diff --git a/ArduinoProMini_IOShield_BOM.xlsx b/ArduinoProMini_IOShield_BOM.xlsx index bc5671987b8cae77fcffcb01048e36df7722688e..690ffa50b525fa7afe13669c2af6d1ed97aed241 100644 Binary files a/ArduinoProMini_IOShield_BOM.xlsx and b/ArduinoProMini_IOShield_BOM.xlsx differ diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 144f72870ff78ab8c48050f343e0c78d4e62c999..c9f9154271828c4379e3073cd06104e9a4664c58 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,2 +1,17 @@ # ArduinoProMini_IOShield + Breakout board for Arduino Pro Mini with interface for NRF24L01+ and RFM69H wireless modules and breadboards and/or I²C connectors + +This board is inspired by the Arduino "Nano IO Shields" available for cheap at aliexpress (search for "arduino nano nrf24l01 board", e.g. [here](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-Nano-328P-IO-wireless-sensor-expansion-board-for-XBEE-and-NRF24L01-Socket-for-arduino/32298692903.html)), which provide breakout pins for each analog and digital pin (each with its own VCC+GND pins), a connector for an NRF24L01+ module and an XBee module. Furthermore, these boards have their own voltage regulators with a 5.5x2.1mm power jacks (for 6-12V input), so VCC for the output pins does not have to go through the arduino. +As I don't have any use for the XBee socket, I simply broke off the header pins and instead taped a [tiny 5x11 pin breadboard](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/7Pcs-Mini-55-Points-Breadboard-Solderless-Prototype-Tie-point-For-Arduino-GM/32670910749.html) to the board, which I typically use to attach multiple I²C sensors. + +These boards are perfect for quick prototyping for the MySensors project for several reasons: +* you have the nrf24l01+ radio module already wired with their own voltage regulators and level shifters +* The board has its own power input and voltage regulators (VCC 5V will be fed to the Nano), so sensors with a high current requirement will get the power directly from the supply and not through the Arduino board. +* Each analog and digital pin has its own VCC+GND pins (usually when working with multiple sensors there is a severe shortage of VCC/GND pins for each sensor) +* The I²C and serial (RX/TX) lines are readily available as 1x4 pin headers (i.e. you don't need to know whether A4 or A5 is SDA or SCL). + + +The only drawback is that I use Pro Minis for most of my projects, so prototyping with a Nano means you are never testing the actual board in the prototype. + +