Sensor Kit Resource Hub

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Contributors: jimblom
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Encouraged Extras

The Sensor Kit includes a huge variety of sensors and some supporting components for those devices, but it doesn't include everything you'll need to hook them up. Here are a few extra tools and components you may need to get started.

Prototyping Bits

About half of the sensors in this kit are immediately breadboard-compatible, ready to plug in and connect to a development board. Here is what you'll need to get started with those components.

RedBoard Qwiic -- Every sensor in the kit is supported by a hookup tutorial, which includes an example Arduino circuit, and code written specifically for the popular development platform. The reliable RedBoard Qwiic can interface with any-and-every sensor in this kit. Just make sure to get the associated USB cable for your board.

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123
$21.50
20
USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-10215
$5.50
15

Alternatively, any Arduino-compatible development platform -- be it a Arduino Uno, Pro or Pro Mini -- should be able to substitute. You'll just need Qwiic adapter or shield to connect the board to easily connect a Qwiic enabled sensor to the Arduino board if you decide to take advantage of the Qwiic connector. Again, make sure to get the associated USB cable for your board.

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 5V/16MHz

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 5V/16MHz

DEV-11113
$10.95
140
Arduino Uno - R3

Arduino Uno - R3

DEV-11021
$27.60
138
Qwiic Cable - Breadboard Jumper (4-pin)

Qwiic Cable - Breadboard Jumper (4-pin)

PRT-14425
$1.50
Arduino Pro 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

Arduino Pro 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

DEV-10914
$18.50
1

Breadboard -- These are a recurring player in every example circuit for every sensor in the kit. The breadboard holds your sensors, resistors, and other components, and even does some of the wiring for you.

Breadboard - Self-Adhesive (White)

Breadboard - Self-Adhesive (White)

PRT-12002
$5.50
48
Breadboard - Giant

Breadboard - Giant

PRT-12614
$21.50
28
Breadboard - Classic

Breadboard - Classic

PRT-00112
$10.95
20
Breadboard - Mini Modular (Green)

Breadboard - Mini Modular (Green)

PRT-12046
$4.50
2

Jumper Wires -- Like the breadboard, jumper wires are a part of every example circuit. These jumper wires act as an intermediary between breadboard and Arduino.

Jumper Wire Kit - 140pcs

Jumper Wire Kit - 140pcs

PRT-00124
$6.50
10
Large Jumper Wire Kit - 700pcs

Large Jumper Wire Kit - 700pcs

PRT-14671
$26.95
2
Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 10

Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 10

PRT-08431
$4.50
2
Jumper Wires Standard 7" M/M - 30 AWG (30 Pack)

Jumper Wires Standard 7" M/M - 30 AWG (30 Pack)

PRT-11026
$2.45
20

Soldering Tools

Once you move beyond some of the simple components in this kit, like photocells and flex sensors, you'll advance to the breakout boards. Breakout boards, like the sound detector ad RGB and gesture sensor (APDS-9960) are shipped without interface connectors, which means you'll need to whip out your soldering tools before connecting them to a development board.

Soldering Iron -- An iron obviously tops the soldering tool list. Even the most basic soldering iron will be enough to get you by, or invest in your future tinkering with a Hakko.

Weller WE1010 Soldering Station

TOL-14734
4 Retired
Soldering Iron - 30W (US, 110V)

Soldering Iron - 30W (US, 110V)

TOL-09507
$10.95
7

Soldering Iron - 30W (EU, 230VAC)

TOL-11650
1 Retired

Hakko FX-901 Cordless Soldering Iron

TOL-13151
27 Retired

Solder -- Large, small, leaded, lead-free...there are a few options to consider when you're picking out solder. Leaded solder is easier to use, and produces shinier joints, but has a certain stigma to it.

Solder - 1/4lb Spool (0.020") Special Blend

Solder - 1/4lb Spool (0.020") Special Blend

TOL-10242
$32.50
16
Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09325
$9.95
8
Solder Leaded - 100-gram Spool

Solder Leaded - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09161
$6.50
4
Solder Lead Free - 15-gram Tube

Solder Lead Free - 15-gram Tube

TOL-09163
$3.95
4

Headers or Wire -- You'll need to solder something to the breakout board. Whether that something is male headers, female headers, stranded wire, solid-core wire, or something else is completely up to you.

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

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

PRT-11367
$21.50
39
Female Headers

Female Headers

PRT-00115
$1.75
8
Break Away Headers - Straight

Break Away Headers - Straight

PRT-00116
$1.75
20
Hook-Up Wire - Assortment (Stranded, 22 AWG)

Hook-Up Wire - Assortment (Stranded, 22 AWG)

PRT-11375
$22.50
19