You want to connect breakout garden modules to a raspberry pi pico. But it is hard to match the i2c pinout. You must line up the yellow header for 5V with the red header. You also need to match the yellow header for GND with the black header. If you do not, you might short-circuit the board. The i2c pinout uses pins 4 (SDA) and 5 (SCL). You have to match these pins exactly. Many people have trouble finding the right i2c library for their hardware. The adapter helps with this problem. Its modular design does not need soldering. You can swap i2c or SPI sensors easily. You do not need to solder anything. This makes your projects easy to upgrade or fix.
Pogo Pin technology gives you a small and light system. You can fix things faster and keep them working easier than with soldered connections.
Key Takeaways
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The Breakout Garden adapter lets you connect three modules. It makes using i2c and SPI devices easy. You do not need to solder anything.
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The modular design helps you swap sensors and screens fast. You can upgrade your project quickly. It is not hard or stressful.
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The adapter has built-in reverse polarity protection. This keeps your project safe from wrong connections. Your project will work well.
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The adapter is great for beginners and classrooms. It helps students learn by doing projects. You do not have to worry about hard wiring.
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Always look at the pinout before you connect modules. This helps you avoid mistakes. It makes sure your setup works right.
Breakout Garden Adapter Overview
Purpose and Use
You want to use sensors and screens in your projects. But connecting breakout garden modules to Raspberry Pi Pico can be tricky. The adapter lets you connect up to three modules at once. You do not need to match every pin or solder wires. The adapter has female headers. You just plug your modules into the slots. Two slots work with i2c devices. One slot works with SPI devices. This setup lets you use different sensors and screens.
Here is a table that lists the main features of the adapter:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Slots | 3 slots for Pimoroni breakouts (2 x i2c and 1 x SPI) |
| i2c Slots | 2 slots (5 pins each) |
| SPI Slot | 1 slot (7 pins) |
| Connection Type | Female headers for attaching to Raspberry Pi Pico |
| Pitch | 0.1” pitch, 5 or 7 pin connectors |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | Built into breakouts |
| Assembly | Fully assembled |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico W |
| Schematic | Schematic |
You can use the adapter for many different projects. The table below shows some common ways to use it:
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Monitoring | Connect sensors to check temperature and humidity in places. |
| Display Notifications | Use small screens to show messages and data. |
| LED Control | Add LEDs for lights in your project. |
| Prototyping | Build and test ideas fast without hard wiring or soldering. |
| Expandable Setup | Add or change parts easily as your project grows. |
The adapter makes it simple to connect i2c and SPI modules. You do not need to learn every pinout or worry about mistakes. You can swap modules and try new things without extra tools. This helps you focus on building and learning.
Why It Matters
You want your projects to work well and last long. The adapter helps you avoid problems with wiring and pinout. You do not need to solder, so you can change modules fast. The adapter sends the i2c and SPI signals for you. This means you can trust your connections and spend more time coding and testing.
Tip: Always check the pinout before you plug in a new module. The adapter makes this easier, but you should still match the i2c and SPI slots with the right breakout garden modules.
The adapter makes your projects more reliable and flexible. You can use the i2c slots for sensors like temperature or humidity. The SPI slot works for screens or other fast devices. You can connect up to three modules at once. This lets you build bigger projects with more features.
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You get strong connections with the female headers.
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You avoid mistakes with built-in reverse polarity protection.
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You can use the adapter with Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W for better compatibility.
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You do not need to learn every gpio pinout for each module.
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You can upgrade your project by swapping out modules without soldering.
The adapter supports i2c and SPI communication. You can use the i2c protocol for sensors and the SPI protocol for screens. You do not need to worry about matching every gpio pinout. The adapter handles the signals for you. This saves you time and helps you learn faster.
You can use the adapter in classrooms, at home, or in maker spaces. You can teach others how to use i2c and SPI devices. You can show how to match the pinout and use the gpio pins. The adapter makes learning and building easier for everyone.
Key Features
Modular Design
You can use this adapter to connect three Pimoroni breakouts. The modular design lets you plug in modules easily. You do not need to match every pinout or solder wires. Each slot uses edge connectors. This helps you build your project faster. The adapter works with Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W. This gives you more choices for your ideas.
Here is a table that shows why the modular design is special:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Solderless and swappable | You can connect breakouts without tricky wiring. |
| Edge-connector slots | Three slots: two for i2c and one for SPI. |
| Reverse polarity protection | Keeps your modules safe from wrong pinout connections. |
| Fully assembled | Ready to use right away. |
| Compatibility | Works with Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W. |
Modularity lets you test one thing at a time. You can sketch ideas and try different modules. You can update your project quickly. If you want to change a sensor or screen, just swap it out. This saves you time and helps you learn faster.
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You can improve each part without starting over.
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You can keep your project up to date by changing only what you need.
I2C and SPI Support
The adapter works with both i2c and SPI communication. You can use the i2c slots for sensors like temperature, air quality, or light. The SPI slot is good for fast devices like screens. You do not need to match every gpio pinout by hand. The adapter handles the signals for you. This makes your setup easier.
Some i2c and SPI sensors you can use are:
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SparkFun Air Quality PM1/PM2.5/PM10 Sensor
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SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader
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SparkFun Spectral Sensor
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PureThermal Mini Pro JST-SR (with FLIR Lepton 3.5)
You can mix and match these modules. The adapter keeps the pinout correct. This helps protect your board from damage. You can use the raspberry pi gpio pins for other things. The adapter manages the main connections.
Solderless and Swappable
You do not need to solder anything to use this adapter. The solderless design lets you insert, remove, and move modules quickly. This is great for learning and trying new things. You can test ideas without worrying about mistakes.
Here is a table that shows why solderless connections help you:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Ease of use and flexibility | You can build and change your project fast. |
| Ideal for learning and education | Great for beginners and classrooms. |
| Quick iteration and testing | You can test new ideas without soldering. |
Tip: Always check the pinout before you plug in a new module. The adapter helps, but you should still be careful.
You can use the adapter for many breakout garden projects. The solderless and swappable design makes your work faster and more fun. You can focus on coding and testing, not on wiring or soldering.
Raspberry Pi Pico Setup
Step-by-Step Guide
You can set up your Breakout Garden adapter with your raspberry pi pico in just a few steps. This process helps you connect i2c and SPI modules without confusion. You do not need to solder anything. You only need to follow the pinout and use the right tools.
What you need:
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Breakout Garden card for raspberry pi
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raspberry pi pico or pico w
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Component kits (sensors, screens, LEDs)
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Wires and cables
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Switches or buttons
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Electronic components
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Tools (small screwdriver, tweezers)
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Screws or storage box for parts
How to connect the adapter:
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Place your raspberry pi pico on a flat surface.
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Line up the Breakout Garden adapter with the raspberry pi pico’s gpio pins.
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Gently press the adapter onto the gpio pins until it fits snugly.
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Choose your i2c or SPI modules. Check the pinout for each module.
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Insert your modules into the correct slots. Use the two i2c slots for sensors and the SPI slot for screens.
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Connect wires if needed. Make sure each wire matches the pinout.
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Double-check all connections before powering on your raspberry pi.
Here is a table that shows how to match the raspberry pi pico pins with the breakout board connections:
| Raspberry Pi Pico Pin | Breakout Board Connection |
|---|---|
| GP12 | TX0+ (blue wire) |
| GP13 | TX0- (yellow wire) |
| GP14 | TXC+ (green wire) |
| GP15 | TC- (pink wire) |
| GP16 | TX2+ (white wire) |
| GP17 | TX2- (cyan wire) |
| GP18 | TX1+ (purple wire) |
| GP19 | TX1- (orange wire) |
| GND | all three GND's (black wires) |
You can use this table to check your pinout before you start coding. This step helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your raspberry pi safe.
Tips for Success
You can make your setup easier and safer by following these tips:
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Always check the pinout for each module before you plug it in.
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Use the i2c slots for sensors and the SPI slot for screens.
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Keep your workspace clean and organized.
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Test each module one at a time. This helps you find problems quickly.
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Use the plug-and-play design to swap modules without tools.
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Make sure your raspberry pi software is up to date.
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Try different i2c sensors to learn about compatibility.
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Label your wires and modules for easy identification.
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Use the raspberry pi gpio pins for extra features if needed.
Tip: If you see errors when you run your code, check your wiring and pinout first. Most problems come from incorrect connections.
Common Mistakes
You might run into some problems when you set up your raspberry pi pico with the Breakout Garden adapter. Here is a table that lists frequent mistakes and how you can fix them:
| Mistake Description | Solution |
|---|---|
| Connecting too many devices to the raspberry pi’s USB ports can cause issues. | Use a powered USB hub for devices needing more power. |
| Forgetting to keep the raspberry pi’s software up to date can lead to problems. | Regularly run sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade to keep the system updated. |
| Not changing the default username and password can expose the device to attacks. | Change the default password and create a new user account to enhance security. |
| Unplugging the raspberry pi without proper shutdown can cause data loss. | Always shut down the raspberry pi properly before disconnecting power. |
| Failing to set up proper power management can lead to data corruption. | Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against sudden power loss. |
| Not securing raspberry pi’s ports can leave it vulnerable to attacks. | Use SSH keys, enable a firewall, and change default ports for better security. |
| Incorrectly connecting electronic components can damage the raspberry pi. | Double-check wiring and use protective components like resistors. |
| Display issues can arise from incorrect HDMI settings. | Edit the config.txt file to adjust HDMI settings to match the display specifications. |
You can avoid most mistakes by checking your pinout and using the right i2c or SPI slot. Always double-check your connections before you turn on your raspberry pi. You can use the adapter’s compatibility with raspberry pi pico and pico w to try different modules. You can also use the raspberry pi gpio pins for extra sensors or buttons.
Note: If you ever feel stuck, ask for help in online forums or maker communities. Many people have solved similar problems and can share advice.
You can enjoy a smooth setup experience by following these steps and tips. You can use your Breakout Garden adapter to build creative projects with i2c and SPI modules. You can swap sensors and screens easily. You can focus on learning and experimenting with raspberry pi.
Project Ideas with Breakout Garden
Beginner Projects
You can make easy projects with the breakout garden adapter. The adapter helps you connect i2c sensors and screens. You do not need to solder or use a breadboard. You can build things that check temperature and humidity. You can also show numbers on a small screen. The table below lists some simple ideas and the parts you need:
| Project Idea | Components |
|---|---|
| Laser Tape Measure | VL53L1X Time of Flight Breakout, 1.12" OLED |
| Environmental Display | BME680 Breakout, BH1745 Luminance and Colour Sensor Breakout, 1.12" OLED |
| Sophisticated Presence Detector | MLX90640 Thermal Camera Breakout, LSM303D 6DoF Breakout, BH1745 Luminance and Colour Sensor Breakout |
You can use the i2c slots for sensors. You can use the SPI slot for a screen. You can read sensor data and show it on the display. You can swap modules to try new ideas. This helps you learn how i2c and SPI work.
Advanced Builds
You can make harder projects as you learn more. The breakout garden adapter lets you connect three modules at once. You can use more than one i2c device if they have different addresses. You can also use an SPI breakout like a 0.96" LCD or a 1.12" SPI OLED. The table below shows features that help with advanced builds:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakout Compatibility | Connect up to three Pimoroni breakouts (2 x i2c and 1 x SPI) |
| Prototyping Ease | Build without complicated wiring or soldering |
| I2C Device Support | Use several i2c devices at the same time |
| SPI Breakout Example | Add fast displays like the 1.12" SPI OLED |
| Modular Setup | Change your setup at any time |
You can build a garden system that uses i2c soil moisture sensors and a display. You can add a pump and control it with the Raspberry Pi Pico. You can check temperature and humidity and change the system when needed. The modular design lets you upgrade your project by swapping sensors or screens.
Classroom Applications
You can use the breakout garden adapter in class to teach electronics and coding. The solderless design makes it safe and easy for students. You can show how i2c and SPI work. You can let students build projects that check temperature and humidity or control lights. You can use the adapter for group work or science experiments.
Tip: Let students swap i2c sensors to see how different modules work. This hands-on way helps them learn electronics and coding.
You can use the adapter for lessons about data collection, science, or automation. You can build projects that save data or control devices. The breakout garden adapter helps students be creative and learn in every classroom.
Buy and Learn More
Where to Buy
You can buy the Breakout Garden to Raspberry Pi Pico Interconnect Adapter online. PiShop.us sells this adapter, so it is easy to get. When you buy from PiShop.us, you can connect many Pimoroni breakouts to your raspberry pi pico. This adapter helps you use i2c sensors and modules in your projects. You do not have to match every pinout by yourself. The adapter keeps your connections safe and working well.
If you want to shop in a store, check local electronics shops that sell raspberry pi parts. Some stores have a maker section with i2c modules. Ask the workers if they have the Breakout Garden adapter or if they can order it. You can also look for Pimoroni products at hobby or school supply stores.
Tip: Always read the product description to see if the adapter works with i2c and SPI. This helps you buy the right part for your project.
Additional Resources
You can learn more about the adapter by looking at online guides and tutorials. Many websites show you how to connect i2c modules and read pinout diagrams. These guides help you build things like an automatic garden or a watering system.
Here are some helpful resources:
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Pimoroni’s official guides for i2c and SPI breakouts
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Community forums where you can ask about pinout and i2c problems
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Video guides that show how to set up i2c sensors with the Breakout Garden adapter
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Sample code for reading i2c data and showing it on screens
You can also join maker groups to share your projects. Many people use the adapter for class experiments, home projects, or building an automatic garden. You can get ideas for i2c projects and learn how to use the right pinout for each module.
Note: Practice matching the i2c pinout before you start a new project. This skill helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your raspberry pi safe.
A table of useful links:
| Resource Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Documentation | Learn about i2c, SPI, and pinout details |
| Community Forums | Get help with i2c and pinout questions |
| Video Tutorials | Watch step-by-step i2c setup guides |
| Sample Projects | Explore i2c-based irrigation and automation |
You can use these resources to get better at i2c connections, learn pinout layouts, and make strong projects.
You now have the missing link for your projects. The adapter connects breakout garden modules to your raspberry pi with ease. You can build, test, and upgrade without soldering. Try new sensors or displays and see what you can create. Explore guides or join online groups to learn more. Share your projects and inspire others to start building.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
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