SparkFun Ethernet Shield - Retail

This is the same product as our PoEthernet Shield. The difference is this version comes in fancy clamshell packaging meant for our distributors that need it. Regular customers are welcome to order, but we want to limit the amount of extra packaging finding its way into the trash heap.

Ethernet connectivity is a great way to get your Arduino talking to other systems all over the world (or at least the network). But sometimes running an Ethernet cable is hard enough, why should you have to run a power cable too? That's where PoE comes into play: Power over Ethernet. The PoEthernet Shield not only give your Arduino access to the Internet via the Ethernet Library but it also allows your project to power itself from the Ethernet line (provided you've injected power to it somewhere down the line).

The way this is accomplished is that the unused data pairs of the RJ-45 connector broken out to the 4-pin header in the corner of the shield. The 'V-' pin on that header breaks out the 7 & 8 pair of RJ-45 pins, and the 'V+' pin breaks out the 4 & 5 pair. You can use a couple of jumpers to connect those pins to 'GND' and 'VIN' respectively. This will send the PoE through the Arduino, to be regulated to 5 and 3.3V. This works really well with our passive PoE cable set! The shield also includes an SD card slot that can be accessed using the SD library.

Note: This is not 802.3af-compatible PoE, it's more of a home-brew Power-over-Ethernet scheme that we like to call "DIY PoE." You shouldn't apply anything outside the 7-12V range to those pins (The input voltage range of the Arduino board) unless you regulate the power off-board.

SparkFun Ethernet Shield - Retail Product Help and Resources

Core Skill: Soldering

This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.

1 Soldering

Skill Level: Noob - Some basic soldering is required, but it is limited to a just a few pins, basic through-hole soldering, and couple (if any) polarized components. A basic soldering iron is all you should need.
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Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

3 Programming

Skill Level: Competent - The toolchain for programming is a bit more complex and will examples may not be explicitly provided for you. You will be required to have a fundamental knowledge of programming and be required to provide your own code. You may need to modify existing libraries or code to work with your specific hardware. Sensor and hardware interfaces will be SPI or I2C.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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