Announcing the ProtoSnap Line
Take prototyping to the next level with the ProtoSnap!
One of our most important goals at SparkFun is to introduce beginners to electronics. We really do want to "share ingenuity" - and that means with electrical engineers, students, prototypers, inventors, or just anyone who is interested. We want to make it easy and not intimidating to get started in electronics. Which is why we are announcing the latest SparkFun line of products - ProtoSnap!
ProtoSnap is developed with the beginner in mind. Each ProtoSnap device comes shipped pre-wired and ready to use - all you have to do is program them. There is no need to worry about breadboards, perfboards, wires, or soldering. When you get used to the programming style of Arduino, break the pieces apart and use them individually in any project you want.
Right now, we have three entry-level ProtoSnap devices - the ProMini, the LilyPad Development Platform, and the LilyPad E-Sewing Kit! Check them out:
The ProtoSnap ProMini connects our Arduino Pro Mini to an FTDI Basic Breakout, which is used to program the Arduino. Situated next to those boards are a range of inputs and outputs, including an RGB LED, light sensor, buzzer and push-button. There's even a little prototyping board, should you need to add another component! Read this tutorial for some more info.
The LilyPad Development Platform is centered around our LilyPad Arduino Simple. Surrounding that main board are a large assortment of LilyPad boards -- LilyPad Vibe Board, LilyPad Tri-Color LED, LilyPad Button Board, LilyPad Slide Switch, 5 LilyPad White LEDs, LilyPad Buzzer, LilyPad Light Sensor, and a LilyPad Temperature Sensor -- all of which are wired up to the Arduino. The Development Platform also includes a LilyPad FTDI Basic Breakout Board to program the Arduino. Check out this page for more information!
The LilyPad E-Sewing Kit wires up our LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holder to a Slide Switch and Button Board, which are in turn connected to five LilyPad White LEDs. Lacking any microprocessor, this ProtoSnap is aimed more at teach simple circuits than programming. Check out the tutorial!
Give the above video a look for some info about the ProtoSnap line! We are really excited about these new products and hope you find them useful. The regular product post will be go live tomorrow, Saturday July 30th. Cheers!
