Arduino & Electronics Prototyping Station

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This prototyping station is the result of many years of sorting, adding and removing. My needs are that it must be kept compact and organized while still allowing for as much playtime as possible.

Step 1: Base

The base is the bottom tray from an iMac keyboard. It's plexi tub is sturdy and quite appealing I think :) The moment I held it without it's keyboard innards I knew what I'd do with it.

Step 2: The Arduino

At the centre of my last three sets have been the arduino. The current one is this R2 UNO.

Step 3: Breadboards

On either side of the arduino is a 400 tie-points transparent solderless breadboard for hooking things up the the Arduino or making other things.

Step 4: Component Boxes

Next to the breadboards nestle six clear boxes of components. Four small ones with four compartments each and two larger ones with seven compartments. I got these from a hobby shop for beads and such.

Step 5: Capacitors

This box holds capacitors. Electrolytic and ceramic.

Step 6: Miscellaneous

Here I keep miscellaneous items.

Step 7: Integrated Circuits & IR

A box for all those chips like 555's and 328p

Step 8: Jumpers

Here are some of the different lengths of wire I use.

Step 9: Resistors

A whole box just for resistors. These are E24 series and organised by their third band, the multiplier.

Step 10: Transistors, Diodes & LEDs

NPN or PNP, JFET or MOSFET, Schotky or bridge this box holds them all. And there's room enough for OLED screens and RGB LEDs.

Step 11: Accessories

Circuits are not built with components alone. You need tools and power to.

Step 12: Power Supply

A 5 volt 2 amp switch mode dongle supply the power for my experiments and is wired to the breadboards through a switch. I seldom need more power than this. When higher voltages or amps are required it's to much for my breadboards anyway.

Step 13: Screwdriver

Not sonic but nice and compact with bits in the handle for most occasions.

Step 14: Tweezers

Never let your tweezers out even for a moment. There's nothing more frustrating than sorting through resistors and trying to insert components in an overcrowded breadboard with your fingers.

Step 15: Logic Probe

A simple homemade logic probe for checking circuits has all but made my multimeter useless in this kit. I know it's all 5 volts and I calculate the rest. What's left is to check for bad connections, continuity and probe logic states.

Step 16: DIY Oscilloscope Probe

A DIY oscilloscope probe and an app turns any smartphone into an oscilloscope. While not terribly accurate only capable of measuring between 20hz & 40khz it is very useful for those little jobs. And I can't afford a proper oscilloscope anyway.

Step 17: More Breadboards

Three little solder less breadboards with 170 points makes for extra prototyping and portable projects.

Step 18: USB Cable With Pin Header

No ftdi chip or anything just a cable with headers for connecting stuff and stealing power from computers when needed.

Step 19: Alligator Clips

A pair of alligator clips with pins to stick in the breadboards or the arduino. Very useful for hooking up external power or components.

Step 20: Bag of Stuff

A small ziplock bag holds some things that are going into the kit but aren't quite done yet. I'm always taking things out and adding things depending on what I'm working with and what is never used.

Step 21: Computing

Obviously I can't have a whole computer in this kit .. Yet. I keep the iPhone 4 I'm writing this instructable on in the kit as an oscilloscope, reference guide, camera etc but as of yet I can't get it to program the arduino. Someday though.

Step 22: Netbook

I keep a cheap Hong Kong netbook with Ubuntu around for programming the arduino, run Eagle and finding stuff out.

Step 23: Asus Fonepad

One of the greatest helps are from my Asus fonepad. With apps like ElectroDroid, EveryCircuit and Instructables I have a great reference and SPICE simulator not to mention the many oscilloscope and measuring apps available.

Step 24: The Case

I got this soft case with my Risa Ukestick all electric ukulele but never used it. It's a perfect fit for my prototyping kit though. All snug and safe ready for transport, storage and lots of fun.