OK so you've prototyped your brilliant invention on a breadboard. But you're no slacker - you're ready for your next project! You have a few choices: Let projects 'live' on their breadboard. When done, just buy a new breadboard and start fresh. Or you could remove all the components and recycle both the parts and breadboard.
- Or there's another option where you transfer the circuitry from the breadboard to a permanent circuit board like an Arduino Proto Shield for example.
- Or you may love your project that you realize that breadboards can slowly rust, and parts can come loose
- Or you may want to put your project in a nice box, so you need something that is more durable
For any of these reasons you may want to use a Perma-Proto board. These are basically the non-solderless version of breadboards (solder-full?). You get a sturdy printed circuitboard with nearly-identical layout (the rails are closer and there's more holes)
For example, here's the half sized perma proto front, back and next to a half sized breadboard
We basically just took the basic layout of a half-sized breadboard and turned that into a beautiful PCB. The top side has a white silkscreen, and the same markings you're familiar with, to make transferring components easy. The bottom has the 5-hole pad design that matches a classic breadboard, with 4 power bus lines on the sides, and no mask so you can easily cut traces when necessary.
We used 1.2mm diameter drill holes so even parts with big leads will fit. All holes are thru-plated for strength and the finish is a gold plate - you won't get oxidation like with bare copper perf board!
There are also two mounting holes so you can attach the PCB to your project box. They'll also fit nicely in an Altoids-sized mint tin
For example, here is Mike Barela's pro trinket project on a breadboard and then a finished version that is soldered onto a perma-proto and attached to an old mint-tin
We also have these in a few different other sizes and styles, like a 'quarter sized' one that is a bit larger than the tiny breadboard and comes with power rails:
Full sized breadboard sized, huge with tons of space!
And two that match up with common mint tins
