Getting Started

      What is a Sprout Board?
      What can I do with a Sprout Board?
      What do I need in addition to a Sprout Board?
      What Can I accessorize my Sprout Board With?
      How do I build my Sprout Board?

What is a Sprout Board?

A sprout board in a basic description would be a motherboard or breakout board. It allows a micro controller to dock with it as well as a accessory shield. It also offers a host of onboard components as well as external connectivity options. The sprout board is designed to allow for flexibility and stability in a single package. Designed for actual use in everyday gadgets we have placed the most important and desired components onboard ready for easy use.

But the sprout board is more than just a circuit board. It is a complete package offering flexibility and applicability in what we are producing. We offer chassis for varied application as well as complete software ready for use. This allows mixing and matching of components and accessories to create a broad verity of real use projects with minimal effort.

What can I do with a Sprout Board?

Many different things! Some of our projects include server room environmental monitoring systems, interactive art projects, home automation and many others. We focus on creating a web enabled component in many of our projects.

For example, our environmental monitoring system is web enabled and can send alerts if certain thresholds are met. the system can also directly intervene if needed. A good real world example is if the AC system in a server room fails. There are temperature thresholds. If a set threshold is met it will send out an alert. If the condition becomes critical it can control relays to activate blowers and exhaust fans.

Another example is our gardening system. This system monitors sun light intensity, ground moisture and can control sprinkler valves. The system can monitor and intervene as wanted or you can login remotely, view monitor values and remotely activate your sprinklers.

The possibilities are as varied as your imagination, but beyond base concepts you may find your own ideas growing from our examples. We encourage experimentation and we are simply providing examples you can grow into your own vision.

What do I need in addition to a Sprout Board?

Besides a sprout board there are three required items you must have. #1 is an arduino or similar microcontroller. We have designed this with native use of the arduino, however we will be providing adapter boards in the future for basic and pic microcontrollers as well. #2 is a power supply. 7.5V dc - 9Vdc is ideal. #3 while optional is highly recommended is a chassis. A chassis makes the project your creating more permanent and thusly more likely to be used and the chassis just make it all look awesome!

What Can I accessorize my Sprout Board With?

There are many options and we will constantly be adding items. However many of our favorite things we added the ability to add with ease. Some of these are Serial LCD screens, the Arduino Ethernet shield and sound modules. In the near future we will have articles with solid state relays and many other accessories.

How do I build my Sprout Board?

Building your sprout board is very simple and requires only basic soldering skills. You can find our how to guide at this link.