Protoduino v.1 Instruction Manual



protoduino circuit layout

Specifications:
Input voltage (Vin): 7.5-9 VDC
On-board power supply output: 5 VDC at 100mA max -- no heatsink
(500mA max w/ appropriate heatsink -- not included)
Resistor network: 150 ohm, 100mW max per element
Clock speed: 16MHz


WARNING: BURN / FIRE HAZARD

- The 7805 regulator can get extremely hot.  This is especially a concern if you draw a lot of current or use a higher voltage, if you exceed the voltage/current limits listed above, or if reverse polarity is applied.  Injury or fire may easily result -- you MUST add an appropriate heatsink if drawing over 100mA or if the regulator is getting hot.

- There is no reverse-polarity protection on the input voltage.  Extreme heat, component damage and/or fire will result if connected backwards.

WARNING: EYE / RESPIRATORY HAZARD

- Wear eye and respiratory protection if/when you trim the circuit board.  Fiberglass dust is hazardous, and the Dremel wheel you'll use can explode without warning.


Assembly/Customization Instructions:
  1. Prototype your work and code on a breadboard.  Easier to debug it there, trust me!
  2. Keep in mind that pins 0 and 1 are normally used for serial input/output -- using them for general purpose IO may take some extra effort.
  3. Note that the top row of DIP pins are exposed underneath the DIP socket as well as above.  These center pads are intended for soldering jumpers or components to the back side of the board.  These pads will be harder to solder once the DIP sockets are installed, so if you plan to use them, get those soldered up first.
  4. Next install the DIP sockets to the top of the board.  The notch on each socket goes to the left.  (When you later install the ATMEGA chip, its notch also goes to the left.)
  5. Now install the components that come with the Protoduino to the top side of the board.  Reference the picture above, and note:
    1. The "dot" on the resistor network (the skinny blue component) goes toward the top of the board, into the spot marked with an "X"
    2. Observe the marked polarity on the electrolytic capacitors (the cylinder-shaped components) and match it with the "+" on the circuit board.  This should result in the white stripe on each facing toward the right.  C3 = .33uf cap, C4 = 1uf cap.
    3. The silver side of the 7805 regulator goes to the right, as depicted on the board.
    4. All other components do not have any polarity and may be installed in any direction.
  6. Only cut traces or trim the board outside the dotted lines.  If you cut any traces, make several cuts with a sharp blade, then test with a multimeter to make sure you broke the connection.  Do not use high voltages around such cut traces, as it may be able to jump across the cut.  It is also helpful to mark any cuts with a Sharpie pen so you can keep track of what's been cut.
  7. The best way to trim the board is with a small abrasive disc in a Dremel tool.  Wear eye and respiratory protection.  Don't use anyhing with a blade -- the fiberglass will dull it immediately.
  8. When everything is done, program your ATMEGA and install the chip with the notch on top facing to the left.

Questions?  I'll try to help.  Contact me at eastham@gmail.com.

Terms of Use

NO WARRANTY: This Product is sold "as is" without any warranty of any kind. I hereby disclaim all warranties and conditions with regard to the Product including all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. I do not warrant against damages or defects arising out of use of the Product; against defects or damages arising from improper installation, or against defects in Product or in components. No warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made regarding the safety of the Product. The entire risk as to the quality or performance of the product is with the buyer.  Modifications to the Product are done entirely at buyer's own risk.

 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: In no event shall I be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of this Product. Should the product prove defective following purchase, the buyer and not I assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing or repair. I shall not have any obligation with respect to the Product or any part thereof, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise. Buyer assumes all risks and liability from use of Product.