What is it?

Prototyping PCB for the Photon from Particle.io. It allows you to create a more permanent and reliable prototype than breadboard and to securely mount the prototype in a case.

Kit contains.

• 1x PCB
• 2x 12 Way headers to mount the Photon so you can remove it easily if needed.
• 1x USB A plug
• 1x SMD Diode for USB protection
• Optional: Second Diode and JST Socket

Why did you make it?

Breadboard prototypes are very fragile, it's all to easy for a wire to come out and then difficult to figure out where to put it back. This PCB allows the wiring to be soldered on along with the components for a more reliable circuit.

To make a more permanent usable project it needs to be mounted in a case, breadboard is far from ideal and the other option is a dedicated PCB which becomes expensive.

What makes it special?

• Wide format, the prototyping area is either side of the Photon making it easier to connect to the GPIO pins on the photon.
• A USB A plug can be mounted onto the PCB allowing the prototype to be plugged into a USB power outlet (PC, Wall brick, battery etc.).
• JST socket pads on the PCB bottom allow a standard LiPol battery JST socket to be mounted to power the circuit by a battery or external power supply input. (Optional extra).
• Diode protection on the JST and USB A plug prevent current flowing back into the USB or battery when powered by another source.
• The Photons Analog inputs have 3v3 pull-up 1206 pads (PCB top layer) and pull-down 1206 pads (PCB bottom layer) to GND, this makes it easy to create a potential divider on the analog inputs for resistive sensors such as LDRs, thermistors, variable resistors etc.
• 7x 1206 pads top and bottom for SMD LEDs, capacitors, resistors etc along the top edge.
• PCB bottom layer underneath the Photon has 1206 pads connected to D0 and D1 for I2C pull-ups.
• 1206 pads work well of 0804 components as well (they are actually easier to solder).
• 4x mounting holes for M3 machine screws or A2 self tappers.
• Open Source. All the design files are available on the ThingySticks website and Github ThingySticks organisation.
• Measures 100mm x 40mm

Please note that this does NOT include a Photon, these need to be purchased separately from Particle.io or a re-seller.