Introduction to DIY Arduino Boards

Wondering if you can make your own Arduino board or if you have to stick with buying pre-made ones? This article will guide you through the process of designing and building your very own Arduino board from scratch, including discussions on cost and the tools needed.

Can You Make Your Own Arduino Board?

Yes, you can indeed make your own Arduino board, and while it may seem daunting, it is certainly achievable. Let's dive into the steps involved and the costs associated with doing so.

Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Arduino Board

The process of creating your own Arduino board involves several key steps, from designing your circuit to etching and assembling the board. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you on your way.

Designing and Creating a PCB

First, understand that making a printed circuit board (PCB) is not limited to just Arduino boards. You can create boards for anything you can imagine. For Arduino boards, you can start by downloading the ‘blank’ PCB layouts specifically designed for Arduino UNO and MEGA boards. These have the correct pin layout and shape, which can save you time.

Tools and Software Needed

To get started, you will need an electronic design program, which is your biggest cost in time. KiCad is a popular choice, and I highly recommend it. Set aside approximately a week of evenings to learn the software, although some may need more time.

Once you have the KiCad software, you can begin designing your circuit. The process involves creating a schematic followed by laying out the PCB itself. There are numerous online tutorials and resources to help you through this process.

Etching the PCB

With your design ready, it’s time to etch the PCB. This is where the process gets a bit more hands-on and requires some initial investment in tools. Here’s what you need:

Flat Bed Pen Plotter: While you can find pen plotters for around ￡500, the cost of pigment ink pens is about ￡50 per pack of five. Mylar velum sheets are available for about ￡1 per sheet. UV Exposure Unit: This device costs around ￡300 and is used to expose your boards to ultraviolet light based on your design. Developing Solution: Sodium hydroxide, also known as drain cleaner, is inexpensive. Etching Solution: Ferric chloride is also a cost-effective option for etching your boards. Drills: Carbide PCB drills and a drill press attachment for your Dremmel tool can be acquired for around ￡50.

While these steps may seem daunting, the alternative is quite appealing:

Alternative Online PCB Services

Instead of the manual process, you can upload your design files to online services such as PCB Way or JLCPCB. These services will professionally manufacture your boards for a cost that is often less than the plotter and pens you would need for the manual process. You can get 5 copies of your board for less than the cost of the plotter pens, which dry up between uses.

Cost Breakdown

Let's break down the costs involved in making your own Arduino board versus buying one:

DIY Cost: With all parts bought separately, the cost can range from ￡500 (plotter) to over ￡200 for essential tools and materials. Purchased Board: A pre-made Arduino UNO or MEGA board, when bought in small quantities, can cost around ￡10 to ￡20.

While you are free to make a board of whatever variety you wish, it is likely that it will cost you about 10 times the cost of buying one.

Microcontroller and Additional Components

If you want to make a simple board with the microcontroller and a few additional components, you can purchase the microcontroller separately and wire it up yourself. You will need a voltage regulator or other power supply. The base price might be around 10 bucks, but additional components will add to that cost.

Benefits of DIY Boards

While the DIY process can be challenging, there are significant advantages:

You have full control over the design and functionality. Customization is easier and more flexible. Learning the process can enhance your electronics knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

While making your own Arduino board can be a complex and time-consuming process, it is also a rewarding experience that can provide you with a fully customized solution. Whether you decide to take on the challenge or stick with pre-made boards, the knowledge and skills you gain will be invaluable.