Proto Screw Shield V1.0 – Pre-Assembled Terminal Block Expansion Board for Arduino UNO R3-Black Color

SKU: FA1030-1
Product Name

Proto Screw Shield V1.0

Color

Black (color may vary by manufacturer, but for this product, black)

Terminal Pitch

3.5mm or 3.81mm screw blocks

Prototyping Grid Pitch

0.1" (2.54mm) through-hole spacing

Dimensions (L x W)

Approx. 74mm x 62mm (2.9" x 2.4")

Operating Temperature

Typically -40°C to +85°C

Compatibility

Arduino UNO R3, Leonardo, Mega, Due

Wire Compatibility

26-16 AWG (typical range for terminal blocks)

Proto Screw Shield V1.0 – Pre-Assembled Terminal Block Expansion Board for Arduino UNO R3 – Black Color
The Proto Screw Shield V1.0 is a versatile expansion board that combines the functionality of an Arduino screw shield and a prototyping shield. This pre-assembled board provides a reliable and convenient way to connect external wires, sensors, and components to your Arduino UNO R3 (and other compatible boards like the Leonardo or Mega) without the need for extensive soldering or messy jumper wires.
It is an ideal solution for both hobbyists building permanent installations and businesses looking for robust, industrial-grade control interfaces for their projects. The black color offers a sleek aesthetic for professional applications.
Description
Struggling with unreliable jumper wire connections on your Arduino projects? The Proto Screw Shield V1.0 eliminates those frustrations by breaking out all Arduino I/O pins to secure, high-quality screw terminals. The 3.5mm (or 3.81mm, depending on the manufacturer) pitch terminal blocks ensure dependable, durable connections for a wide range of wire gauges.
Beyond just terminal connections, this shield features a large, double-sided prototyping area with a standard 0.1″ (2.54mm) grid spacing of plated-through holes. This allows users to solder their own custom components and create permanent, integrated circuits directly onto the shield. The design is stackable, thanks to included female headers, meaning you can place other shields on top while still maintaining access to the screw terminals from the side.
Convenience is key, which is why the board includes a built-in, easily accessible reset button and an LED connected to digital pin 13 for quick debugging and status indication. The robust PCB construction is designed to withstand repeated soldering and general use, making it an essential tool for reliable circuit development and long-term embedded systems projects.
Features
  • Secure Connectivity: High-quality screw terminal blocks for all Arduino I/O pins (Digital, Analog, Power, GND), ensuring reliable and secure wire connections.
  • Prototyping Area: Large, double-sided PCB prototyping space with standard 0.1″ (2.54mm) grid for soldering custom through-hole components.
  • Stackable Design: Comes with female headers, allowing additional shields to be stacked on top without losing access to the screw terminals.
  • On-board Indicators: Includes a power-on LED and an LED connected to digital pin 13.
  • Easy Access Reset: A dedicated blue reset button on the shield mirrors the Arduino board’s function for convenience.
  • Durable Construction: Made with robust FR4 PCB material and plated vias for longevity.
  • Compatibility: Designed for Arduino UNO R3, but also compatible with Arduino Zero, Leonardo, Mega, and Due boards.
Usage
The Proto Screw Shield V1.0 is used to create robust and semi-permanent connections for various Arduino projects:
  1. Industrial Control: Securely wire sensors, buttons, switches, and actuators for use in industrial or long-term installations.
  2. Prototyping & Testing: Utilize the central prototyping area to build and test custom circuits using through-hole components, then easily connect them to the main I/O pins via the terminals or soldered connections.
  3. Educational Projects: Provides a reliable platform for students and educators to build circuits without relying on potentially loose jumper wires on a breadboard.
  4. Permanent Installations: Once a prototype is finalized, the shield allows for a more permanent and organized wiring solution, making it suitable for integration into enclosures or control panels.
Simply plug the shield onto your Arduino board, use a small wire screwdriver to secure wires into the terminal blocks, and start building in the prototyping area.
Q: Is the Proto Screw Shield V1.0 compatible with boards other than the Arduino UNO R3?

Yes, it is generally compatible with other standard form-factor Arduino boards that share the UNO R3 pin layout, such as the Arduino Leonardo, Arduino Mega 2560, and Arduino Due.

Q: Do I need to solder the terminal blocks myself?

No, this specific product listing is for a pre-assembled shield, meaning the terminal blocks and headers are already soldered onto the PCB and ready for immediate use.

Q: Can I stack another shield on top of this one?

Yes, the shield comes with female stacking headers, which allows you to plug another standard Arduino shield on top. The screw terminals are positioned at the edges for continued access.

Q: What is the prototyping area used for?

The large central area has standard-pitch holes (0.1″ spacing) where you can solder your own through-hole components (like resistors, capacitors, or ICs) to build custom functionality right onto the shield.

Q: What wire gauge can I use with the screw terminals?

The terminals typically accommodate a wire range of 26 AWG to 16 AWG. It’s recommended to strip approximately 5mm of insulation from the wire end before inserting it into the terminal block.