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Resources
ArduSHIELD – schematic (PDF: 644 kB)
ArduSHIELD – detail assembly instruction (PDF: 4,99 MB)
ArduSHIELD – flyer assembly instruction (PNG: 391 kB)
How to program ATtiny85 with ArduSHIELD – instruction (PDF: 5,16 MB)
ArduShield – most versatile shield ever
ArduShield it is most versatile development shield for most popular Arduino boards like a Arduino UNO R3, Mini, Pro Mini V5, Nano V3, MicroR3, Leonardo, Yun, Zero, Galileo Gen2 and many other derivative boards created by great community of people.
ArduShield with other shields
Idea for ArduShield was born out of the problem that hit several Arduino fans.
First we found that we had many shields that fit only to Arduino UNO, but they don’t fit to Arduino Mini, Pro Mini, Nano and other type of smaller Arduino board. Smaller Arduino boards are much more cost effective then Arduino UNO, and we want to use them to.
Example of Ethernet shield drive by Arduino Micro.
Example of 2×16 LED display shield drive by Arduino Pro Mini.
Simplify design with ArduShield
Second thing what most bother us over time, was when we have to start one more time re-wiring Arduino and bread board because of some small mistake which cannot be find. Idea was to shrink down amount of the cable between Arduino UNO and Bread Board minimum by half.
Move Arduino pins to bread board
Great things about ArduShield is that you can have access for all pins of Arduino on bread board instantly.
Power supply on bread board
Another useful thing about ArduShield is that you can have power supply to your bread board.
You can also use VCC or GND signal separately if you want just by cutting narrow trace on BR1 or BR2. If you want to go back with this connection just place a drop of tin between cuted trace.
Programming tool for Arduino Mini and Arduino Pro Mini
ArduShield can be use like a programing tool for Arduino mini and Arduino Pro Mini. We know that both of this board require external programmer.
Now if you have Arduino UNO board you can connect Arduino Mini or Arduino Pro Mini instantly to ArduShield and play with them via Arduino IDE.
Access for analog pins A4 A5 A6 and A7 of Arduino Mini and Arduino Pro Mini
Now you will get access for all of the pins Arduino Mini and Pro Mini on bread board.
Till now when you need to use pins A4, A5, A6, A7 with Arduino Mini there where make short cut with pin 8 and 9 on bread board.
With Arduino Pro Mini pins were not place in the 0.1inch (2.54mm) raster. They had this weird spacing. Now this change with ArduShield.
Full flexibility when you design with ArduShield
ArduShield provide access for all 4 holes from each side of bread board.
Comparing with Arduino Micro and Nano we have access for 2 and 3 pins after assembly PCB on bread board.
Access for 4 holes on each side give us high flexibility during design.
Two prototype on one bread board with ArduShield
The realy nice thing about this shield is that you can develope even 2 prototype at the one time on one bread board, without the need to disconnect everything. How it is frustrated when you need to jump shortly to another prototype and check some new idea!
Now this is easy and simple.
Just flip side of the ArduShield on bread board and you are ready to go with your second idea!
What is the ArduShield compatible with?
Already Tested:
- Arduino UNO R3
- Arduino Micro R3
- Arduino Nano V3
- Arduino Mini V5
- Arduino Mini Pro
- Intel Galileo
- Arduino Nano V3 – clon
Compatibility based on schematic analysis:
- ArduinoYun
- Arduino Zero
- Arduino Leonardo
You can also use ArduShield with derivatives boards. Please check their compatibility with original Arduino boards before use.
The one very ingenious thing, but solve so many issues. Great job! I would consider to add additional feature – option with external power supply – especially for smaller version of Arduino.
Jahos, thanks for your comment.
This is great idea about power supply connector. Right Arduino Mini and Pro Mini does not have a dedicated power supply connector. Do you have an idea for something in compact and popular package?
I would consider USB mini B standard. Or even more – small DC/DC regulated power supply with range +/-10V base on for example 7660: http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lmc7660.pdf. Of course we have current limitation, but if we use external power supply we could make it. It would let us avoid big power supply. Normaly in small project we need max current 100mA-200mA. Maybe it’s possible to do such thing?
I like this idea with USB mini B. This would be perfect solution for Mini and Pro Mini.
Thanks one more time.
Awesome board. So versatile. Solves so many of my daily issues building prototypes. I will definately be adding this to my tool set.
Always great design Simon.
GTeek, thanks for appreciation.
Let me know if you will have an idea how to improve design.
Thank you.
At first, I thought this was a great idea, but not something I might use much myself. Now as I think about it more and more, I can see how very useful it will be, in fact. Sorry, no ideas to help improve it. You’ve done very well already, as usual.
Gruvin thanks for your comment. Great to hear that you change your thinking about ArduShield
In any case, if something comes to your mind share your idea.
Is it available to purchase yet?
Been waiting for this since I saw it on Hackaday
Hi Casey,
Thanks for you question.
On April I’m planning to run crowdfunding campaign.
For sure I will let you know
Awesome! (hehe)
Going to share it on our Makerspace forum so others know about it
Would be great if you will share this project with your buddies
Thank you!
Just made another project where I’d want to use one of these. Releaaaaaase!
OK, OK, OK
Just got the email about the kickstarter! WOOT!!!
Yea, on 5th September