Basic suggestion for future boards

Archive New Product Ideas
1

Hello,

Recently I wanted to integrate an XBee Explorer regulated into a circuit made with a perfboard.

However because of the pin alignment it is a bit difficult.

Just to show the difference, here is how it goes with an Arduino Pro Mini from Sparkfun and the variant from Watterott : the pins from the Wattuino fit the alignment from the perfboard pins while the the pins from the Arduino Pro Mini don’t.

http://arduino.cc/en/uploads/Main/ArduinoProMini.jpg

http://static3.watterott.com/wattuino_pro_mini.jpg

So I’d suggest to systematically align the pins to perfboard rows in future boards. Perfboard compatibility is quite useful when you are a beginner.

Just my two cents…

2

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback on this. We do try to design our products to fit a standard 0.1" spacing that is compatible with the average breadboard. However, I will make sure your suggestion is brought up when we reexamine our design rules again. Thanks!

3

Great !

4

I’m doing something very similar but with no problem.

The left edge pins on your pictures are duplicate pinouts that I use only for programming facing sideways with male pins while the other layout is perfectly aligned with my perfboard, facing down. The only thing missing is A4-A7 which is on the watt but not on the SFE ProMini, the rest is pin-by-pin aligned right?