Arduino ProtoShield Quickstart Guide

This Tutorial is Retired!

Arduino ProtoShield v25 has been retired. If you are looking for the most recent version, check out our revised SparkFun Arduino ProtoShield!

View the updated tutorial: SparkFun Arduino ProtoShield Hookup Guide

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Contributors: jimblom, bboyho
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Introduction

You've got a project idea, you have an Arduino, now what you really need is a platform to actually build your new project onto. You need something that will easily connect your Arduino to all the external bits and pieces your project requires. Enter, the Arduino ProtoShield.

Arduino ProtoShield - Bare PCB

DEV-11665
Retired

SparkFun ProtoShield Kit

DEV-07914
Retired

Suggested Materials

To follow along with this project tutorial, you will need the following materials. Depending on what you have, you may not need everything listed here. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.

Arduino Uno - R3

DEV-11021
$27.60

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

DEV-13975
$21.50

Hook-Up Wire - Assortment (Solid Core, 22 AWG)

PRT-11367
$21.50

Female Headers

PRT-00115
$1.75

Arduino Stackable Header Kit - R3

PRT-11417
$1.75

Breadboard - Mini Modular (White)

PRT-12043
$4.50

Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 10

PRT-08431
$4.50

Breadboard - Mini Modular (Black)

PRT-12047
$4.50

Breadboard - Mini Modular (Blue)

PRT-12045
$4.50

Breadboard - Mini Modular (Green)

PRT-12046
$4.50

Breadboard - Mini Modular (Red)

PRT-12044
$4.50

Stackable Header - 3 Pin (Female, 0.1")

PRT-13875
$0.75

Tools

You will need a soldering iron, solder, general soldering accessories, and the tools listed below for prototyping.

Needle Nose Pliers

TOL-08793
$3.50

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09325
$9.95

Diagonal Cutters

TOL-08794
$2.75

Wire Strippers - 30AWG (Hakko)

TOL-12630
$12.87

Weller WLC100 Soldering Station

TOL-14228
Retired

Suggested Reading

If you aren’t familiar with the following concepts, we recommend checking out these tutorials before continuing.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

What is an Arduino?

What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.

Installing Arduino IDE

A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Using the BlueSMiRF

How to get started using the BlueSMiRF and Bluetooth Mate Silvers.