Getting ready a project

[operaiter]

Hi all!
I am just wondering if there are any best practices available for getting ready an Arduino project.
I am quite sure I am using the wrong keywords in my search. Maybe you can point me into the correct direction?

At the moment I have three boards connected with several cables and everything looks a bit messy. But hurray it is alive and ready to go live.

I am thinking about soldering everything to a breadboard and replace the prototyping board. Furthermore I would glue everything into a water proofed box.

But it would not surprise me you have 10 more ideas how to go ahead. What about power e.g.? Anything I should keep in mind for a 24h usage?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to benefit from your experience.

Thanks!

[srnet]

If you want the best advice, maybe describe the actual application ?

[groundFungus]

I think the very first thing to do is to develop a schematic. Draw it by hand or use a CAD program. A real schematic, not a diagram like a Fritzing breadboard. Those leave out too much information.

[madmark2150]

I use screw terminal shields for signal connections and a piggyback PDB (Power Distribution Board) Gives me a stack like this:

3D printed base, Mega 2560, Screw terminal shield, PDB

Screw terminals make fast, permanent connections. Just strip, twist, insert, and tighten.

Side view of Mega ready to wire.

You can make the PDB here:

https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/madmark2150/perf-panel-paired-power-plug-piggyback-for-mega-2560-uno-67d604

The PDB is fed clean +5 from a quality (medical grade, worldwide approvals) "wall wart" and feeds everything else clean power with local bypass to reduce cross coupling.

I buy Mega 2560 clones at Walmart for under $20. The screw terminal shield is under $15 as a kit or under $20 assembled. The PDB takes 1/2 to make and under $15 parts. Total outlay $55 and ready to mount. The ps is another $20.

This gives 70 IO points for around $1 each, ready to wire.
I add 3D printed shrouds on the duponts to gang them and makes it lots easier to insert/remove, but also aides in retention, gives a place to label, id's pin #1 and allows color coding.

Cable Shrouds and Holder for DuPont (Arduino) .1" connectors

I build on 1/4" lexan. It drills and taps easily and comes in clear or colors.

Baseplate with 3D printed mounts

Rear view of completed project

Front view

Resulting interconnects are so rugged not even ElectroCat knocking it half off the table disconnected anything, and it still held together and ran!

[pmagowan]

But what is it

[madmark2150]

Doesn’t matter, he was asking general fab q.

[Koepel]

What brand are those blue electrolytic capacitors ? If you don't know then buy better ones.

[madmark2150]

Those two blue things in the sandwich aren't caps. They're a pair of 1/4 x 1/2 #6 3D printed spacers. Pretty blue, ain't they?

[Koepel]

Ooooh, thanks now I see it. yes, very pretty.

[operaiter]

Hi all!
Thanks for your several comments and replys.
Yes this was a very unspecific question. This is why I am not mentioning any details.
My question should match to any kind of project.

I now ordered a waterproofed electronic box and cable pass adapters. Furthermore, I will replace my prototyping board with a well-solered installation. In the end, everything will be glued in place.

PS: I really like the 3d printed solution. But this will be like a new box of pandora for me. Maybe next year

Best regards!

[madmark2150]

My 3d printer was only $150 USD, spent more on filament than the machine! 3D design software is free --

Tinkercad | From mind to design in minutes