (LCSC)

▶ AMS1117 5V Regulator (LCSC)

▶ FT232RL - FTDI Chip USB to UART (LCSC)

▶ LED Yellow,Green & Red (0603) (LCSC)

▶ 500mA fuse (0603) (LCSC)

▶ 100nF Capacitor (0603) (LCSC)

▶ 4.7uF Capacitor (1206) (LCSC)

▶ 1uF Capacitor (0603) (LCSC)

▶ B2 Diode (LCSC)

▶ USB mini Port (LCSC)

▶ 2x3 Male Headers (LCSC)

▶ Male Headers (LCSC)

Step 2: Schematics and PCB

To make a PCB you could use the free and easy to use online EDA software EasyEda, but it would be much easier to get the eagle files from the Arduino site and import them. Make whatever changes you want, I made my version of the PCB using the PDF version of the Nano Schematic, but choose whichever way you want to design the PCB. I thought about making these PCBs at home but it would be very difficult so i got them made at JLCPCB. You can get 10 of the for just $2!

Step 3: Solder It All Together!

Normally for SMD you would use a hot air station or a reflow oven but i don't have either of these yet(I hope to change this in the future) So i hand soldered these. Hand soldering SMD is quite easy if you have the right tools and take your time.

STEPS

  • lay the board on a flat even surface and tape it down using masking tape, as it won't damage the solder mask.
  • Heat your iron to 300°c and use the finest conical tip that you have.
  • Apply flux to the area you are soldering than tin one of the pads.
  • Apply flux again.
  • Move the SMD component into place, preferably with tweezers, and heat up the tinned pad to reflow the solder.(Surface tension will move it into place)
  • Than repeat the fluxing and solder the remaining pins and pads.

Soldering TQFP packages

  • Apply flux to the pads than tin one pad.
  • Apply a lot of solder all over the pins than use solder wick to wick up the remaining solder.

Step 4: Burn the Bootloader!

What is a bootloader?

Microcontrollers are usually programmed through a programmer unless you have a piece of firmware on your microcontroller that allows installing new firmware without the need of an external programmer. This is called a bootloader.

If you go into the Arduino IDE you will see an example sketch called ‘Arduino as ISP.’ If you upload this code to your Arduino, it will basically act as an AVR programmer. Using it upload the Bootloader.

If you would like an in-depth tutorial, check out Nematic's Video.

Step 5: And You're Done!

After all that hard work you can have a fully functioning Arduino Nano.

If you like what i do you can go and check out my blog(www.clebstech.com).

And as always there are old PCBs available to purchase form there and these ones will become available soon!

Thanks to JLCPCB and LCSC for making this article possible.

LCSC Electronic Components - More Asian Brands, Lower Prices
Sign up today and get $8 off on your first order.

JLCPCB make high quality prototyping PCBs for people all over the world. They have over 300,000 worldwide customers with over 8000 orders per day! They have over 10 years of manufacturing experience and are super reliable. Try it for your self and get 10 PCBs for just $2 at JLCPCB, Thanks JLCPCB

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