CHIPAXE Breadboard Modules
About 10 years ago I designed a few breadboard modules and tried to sell them on EBAY. I designed them for my own use but thought maybe there would be interest from others. I was right and they became my most successful designs for a while. Then I added the CHIPAXE microcontroller modules and it made a complete set. Today you can get any of these at howtronics.com.
Large Breadboard
All these modules were designed to be used with a large breadboard so most have power headers that plug right into the power rails of the large breadboard. The smaller breadboard rails have a little different spacing to so use a smaller breadboard requires you to clip off the power pins or just not solder them in place if you have a kit version.
My thought was to make starter kits for schools out these components but I never got around to it. The Howtronics guys did produce a kit for a while like the one shown here.
My thought was to make starter kits for schools out these components but I never got around to it. The Howtronics guys did produce a kit for a while like the one shown here.
CHIPAXE Modules
These were created just before I handed all my hardware designs off to the Howtronics guys. We decided to form a club/makerspace but didn't have enough time or money to make it happen so the team decided to launch these modules as a step up from PICAXE. They could be programmed with a PICkit 2 clone that costs about the same as the USB cable for PICAXE and they could programmed with BASIC, C, Assembly or any language. Plus I had created a bunch of breadboard modules taht work great with these. They have been popular. I've used a few in articles and books. They really speed up development because you can program in circuit.
5v Regulator Module
The 5v volt regulator module was a design I copied from HVWtech who is no longer in business. I wanted to make a few changes so I designed my own. This started me on the idea of making a series of breadboard modules that would make it easier to build projects quickly for my books and articles.
LED Module
This has been the best selling breadboard module and one I use often. I replaced the individual resistors with two sip package of resistors to make it easier to build. I use this module often just to indicate when I am in code. An LED can be a great indicator for quick debugging. The connecotr pins on the sides supply power and connect right into the breadboard power rails. This reduces the number of jumper wires to a minimum.
Switches Module
This is another very popular breadboard module. I replaced the resistors with a single SIP package resistor pack in the latest version. These are incredibly handy to create a menu control. This module also has the power connectors for the breadboard power rail but I also added power and ground to the main header. I should have done that on the LED module.
Relay Module
This one is so handy. A simple I/O pin can control large current with this module. A transistor buffer controls the ground path for the relay coil. It also has diode protection for the transistor to filter out any kickback. I have used these is so many projects I lost count.
RS232 Module
Connect a USB to RS232 cable and you have a RS232 to USB converter. But finding cables like that with a easy to install driver seems to be getting a little tougher to find. I like using this with older RS232 modules that require true RS232. The Level shifter produces a true +12v /-12V signal.
EEPROM Module
When you need a simple EEPROM storage, this is very handy. It's I2C and has jumpers so you can set the address. That allows you to connect multiple I2C modules including more EEPROM modules on the same I2C bus. I see these types of modules everywhere now but back when I designed it they were nowhere to be found.
