Start here!
Welcome to Breadboard! The general flow is simple: design a project, receive a kit, and submit your build.
1. Read the docs first
This is important, don't skip it. Read all the docs before anything else. Then read the guides:
- Breadboard Basics covers the fundamental breadboard components
- LED Workshop walks you through building and controlling a basic circuit
2. Pick an idea and choose your kit
Figure out what you want to build, then decide which kit fits best. Don't just think about what you need, think about what would make it cooler.
A tamagotchi only needs a screen, buzzer, and buttons. But wouldn't a motion detector be SO COOL so it wakes up when there's motion? Or a light sensor so it can sleep in the dark?
Check out @alexren's hwdocs.hackclub.dev for extra tips and inspiration.
The two available kits are below. Pick the one that best fits your idea.
Kit A: ESP32 Starter Kit
| Component | Qty |
|---|---|
| ESP32 Development Board | 1 |
| 0.96" OLED Display | 1 |
| DHT11 Temperature & Humidity Module | 1 |
| HC-SR501 PIR Motion Sensor | 1 |
| Obstacle Avoidance Module | 1 |
| Photosensitive Resistor Module | 1 |
| Resistors (220Ω / 1K / 10K) | 30 |
| Potentiometer 10K | 1 |
| Passive Buzzer | 1 |
| Active Buzzer | 1 |
| 5V 2-Channel Relay Module | 1 |
| Button Switch | 6 |
| Red LED | 5 |
| Yellow LED | 5 |
| Green LED | 5 |
| RGB LED | 2 |
| 830 Tie-Point Breadboard | 1 |
| F-M DuPont Cable | 10 |
| F-F DuPont Cable | 10 |
| M-M DuPont Cable | 10 |
| Micro-USB Cable | 1 |
Kit B: Arduino UNO Starter Kit
| Component | Qty |
|---|---|
| UNO MEGA328P R3 | 1 |
| MB-102 Breadboard | 1 |
| LCD1602 (blue) | 1 |
| LCD1602 I2C Adapter | 1 |
| DHT11 Module | 1 |
| LM35DZ | 1 |
| Thermistor | 3 |
| RC522 RFID Module | 1 |
| Water Level Module | 1 |
| Infrared Transmitter | 1 |
| Infrared Receiver | 1 |
| Remote Control | 1 |
| Remote Control LED Module | 1 |
| Resistance 1/6W 220R | 8 |
| Resistance 1/6W 1K | 5 |
| Resistance 1/6W 10K | 6 |
| Potentiometer 5K | 1 |
| Passive Buzzer | 1 |
| 5V Buzzer | 1 |
| 74HC595N Shift Register | 1 |
| HDX Vibration Switch | 2 |
| Tact Switch 12x12 | 4 |
| 4x4 Button Module | 1 |
| Rocker (5-pin) | 1 |
| LED Yellow F5 | 5 |
| LED Red F5 | 5 |
| LED Blue F5 | 5 |
| Dot Matrix Module 8x8 | 1 |
| ULN2003 Module | 1 |
| SG90 Servo | 1 |
| Stepper Motor | 1 |
| Microphone Module | 1 |
| 5V 1-Way Relay Module | 1 |
| 1-Digit Digital Tube | 1 |
| 4-Digit Digital Tube | 1 |
| DS1302 RTC Module | 1 |
| Dupont Line 20cm M-F | 10 |
| 9V Battery Connector | 1 |
| USB Cable | 1 |
| Breadboard Wires | 1 |
3. What software to use?
3D modeling / CAD
- Onshape is browser-based and beginner-friendly, great for lower-end machines. Free for hobbyists and students.
- Autodesk Fusion handles more complex models but is heavier on your computer. Free for students.
4. Make it and submit
Check the Example Submission and What is a Shipped Project pages to see exactly what you need to turn in. At minimum you need a build log with photos and a demo video of your project working.
Once you're done, you can keep going. Submit more designs and redeem components from the shop.
Got questions? Ask in #breadboard on Slack. If you build something this weekend, post it there too!