Own the fourth iteration of our popular SparkFun Inventor's Kit and not ready to buy version 4.1? You are in luck! The SparkFun Inventor's Kit Bridge Pack was designed to provide you with an easy way to move into the next SIK edition without buying a whole new kit. Each Bridge Pack includes all of the new parts found in the SIK v4.1 that aren't in V4.0, as well as the most up-to-date, spiral-bound guidebook so you can get started right away!
The SIK V4.1 includes the Redboard Qwiic which allows you to expand into the SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem after you have become proficient with the SIK circuits. The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong. Please be aware that with the new Redboard Qwiic addition to the SIK that you will need to install new drivers for the CH340 USB-to-Serial Converter.
Note: The Bridge Pack is NOT a full SparkFun Inventor's Kit and only includes the parts to complement an older version of the SIK to make it compatible with the version 4.0 projects.
Combining this Bridge Pack with an older SIK will allow you to create the following projects:
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.
Skill Level: Rookie - You will need a better fundamental understand of what code is, and how it works. You will be using beginner-level software and development tools like Arduino. You will be dealing directly with code, but numerous examples and libraries are available. Sensors or shields will communicate with serial or TTL.
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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.
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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We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
Based on 1 ratings:
Worked great at first; love the USB Micro plug and improved distance sensor. But the first time I plugged the battery pack in (for the autonomous rover) the receptacle snapped off the board taking a few pieces of the board with it. I didn't feel like I was applying an excessive amount of force. Maybe I just got a bad board or something, but I won't be ordering any more of these things for a while.
EDIT: Sparkfun sent me a free replacement board; took a while for it to arrive but so far no components have broken off. I'll have to assume it was a single board defect. Thanks Sparkfun!
Sorry to hear that happened! It does sound like you received a board with a bad connector on it. Please contact our customer service department for help.