Initial design process for a custom Arduino Prototyping Hub/Enclosure.

Custom Arduino Prototyping Hub/Enclosure

If you are unfamiliar to the Arduino platform, it is a hardware and software interface for creating interactive objects and environments. Due to its relatively ease of use, it is aimed specifically at Artists , Designers and hobbyists. It is an open source hardware project which means everyone contributes to its development. Go to the Arduino website for more information.

Having looked at the options currently available I wanted to create my own, modular based, Arduino prototyping Enclosure.

My initial requirements for such an enclosure are as follows:
- Must Include Breadboard
- Must include External input/output connectors/ terminals
- Must be easily dismantled - ie: Modular
- Must be able to fully enclose electronic components
- Must be strong enough for installation based applications

Below are designs created using Googles sketch-up application.

The sides of the enclosure are designed to interlock with each other so as to reduce the need for fixings and for quick assembly.

The external input/outputs are designed to use Serial connectors, which can then be patched into the circuit within the enclosure. The idea being that you can then use a regular Serial cable to patch to whatever device/installation you may be using at the time.

The whole idea is to keep the system modular, so I can switch between devices and installations efficiently. Specifically during the prototyping stages, and also for keeping costs down (ie: not having to buy lots of Arduinos).