converting from breadboard to completed project question

@lom

The program is retained. When you disconnect the USB port used to program the microcontroller you can use the power plug to power it up again using a 7v to 12v power supply.

As you can see I am using batteries to power the board. The USB is only to program the microcontroller and can be disconnected.

You can enlarge an image by right clicking the image and select open link in new window.

@robotbuilder

Thank you for the quick response.

one more question, am i better off developing the program with the UNO then use the nano for the final projects, since they are cheaper?

@lom 

Ok I don't use a nano but here is AI reply.

Yes—that’s actually a really common and sensible approach 👍

Using an Arduino Uno for development and then switching to an Arduino Nano for final builds has a lot of practical advantages:

Why develop on the Uno first

• Easier to work with: Bigger board, clearly labeled pins, and sturdier USB connection
• Better for prototyping: Fits nicely on breadboards without awkward wiring
• More beginner-friendly: Less fiddly when debugging or swapping components

Why switch to the Nano later

• Much smaller: Perfect for compact or embedded projects
• Cheaper: Especially if you’re building multiple units
• Same core functionality: Most Nanos use the same microcontroller (ATmega328), so your code usually works unchanged

Things to watch out for

• Pin layout differences: Same pins logically, but arranged differently physically
• USB chip variations: Some Nano clones use CH340 drivers (may need installation)
• Voltage/clock differences: Some Nanos run at 3.3V/8MHz instead of 5V/16MHz—double-check before deploying

Simple workflow

1. Prototype and debug on Uno
2. Confirm everything works
3. Move wiring to Nano
4. Upload the same sketch (maybe adjust pin numbers if needed)

If you want, tell me what kind of project you’re building and I can flag any Uno → Nano gotchas specific to it.

@robotbuilder

I’m just goofing around. The pictures are of a control panel and a Star Wars like prop (8 leds, lights behind buttons and behind slots).

so mainly turning on or blinking leds. As an old system engineer I get io design and implement the design.

The real fun is trying to figure out how to implement. The panel is 3D printed including the text.  The Star Wars box is 3D printed.  I get to play with 3D software, CNC, lasers, all just to kill time.

@lom 

No 3d software or 3d printer or CNC or laser for me 🙁

I enjoyed The Orville, an American science fiction comedy drama series on tv. I found it more "grown up" in its subject matter than Star Wars.

Of course there isn't really much real space physics involved it is just a way of presenting a human drama in a fantasy setting. "Star Wars dogfights are deliberately modeled on World War II aerial combat rather than realistic space physics..."

@Lom,

I had the same question. About three months ago, I decided to design my own printed circuit board (PCB).

First step: learn how to use KiCad (it’s free software). You can start by creating circuits with real components. I recommend using through-hole (THT) components at the beginning. Once you become comfortable with the software, you can move on to SMD components. In the same program, you can route the connections and even visualize your design in 3D.

You can also simulate the circuit with AC or DC signals, similar to using an oscilloscope.

Second step: choose a manufacturer for your PCB. You can have boards ready in about five days for a very low cost.

Third step: solder the components onto the PCB and start using it.

It took me about a month to learn how to use KiCad.