Input Devices

Tinker Kit Circuit Guide

September 16, 2021
This guide takes you through the basics of building 11 different circuits with the SparkFun Tinker Kit and how to program them using the Arduino IDE.

Qwiic Joystick Hookup Guide

February 21, 2019
Looking for an easy way to implement a joystick to your next Arduino or Raspberry Pi project? This hookup guide will walk you through using the Qwiic Joystick with the Arduino IDE on a RedBoard Qwiic and in Python on a Raspberry Pi.

SparkFun Qwiic Button Hookup Guide

January 23, 2020
A Hookup Guide for the SparkFun Qwiic Button (Red) and SparkFun Qwiic Button Breakout. Goes over connecting the Qwiic Button to an Arduino microcontroller and using it with the Qwiic Button Arduino library.

Qwiic Pro Micro USB-C (ATmega32U4) Hookup Guide

February 6, 2020
An overview of the ATmega32U4-based Qwiic Pro Micro USB-C, how to install it, and how to use it with Arduino.

Connector Basics

January 18, 2013
Connectors are a major source of confusion for people just beginning electronics. The number of different options, terms, and names of connectors can make selecting one, or finding the one you need, daunting. This article will help you get a jump on the world of connectors.

SX1509 I/O Expander Breakout Hookup Guide

September 24, 2015
Learn how you can use the SX1509 to control 16 LEDs or up to 64 buttons with just two pins.

Qwiic Pro Kit Project Guide

November 7, 2019
The Qwiic Pro Kit was designed to allow users to get started with Arduino without the need for soldering or a breadboard. We've included three inputs (a joystick, accelerometer, and proximity sensor) and one display that can be daisy chained to the RedBoard Turbo (SAMD21) Development Board.

MicroMod Qwiic Pro Kit Project Guide

September 29, 2022
The MicroMod Qwiic Pro Kit was designed to allow users to get started with Arduino without the need for soldering or a breadboard. We've included three inputs (a joystick, accelerometer, and proximity sensor) and one display that can be daisy chained to the MicroMod SAMD51 Processor Board.

Three Quick Tips About Using U.FL

December 28, 2018
Quick tips regarding how to connect, protect, and disconnect U.FL connectors.

Qwiic Digital Desk Sign with MicroMod

June 30, 2022
Make a Qwiic-enabled digital desk sign with a MicroMod SAMD51 Processor Board's USB Host and a USB keyboard!

SparkFun Top pHAT Hookup Guide

April 16, 2020
The pHAT to sit above your other HATs. Does that make it the "king" of the pHATs? This guide will help you get started using the Top pHAT with the Raspberry Pi.

SparkFun Qwiic GPIO Hookup Guide

October 8, 2020
Add up to 8 extra I/O pins to your microcontroller with the SparkFun Qwiic GPIO. Get started with the Qwiic GPIO in this Hookup Guide.

SparkFun Qwiic 3-Axis Accelerometer (ADXL313) Hookup Guide

November 5, 2020
Let's get moving with the SparkFun Triple Axis Digital Accelerometer Breakout - ADXL313 (Qwiic), a low cost, low power, up to 13-bit resolution, 3-axis accelerometer with a 32-level FIFO stack capable of measuring up to ±4g. This hookup guide will get users started reading measurements from the ADXL313, by Analog Devices, with an Arduino microcontroller, Jetson Nano, or Raspberry Pi.

Qwiic Keypad Hookup Guide

April 25, 2019
If you are tired of taking up GPIO pins, wiring a bunch of pull up resistors, and using firmware that scans the keys taking up valuable processing time... check out the new Qwiic Keypad.

Capacitive Touch Slider (CAP1203) Hookup Guide

May 30, 2019
An easy and Qwiic way to add capacitive touch to any of your projects using the CAP1203! In this guide, we go over how to connect and set up your Capacitive Touch Slider so you can start playing with it right away.

Garmin LIDAR-Lite v4 (Qwiic) Hookup Guide

April 15, 2021
Connecting the Garmin LIDAR-Lite v4 to a microcontroller just got easier! Check out our hookup guide to get started.

Raspberry Pi Safe Reboot and Shutdown Button

April 20, 2020
Safely reboot or shutdown your Raspberry Pi to avoid corrupting the microSD card using the built-in general purpose button on the Qwiic pHAT v2.0!

Button and Switch Basics

May 7, 2013
A tutorial on electronics' most overlooked and underappreciated component: the switch! Here we explain the difference between momentary and maintained switches and what all those acronyms (NO, NC, SPDT, SPST, ...) stand for.

Thumb Joystick Hookup Guide

February 20, 2019
Whether you're blasting aliens, driving a robot, or write your awesome classic Arcade Game for your Arduino, you'll find the analog thumb joystick a very useful addition to your projects!

Adding a Timed Button to a Project

July 29, 2015
This tutorial will walk you through making a timed power controller for interactive projects. You will learn how to add an on button that will provide power to your project for an amount of time and then turn off again.

Reaction Timer

January 16, 2014
Demonstrate mental chronometry with this simple reaction timer!

SparkFun RFID Starter Kit Hookup Guide

May 5, 2015
Learn the basics of how to get started with the SparkFun RFID Starter Kit.

Build a Qwiic Jukebox that is Toddler Approved!

March 29, 2019
Follow this tutorial to build your own custom jukebox. Note, this is designed simple and tough for use primarily with toddlers. It's also a great introduction to SparkFun's Qwiic products!

Cherry MX Switch Breakout Hookup Guide

April 21, 2016
How to assemble and use the Cherry MX Switch Breakout, allowing you to turn a matrix of mechanical switches into a full-size keyboard!
Viewing 39 Input Devices Tutorials. View All Tutorials.