Arduino Playground

For testing different modules with the Arduino, I always used one or two breadboards in a cardboard box. But it was always somehow a hassle to store and to move these setups, so I decided to invest a little time to build a more robust "playground". Plus, I wanted to try out a new technique in our wood shop. I decided that the box should have space for an Arduino Uno (one of the $3 pieces from AliExpress, fixed to the box), plus one short and three long and breadboards.

First, I cut the wood for the frame, with a slit to hold the lid. The backside hs two holes (later actually four) for the power and USB connectors of the Arduino. The Arduino Uno is screwed to a thicker piece of wood. 

I used this opportunity to try the new Laser engraver in our wood shop to add the Arduino logo to the lid. The engraving was not perfect, but it was a first try, and it's good enough for this purpose. 

Two smaller pieces of wood are glued to the inside as separators to store cables. As an alternative power supply, I ordered a breadboard power supply (AliExpress, $1). 

This has two inputs, one for a regular power plug, plus a Mini-USB connector. It has switches, and can be set to 5V or 3.3V. It sits on one of the breadboards.

That's it: my new Arduino playground!