# Some notes about construction **URL:** \ **Category:** Tutorials\ **Created:** [March 26, 2023, 3:35am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833 "2023-03-26T03:35:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 3:35am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/1 "2023-03-26T03:35:17Z")
Of course I am sure I am forgetting obvious things, so any response welcome. But here it is: a quick guide to some Best Practices in Arduino project construction. [arduino-construction-notes.pdf](https://forum.arduino.cc/uploads/short-url/anDhMuwBZXkmYJjjf25wqrwAPGF.pdf) (6.3 MB) **EDIT:** I uploaded the most recent version in the comments, below. ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 3:42am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/2 "2023-03-26T03:42:59Z")
Thank you Michael. 👍 * * * For labeling your panels, this might be of some interest: > [@Share tips you have come across](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/share-tips-you-have-come-across/428745/1072): > > Making a Reasonable looking Test Jig The following images show how to build a test jig. Design your front panel layout. Print a 1:1 paper copy and add double stick tape. Laminate. Enlarge the holes for your LEDs switches etc. See this post for soldering the proto board components: ![H](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/7/9/3/79351b4bc2659a8e8328e604b7ae41181a5d69b3.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![paulpaulson](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paulpaulson/32/363643_2.png) [@paulpaulson](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/paulpaulson)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 3:52am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/3 "2023-03-26T03:52:03Z")
Many thanks for this excellent description of a project. ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 3:55am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/4 "2023-03-26T03:55:11Z")
You are welcome. Here's an example of the project documentation I mentioned. [CO2meter-box.pdf](https://forum.arduino.cc/uploads/short-url/tORj3MsYpBdeAhz7cvCNQompktP.pdf) (7.8 MB) ---
**Author:** ![paulpaulson](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paulpaulson/32/363643_2.png) [@paulpaulson](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/paulpaulson)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 3:58am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/5 "2023-03-26T03:58:41Z")
Hello You can 3D print the labeling as well. ---
**Author:** ![lastchancename](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/lastchancename/32/215426_2.png) [@lastchancename](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/lastchancename)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 3:59am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/6 "2023-03-26T03:59:47Z")
Perhaps you could include a section about determining, sizing and choosing a **power supply.** for the project. Voltages, 12V 5V 3V3 USB , and current loads. Ohms Law deserves a mention - Power ! ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 4:01am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/7 "2023-03-26T04:01:22Z")
Good thinking. I do mention power, as you will have seen, as in the need to make sure your supply can handle the load - but not in any great detail. I can add more! ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 4:07am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/8 "2023-03-26T04:07:40Z")
![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/2/4/f/24f96b5caab4ba8bd2904b5aa82548a584f2c952.jpeg) # Is the standoff glued ? * * * FYI > [@Share tips you have come across](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/share-tips-you-have-come-across/428745/1110): > > Further to Post #940 The blind screw in the above post can rotate when the brass standoff is tightened. The following images show how to modify the flat headed screw to prevent the screw from rotating. ![G](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/2/0/a/20aaf5b9ff3a7e81ae4d65c0dbde782e16559304.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2023, 4:16am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/9 "2023-03-26T04:16:18Z")
Mine are glued exactly the same way! Oh wait, that IS my circuit. Yes, sunk screws are also an option. ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/10 "2023-03-27T16:16:24Z")
UPDATED VERSION: [arduino-construction-notes.pdf](https://forum.arduino.cc/uploads/short-url/jA5UR0zYFc9WYoxyCObb6nvN3Tn.pdf) (7.0 MB) ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/11 "2023-03-27T16:26:07Z")
### Very nice work ! * * * If you have never used silicone insulated wire, you might want to give it a try. It is especially flexible for inside cassis wiring. > [@Share tips you have come across](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/share-tips-you-have-come-across/428745/1091): > > The best price I’ve found, 500 feet for $28.50 BNTECHGO 28 Gauge Silicone Wire Kit 10 Color Each 50 ft Flexible 28 AWG Stranded Tinned Copper Wire $37.00 for 26AWG (30 strand heart_eyes), 500 feet. Another chart: [image] Another chart: ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/5/7/d/57d92b84df5ce2f73ab95b921074c357d1ae8810.jpeg) **$37.00 for 26AWG (30 strand 😍), 500 feet.** ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:29pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/12 "2023-03-27T16:29:55Z")
Yes, I use nothing but silicone wire (and for others: yes, the manual does recommend it). If these notes are useful, I would be happy if they were more widely shared. I hear from others that this kind of instruction is missing fore new constructors. ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:31pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/13 "2023-03-27T16:31:56Z")
You can wet our appetite by putting some images out front for us to see. 😉 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/9/2/5/925a82ea1fc07ec6157313d78abf1e809bb93d5e.jpeg) * * * BTW, clear heat shrink about 1/4” long and maybe 3 to 4 per wire bundle gets rid of the tie wraps, but you do need to think ahead to get them on. 🤓 ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/14 "2023-03-27T16:36:16Z")
You mean like this? 🙂 ![IMG_4379-2048](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/0/e/a/0ea6ee633cf31c5cf2be8ce747f02651aa8d1367.jpeg) ![IMG_4415-2048](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/f/a/c/fac2ab45c8b06841c9c84dd5cb001798506445da.jpeg) ![IMG_4417-2048](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/4/f/a/4fa0f71a3777b7e4266c6485edf7752912692d59.jpeg) ![IMG_4435-Edit-2048](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/2/2/4/2242f128edfcef0475f84671784a421aa2aa3bd5.jpeg) ![IMG_4372-2048](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/9/2/7/927b26da15622bfa509055af596c0d723215992b.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:39pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/15 "2023-03-27T16:39:38Z")
You are right about the heat shrink, that's definitely an option. Since I have no hairdryer I tend to use the iron (not touching!) near the contacts, and tie-wraps for the rest. And this gives me more flexibility: first I cut to length, and then connect, the wires, then I tie them together. In a distant past they taught me to use waxed wire to tie cables. I was a telecoms engineer and commissioned huge phone switches worldwide. Today, I am not even sure where to get this waxed wire... ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 4:46pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/16 "2023-03-27T16:46:12Z")
> [@michaelwillems](#): > > In a distant past they taught me to use waxed wire to tie cables. Same here 🤫 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/a/6/3/a63e57ece60ce038b71e20cd9848f87963be5aa2.jpeg) * * * I have one of these inexpensive hot air units, great for heat shrink too ! ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/4/d/0/4d0e766083451e296e369ef5e7f8ec724af68c15.webp) ---
**Author:** ![madmark2150](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@madmark2150](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/madmark2150)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 5:14pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/17 "2023-03-27T17:14:34Z")
As a manufacturing engineer, it is important that your design be modular - that is, each panel and the chassis needs to be separable to allow clean assembly and then each panel can be built, wired, and stocked. Sure hard point to point wirings works and is easy to fab -- if you're only building _one_. But if you hope to _sell_ your design, you need to design for manufacturability. Much of what is shown here is "hobbist level" -- Good, solid fab, but without an eye to making more than **ONE** Making each wire individually takes _time_ and therefore costs $$$. Using premade wires is ultimately more reliable and cheaper than hand rolling your own. In the real world, for low volume production, it is almost always better, cheaper, faster, to _buy_ rather than build. Was the cost of the wire $37 _per roll_ for each color? If so, the full 10 resistor colors (most of which you seem to have used) run you 10x that, or $370! You can buy a _lot_ of premade duponts for that! All of the issues of wire type, crimping, crimp tools, labor, time, part inventory, etc., all vanish if you **buy** rather than _build._ If one wants to learn STEM, they need to learn how to make a _product_, not just a _project._ ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 5:19pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/18 "2023-03-27T17:19:48Z")
Indeed: of course this is not for production: the limiting factor is things like connectors. These are expensive, need special tools, and preclude things like the strip board used here. All this drives up the cost and production time. If you have any product suggestions for these, though, they are welcome. Production level needs a custom circuit board, not stripboard. I rather think of this as prototype level -- but most people here are indeed hobbyists, and I don't think that's a bad thing. And yes, as an engineer I know something about STEM! ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 5:33pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/19 "2023-03-27T17:33:50Z")
Using connectors similar to ST and Dupont types are reasonable in projects. These are easily made by a hobbyist. However, since this is a hobbyist forum, permanent connections are very appropriate and the OP shows it is quite doable. Wiring harnesses have been used a very long time and can be more desirable. My preference is to use connectors where possible. These are: inexpensive, make good connections, ready made. ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/2/d/d/2dd9a6e3873710b05a43cdfe06a1f36ffa8e9ce8.jpeg) 100MM Micro Male Female Plug Connector Wire Cables JST PH 2.0 2P 3P 4P 5P 6PIN ---
**Author:** ![michaelwillems](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/michaelwillems/32/621477_2.png) [@michaelwillems](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/michaelwillems)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2023, 5:35pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833/20 "2023-03-27T17:35:28Z")
> [@madmark2150](#): > > Was the cost of the wire $37 _per roll_ for each color? If so, the full 10 resistor colors (most of which you seem to have used) run you 10x that, or $370! You can buy a _lot_ of premade duponts for that! > All of the issues of wire type, crimping, crimp tools, labor, time, part inventory, etc., all vanish if you **buy** rather than _build._ Actually, $22, but that only gets me six colours. Amazon. ![Screenshot 2023-03-27 at 1.33.42 PM](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/b/3/2/b32cd0caa32a7770e0e7988149b2f390aba0a133.jpeg) [Next page](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/some-notes-about-construction/1106833.md?page=2)