Prototyping board for R4 wifi

Other Hardware Hardware Development
1

I am not sure if this is the correct place for this question. If not, mods please move this to the correct sub forum.

I am looking for a way to use the r4 wifi with the led matrix and still add additional sensors. When I did uno r3 stuff, I just kept putting shields or hats or whatever they are called on top of the r3. With the r4, I don't want to cover up the led matrix as I am using it to scroll error messages and status messages etc. It works great. But if I start down the old road, I will have to cover it up.

In a perfect world, the female sockets at the edge of the r4 that contains the gpio etc. if those were male and pointed down from the r4 so that after stacking all the shields the r4 would be on top.

Or maybe a cable that plugs into the female sockets and then can be used to plug in shields off to the side of the R4, so the LED matrix is still visible. Or something. I really wish there was a way to solder directly to the R4, like if the sockets were sent unsoldered and the user could decide if they wanted them soldered or not. But that's another topic.

It just seems like a waste to cover up that LED matrix since it is wonderful for displaying errors, etc.

What do you all do, just bury the matrix and move on?

Monty

2

Not sure what the problem is. Let's say you want to add a temperature sensor. Just plug it into the pins. I can't remember ever needing a shield other than cooling and POE. Maybe if you listed what sensors you want to connect, someone could advise.

3

That's the way. There is never one right order if you stack shields. If you wanted the R4 on top, where would you put a display shield?

4

better rtc, sd card, dht22, relays, moisture sensors, etc.

there are not enough places to plug in for 5v and gnd for that

Monty

5

r4 has a wonderful led matrix that i use for messages. i need a hole in a standard shield so i can see them

6

You need "out of the shield" thinking. Dupont wires might offer you solution.

7

Every pin (other than G or special use) is 5v when set HIGH. Some sensors and most relays should NOT be powered from the R4; they need a separate PSU.

8

  • Use a prototyping board separated from R4, Dupont wires make interconnections between the two.

  • This Posting:

9

Thanks for the video. That helps a ton. And I didn't want pins that could get knocked around and out. So what I have found are these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZTXBNQ7?psc=1&smid=A2OEGRG2ZM4R5C&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

They plug into each side of an uno and then you have screw terminals to connect to another board.

I'll give them a try and post bad good or bad on them.

Monty

10
  • There are also two PDF documents in that post showing Prototype Board soldering techniques.
11

oh yes I looked at them as well.

Monty