Arduino and Breadboard Holder

We've been prototyping for a long time on these awesome little plastic plates but it's time for an upgrade. This version still holds an Arduino and a self-adhesive clear breadboard but we've done away with the plastic clips and now provide screws which give you a more solid and simple connection. Also, because the outside dimensions of the board don't matter anymore, this plate can be used with any board that has the Arduino mounting holes. The Arduino Uno, The Leonardo, FEZ Panda even the Electric Sheep can all be screwed down to the base plate for easy prototyping. You can even mount the board facing either way you like.

This prototyping holder includes 2 screws for mounting your favorite dev board. The self-adhesive breadboard that fits this plate can be found in the related items below.

Arduino and Breadboard Holder Product Help and Resources

Alphanumeric GPS Wall Clock

January 26, 2015

This is a GPS controlled clock - a clock you truly never have to set! Using GPS and some formulas, we figure out what day of the week and if we are in or out of daylight savings time.

SparkFun Inventor's Kit Experiment Guide - v4.0

November 15, 2017

The SparkFun Inventor's Kit (SIK) Experiment Guide contains all of the information needed to build all five projects, encompassing 16 circuits, in the latest version of the kit, v4.0a.

SparkFun Inventor's Kit Experiment Guide - v4.1

August 8, 2019

The SparkFun Inventor's Kit (SIK) Experiment Guide contains all of the information needed to build all five projects, encompassing 16 circuits, in the latest version of the kit, v4.1.2 and v4.1.

Screws

A 4-40x1/4" thread forming screw is what you want.


Core Skill: DIY

Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.

1 DIY

Skill Level: Noob - Basic assembly is required. You may need to provide your own basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer or scissors. Power tools or custom parts are not required. Instructions will be included and easy to follow. Sewing may be required, but only with included patterns.
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Comments

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  • Member #408752 / about 4 years ago / 1

    I have not bought one of these yet but they are pretty and useful. However, it's cheaper to use a scrap of wood, cut to size with holes drilled for wood screw mounting of any board. Also, replace the non-sticking cover of the breadboard with cardboard, or any other sticking material, and put small pieces of two-sided tape at each corner to provide ease of breadboard removal.

  • BerenV / about 6 years ago / 1

    Anybody else wish Sparkfun would sell a red version of these to go with their new BlackBoards?

  • Member #435497 / about 12 years ago / 2

    Can I use it with Arduino mega 2560 ?

  • Member #411166 / about 12 years ago / 2

    I would Like to buy one if the Arduino Mega 2560 fits. Anyone know??

    • Kamiquasi / about 12 years ago / 2

      The description mentions the 'Mega R3', which seems to be revision 3 of the Mega 2560, and the Product Video mentions the 'Mega' specifically as well. I checked the mounting holes between the Uno and the Mega just in case, and they match up. The Mega 2560 is a longer board, though, and I'd suspect that the SparkFun logo would get partially covered - other than that, looking good.

  • bfesser / about 10 years ago / 1

    Just received one of these; first impression is positive. Four screws would have been nice (as others have mentioned), or even having them as an optional add-on at extra cost. I'm curious, what plastic is this made of?

  • Member #564431 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Is the holder on the back side a flat surface? Can I attach rubber feet on the underside of the board? Heard complaints about the board being to slippery.

  • TechnoGuy / about 11 years ago / 1

    I have two of these; here is some feedback. I am using one to hold a regular Arduino compatible dev board and the other to hold a Netduino 2 Plus (both have same form factor as an Arduino Uno).

    1. The recessed design of the mount for the dev board works fine for a regular Arduino but makes it difficult to disconnect the Ethernet cable from a Netduino. Adafruit has a flat laser-cut acrylic base plate that works better with the Netduino in this regard.

    2. It would have been nice if SparkFun had included 4 screws rather than just 2 for use in attaching the dev board to the holder. I find that if you have a dev board attached to the holder (using only 2 screws) and if you're also a shield, the board will flex if/when you try to detach the shield. It's not a problem if you use 4 screws.

    3. The board is a little slippy on some desktop surfaces. I went out and got some adhesive rubber feet to deal with this. I wound up attaching 6 feet rather than 4 to deal with the peculiar shapes on the underside of the board.

  • Just got mine today the shipping only took about 3 days got it a day earlier than expected and was pleased with the fitting(the arduino uno) my only reccomendation is to the buyers if you have a few extra bucks and dont have a smaller bread board to put on it than pick one up when you order this. Thanks sparkfun for being better than expected i will be ordering more stuff in the future.

  • LED addict / about 11 years ago / 1

    I like it. :)

  • Member #509976 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Does it work with Arduino DUE?

  • Zio / about 11 years ago / 1

    Doesn't work too good with the Arduino Yun, the SD card has to come out and I am worried about a clip or post damaging a component on the under side.

    Sparkfun needs to make a universal Arduino and Arduino Mega holder with Raspberry pi add on!

    • M-Short / about 11 years ago / 1

      Sorry, this is suppose to be a universal Arduino and Arduino Mega holder, but Arduino keeps coming up with new crazy things. The Yun is the first and only Arduino board to be double sided. I would try to put down something soft, non conductive, and non static-y under it, you might have to use longer screws, but honestly any mounting option with the Yun is going to run into the issue with the fact that there are components on the bottom.

  • Member #470963 / about 11 years ago / 1

    placed nda today...can this de added to box?

  • Matt66 / about 11 years ago / 1

    Create some for the Arduino Mega, please D:

  • Doctor Who / about 11 years ago / 1

    The Netduino (but not probably the Plus 2) are in that shape. I believe the Netduino 2 is still in that shape. The Plus 2 is one which has its networking built in.

  • cuzcatleco / about 12 years ago * / 1

    NIce and helpfull ! My students used at Universidad Tecnologica in El Salvador C.A. --- Look at: Photo

  • SuperCrackMunkey / about 12 years ago / 1

    You should make some red ones. I'm ordering a red breadboard, and if I could get a Sparkfun red one of these, I'd buy a Redboard to go with it.

  • Angelo Pappano / about 12 years ago / 1

    Any word oth the next order date? Make it a big one, I want to order about 30 for my classroom :)

  • Eggwardo / about 12 years ago / 1

    I know i'm late to the party but i'm glad to see this has been updated. Wife bought me a "kit" that had the old version of this in it a while back. Finally started using it recently and couldn't figure out why the board kept falling out, then realized one of the clips was missing. Other than that this is cool but its a shame they're back ordered.

  • What are the dimensions?

    • Eggwardo / about 12 years ago / 1

      The old version with the clips is 6" x 4.25". Don't know for sure about the new one.

  • OCPik4chu / about 12 years ago / 1

    Well I just got mine recently and let me start off by saying it feels extremely sturdy and made of quality plastics; well worth the price. However, I am slightly disappointed in how 'light' it is. I was hoping for something a bit more solid/heavy. Such as something that could sit on its own well when plugging/unplugging materials. Now I fully admit that I made the mistake assuming and didn't fully research the product, and due to the low price I just said heck with it. i.e. I don't actually fault this product for that as it was merely my assumption or hope that it was, but just be aware that this is more like a 'frame' than a 'base'. That being said, it is a GREAT product for what it is and the price, and it does have screw holes in the center; allowing it to be screwed down so something more solid like a piece of coated MDF for example. This product is perfect for holding an Arduino, an Uno in my case, and a good sized breadboard together.

  • TheMightyComp / about 12 years ago / 1

    Does anybody know if this works with a netduino plus?

    • I just checked, it does. And for anybody else wondering, it will hold anything that has the Arduino form factor hole pattern.

  • PostmasterSteve / about 12 years ago / 1

    I agree about felt squares or rubber feet or something for the bottom, but I can grab them from my local hardware store. One caution to any of you using the discontinued Sparkfun Ethernet Pro board (Arduino + Ethernet chipset & jack in one board) the RJ45 Ethernet jack is oriented such that the cable cannot be removed easily when mounted to this - the tab can't be accessed by hand; you'll need to use a tool of some kind. Hey Sparkfun, it's not a bug - it's a feature, right? ;) 'Secures' your Ethernet cable from unintentional removal? (or intentional, in my case) HA!

  • JGuthridge / about 13 years ago / 1

    You should consider offering felt squares to afix to the bottom of the tray. The one I got is nice and all, holds the breadboard and Arduino securely, but isn't true across the bottom and rocks back and forth. Its not bad, but just enough out of true to wobble.

    Still, its better than worrying about accidental conductivity of your workspace.

  • ebsmith / about 13 years ago / 1

    What size screws were supposed to come with these? I ordered two and never found any screws. (Too much of an expense to have four screws sent -- that would be just silly.)

    • The plate should come with two screws each. Contact customer service if you would like them sent to you. Otherwise a 4-40x1/4" thread forming screw is what you want.

      • Rob78 / about 12 years ago / 1

        When I received my board today, the screws were missing, too. The little ziplock baggy (that I assume was supposed to contain them) was in the box, but it was empty. This is rather annoying.

        • Sorry to hear about this! Please contact either customer service or tech support and we can get you set up with any missing parts.

  • Demolishun / about 13 years ago / 1

    This holds the Uno32 very well. I don't know if it was really needed, but I trimmed off the tabs that are on the support post that is right under the analog pins. I had trouble getting it to set flat. Everything else lined up fine.

    One suggestion would be to add insulated washers to the kit. There is a trace and a resistor very close to the screw closest to the Sparkfun logo when using this with an Uno32. The screw actually overlaps the trace a bit. If you had an insulated washer it would help prevent someone from possibly damaging the trace or removing the coating on the trace. If you are careful it will not matter, however not everyone is knowledgeable of such mechanical issues until after the fact. ;)

  • It didn't say in the video, does this work with the arduino duemilanove?

    • I just tried mounting a duemilanove and it does fit. However, the duemilanove only has 3 mounting holes and only one of them can be used to secure the PCB to the plate. Also, on my board, that one mounting hole is smaller than the rest so it took a little work to get the screw through. That being said, it still holds the board pretty well.

  • Demolishun / about 13 years ago / 1

    I am stoked. I just ordered these before the product announcement not realizing they are a newer version. Cool!

  • timballas / about 13 years ago / 1

    How are these made? Are they vaccuformed or milled or injection molded?

    • Injection molded.

    • Demolishun / about 13 years ago / 1

      The old version have the injection mold dots on the bottom of the plate. At least that is what is looks like to me. I think the old one would have to be injection molded to get the clip shape. I would also guess the newer one is the same, but just using a different mold.

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Based on 13 ratings:

Currently viewing all customer reviews.

1 of 1 found this helpful:

This is a very good idea.

I made a thing that shows the temperature outside my car, so I can tell if it is below freezing. I had the Arduino and breadboard just held together by their wires and put the device on the passenger seat, but with all the moving around, (Moving to the back seat when my wife was with me, to the front seat when my dog was with me) the wires often came adrift. Now with my A&BH all is secure. I got two more as I find they are great for holding my setups steady. One can also mount them on walls etc. with the screw holes. I would not be without them now.

1 of 1 found this helpful:

It does what it supposes to do

This holds both a breadboard and arduino processor board, It is very nice looking. I have some clear holders. The black is different. The screws mate to the posts of the holder. There is no need to look for standoffs to mount the processor board,

1 of 1 found this helpful:

Very useful

Works great!!

2 of 2 found this helpful:

Great product

I buy one of these every time I buy an Arduino. It's incredibly sturdy and very useful for keeping the Arduino well mounted. If you don't care about the shape you can even buy some of the ding and dent ones for a discounted price. However, I only gave it 4 stars because it only comes with two screws to mount the Arduino instead of all four for the Arduino mounting holes. It would also be nice if it came with screws for the holes to mount the holder itself.

1 of 1 found this helpful:

Not amazing, but convenient

I had some issues with some of the posts not wanting to take a screw right away, but it holds my Red Board in place nicely using just a few that were ready-to-go. I do wish I hadn't used the adhesive on the breadboard I picked up to go with it so I could swap them out when switching between projects, but that's on me, not the product (just a thought for those considering whether or not to commit to the sticky)!

1 of 1 found this helpful:

Good way of keeping everything together and stable.

1 of 4 found this helpful:

I wish that you can add a screwdriver on it . Anyway it is nobad.

Hi, While this doesn't come with a screw driver. If you need a good little screw driver for your work bench we have a good one for just $1 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9146

extremely useful!

love this, make my life easier all the time. Very useful for quick prototyping and testing, brainstorming, etc. I have purchased several.

Best of small prototyping bases i've used

this is much better than what comes in official starter pack....just because you can install arduino ''right''way so power rails are close to arduinos power rails. There are couple small details that i find quite important, and due those this didn't sadly get full stars from me: Screws were annoying to screw in place, couldn't find reason but that's the way it was, also no rubber feet to hold plate firmly on desk. It's at least stylish black!

Lego compatibility?

Also, what about making it Lego compatible? Those darn bricks are great for mounting all sorts of things.

Best Arduino and breadboard holder out there

These look great with a RedBoard or a blue Arduino board. I wish they would make them in red to go with the new BlackBoards...

My only issue is that I wish they would include 4 screws instead of only 2. Most R3 shaped boards have those four mounting holes and I always like to add 2 more to make it sturdier (or use M3 bolts and nuts).

Works as advertised

It's a pain to wire up test circuits with an Arduino without this breadboard holder. Wires would much too easily become disconnected. And I worry about things shorting out otherwise. This board holds the Arduino or compatible MPU securely, while allowing easy access to a small breadboard next to it. Don't be fooled by the fact that it only comes with two screws to hold the Arduino board. (R3 format compatible, BTW). Two screws are sufficient. My recommendation for an upgrade: Add mount points for QWIIC boards.