Embedded Files
What's a breadboard?
What's a breadboard?
As we add more components to our Arduino project, we need a way to connecting them. For example, there's only one "5V" (5 volt) connector on the Arduino UNO board but many components need to connect to it so we need a way to share connections.
A "breadboard" is one way to quickly and easily create your project. Jumper wires with pins plug into the breadboard without soldering and can be moved to other locations as needed. A disadvantage of breadboards and jumper wires is that the connections are not strong and can readily fall out when you move your project around. Using 22 gauge hookup wire is good alternative to jumper wires - they make a stronger connection and you can trim the to the correct length so there's no extra wires flopping around.
For this workshop, we'll use jumper wires and a "half-size" breadboard, and 22 gauge wire for the 5V and GND (power) connections.
And, we'll add a pushbutton and resistor so we can use it as input to control our project.
Optional:
Some way to keep the Arduino UNO and breadboard mechanically together.
Attach them to a small wooden board, carboard, etc. Or:3D-printed Arduino UNO + breadboard holder
[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:63900]
How does a breadboard work?
How does a breadboard work?
Position the breadboard with "a b c d e f g h i j" on the top.
Each horizonal row of 5 holes are connected together under the breadboard.
Row 1 "a-b-c-d-e" are connected to each other but nothing else.
Row 1 "f-g-h-i-j" are connected, etc.
The vertical columns labeled "+" are all connected together.
And, the verticals columns labeled "-" are also connected.
Optional readings:
Sparkfun's tutorial How to Use a Breadboard
How to Use a Breadboard and Build a LED Circuit [https://computers.tutsplus.com]
Rewire the RGB LED strip connection using the breadboard
Rewire the RGB LED strip connection using the breadboard
Disconnect the USB cable from the Arduino UNO.
Disconnect the RGB LED strip from the direct connections to the UNO
Refer to the diagram below to connect the Arudino UNO and the breadboard.
This breadboard diagram was created using the open-source "fritzing" software [https://fritzing.org/] by first drawing the schematic, then positioning the components on the breadboard and routing the wires.
Connect a black 22 gauge wire from the last hole in the "-" column on the left to the last hole in the "-" column on the right.
Connect a red wire from the last hole in the "+" column on the left to the last hole in the "+" column on the right.
Connect a black wire from one of the Arduino "GND" pins to one of the holes in the "-" column.
Connect a red wire from the Arduino UNO "5V" pin to a "+" on the breadboard
Now we have 5V and GND easily available on both halves on the breadboard to connect to components.
Connect the jumper wire from the "VCC" pin on the RGB LED strip to the top left "+" hole on the breadboard.
Connect the jumper wire from the "GND" pin on the RGB LED strip to the top left "-" hole on the breadboard.
Connect the jumper wire from the "DI" pin on the RGB LED strip to the "a" hole on the first row of the breadboard.
Connect a male-male jumper wire from the UNO "8" pin to the "f" hole on the first row of the breadboard.
Now the RGB LED Strip is connected to the UNO using the breadboard.
Connect the USB cable to the Arduino UNO.
Are the LEDs flashing again? If not, carefully check your connections!
Note: We'll add the button and resistor shown on the diagrams in the next section.
Breadboard Diagram
Schematic Diagram
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse