Serial Basic Hookup Guide
Contributors:
Nate
Nate 
Resources and Going Further
Once you've got serial communication working, you're ready to start playing with serial projects. Consider connecting to a GPS module like the LS20031 (one of my favorites) and watching the serial strings roll by. Or, you can use the Serial Basic to program and debug devices like the Arduino Pro Mini. There are tons of devices that use serial to communicate, so go explore!
The Serial Basic programming an Arduino Pro Mini
Heads up! The image shows the Serial Basic connected to an Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V/8MHz. If you are using an Arduino Pro Mini 5V/16MHz, make sure to adjust the jumper pad for the voltage selection on the back of the Serial Basic.
Check out these other resources for the Serial Basic.
- Schematic
- Eagle Files
- Fritzing Part
- Datasheet (CH340G)
- WCH: CH340 Drivers - Latest drivers can be found from the manufacturer
- Windows (EXE) -- Driver executable
- Windows (ZIP) -- Driver version 3.4 (2016-09-27)
- Linux (ZIP) -- Driver v1.5 (2018-03-18)
- Mac (ZIP) -- Driver v1.5 (2018-07-04)
- GitHub
Check out these other great SparkFun tutorials.
IR Communication
This tutorial explains how common infrared (IR) communication works, as well as shows you how to set up a simple IR transmitter and receiver with an Arduino.
MIDI Shield Hookup Guide
How to assemble the SparkFun MIDI Shield, plus several example projects.
AST-CAN485 Hookup Guide
The AST CAN485 is a miniature Arduino in the compact form factor of the ProMini. In addition to all the usual features it has on-board CAN and RS485 ports enabling quick and easy interfacing to a multitude of industrial devices.
Roshamglo Project: TV-B-Gone
Turn your Roshamglo board into a (nearly) universal TV power button.