MEGA ProtoShield V3.0 – Universal Prototyping Expansion Board with 170points Breadboard for Arduino MEGA 2560

SKU: FA1031
Product Name

MEGA ProtoShield V3.0
Compatible Boards

Arduino MEGA 2560 R3, MEGA ADK
Prototyping Grid Pitch

0.1" (2.54mm) standard through-hole spacing
Included Breadboard

170 tie-points, mini, self-adhesive (color may vary)
Dimensions (L x W)

Approx. 101mm x 53mm (3.98" x 2.09")
PCB Type

Double-sided, plated-through holes
Operating Temperature

Standard industrial range (e.g., -40°C to +85°C)
MEGA ProtoShield V3.0 – Universal Prototyping Expansion Board with 170-point Mini Breadboard for Arduino MEGA 2560
The MEGA ProtoShield V3.0 is a comprehensive prototyping expansion board meticulously designed for seamless integration with the large-format Arduino MEGA 2560 and Arduino MEGA ADK microcontrollers. This shield provides an extensive prototyping area and includes a removable 170-point mini breadboard, offering maximum flexibility for designing and testing custom circuits before making permanent soldered connections.
It is an ideal tool for complex projects requiring the extensive I/O count of the MEGA board, catering to both engineering firms developing sophisticated prototypes and individual makers building ambitious DIY projects.
Description
Unlock the full potential of your Arduino MEGA 2560 with the MEGA ProtoShield V3.0. This expansion board transforms your robust microcontroller into a complete electronic development platform. It features a large standard 0.1-inch (2.54mm) pitch through-hole grid area, allowing for easy soldering of custom components and ICs.
What sets the V3.0 apart is the included 170-tie-point mini breadboard. This removable, adhesive-backed breadboard allows for quick, solderless circuit assembly and testing directly on the shield. Once your circuit is finalized, you can easily transfer the components to the adjacent solderable prototyping area for a permanent solution.
The shield thoughtfully breaks out all 54 digital I/O pins, 16 analog pins, and various power/communication pins for easy access. It includes a built-in reset button and an LED connected to digital pin 13 for debugging. The design is stackable, ensuring you can add other MEGA-compatible shields as needed without losing access to the main board’s functionality. This ProtoShield V3.0 is a durable, versatile foundation for creating complex, integrated electronic systems.
Features
  • Massive Prototyping Area: Large standard 0.1″ (2.54mm) pitch solderable through-hole grid for permanent component installation.
  • Included 170-point Mini Breadboard: Removable, adhesive-backed mini breadboard provides a convenient, solderless testing area.
  • Full Pin Access: All Arduino MEGA pins (I/O, Analog, Power, GND) are clearly labeled and easily accessible.
  • On-board LED & Reset: Features a power LED, an LED on D13, and an easy-to-reach reset button.
  • Stackable Design: Compatible with long female headers, allowing multiple shields to be stacked.
  • Durable Construction: Made with high-quality PCB material for longevity and reliability during repeated use and soldering.
  • Wide Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Arduino MEGA 2560 and MEGA ADK platforms.
Usage
The MEGA ProtoShield V3.0 serves as a flexible platform for developing advanced Arduino projects:
  1. Complex Sensor Networks: Utilize the MEGA’s high pin count and the shield’s prototyping area to integrate dozens of sensors and supporting components into a single interface.
  2. Solderless Experimentation: Use the mini breadboard for rapid prototyping and testing of circuits before committing to a permanent soldered design.
  3. Integrated Systems: Ideal for business use in creating unified, custom control boards for machinery, robotics, or data logging systems.
  4. Educational and R&D: Provides a structured environment for R&D departments or educational institutions to build large-scale prototypes efficiently.
To use, simply attach the shield to the Arduino MEGA headers. Use the breadboard for temporary setups, or apply standard soldering techniques to the main grid area for permanent installations.
Q: Does the mini breadboard come pre-attached to the shield?

The mini breadboard is usually supplied separately but has an adhesive backing. You can stick it anywhere on the smooth center prototyping area or use it separately on your desk for other projects.

Q: Are headers included with the MEGA ProtoShield V3.0?

This typically varies by retailer. Most listings provide the bare PCB shield and the mini breadboard. You usually need to purchase and solder the long stacking headers for Arduino Mega separately to mount it to your MEGA board.

Q: Is this compatible with the standard Arduino UNO R3?

No, this shield is specifically designed to match the much larger form factor and extensive pin layout of the Arduino MEGA 2560. It will not fit an Arduino UNO board.

Q: Can I use both the breadboard area and the soldered area at the same time?

Yes, you can use both areas simultaneously. The breadboard allows for quick changes to one part of the circuit while another part remains permanently soldered on the main PCB area.

Q: What is the benefit of having a reset button on the shield itself?

When the shield is plugged in, it often covers the reset button of the main Arduino MEGA board. The on-board reset button simply mirrors that function to make restarting the board convenient without having to unplug the shield or reach underneath.

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