Having a ready supply of fun, easy prototyping circuit boards can be a great way to encourage you to get making! I like to make a “protoboard version” of the circuit boards I use. This is easy to do. Then you can quickly attach croc clips or make the board sewable with conductive thread.

Get ready for your world to be Alien’d!

The best thing about this process is that it makes your circuit boards look like an alien! Making your boards into protoboards allows you to create rapid prototypes, and then you can buy a board to integrate into your project.

Keep your protoboard handy for your next project.

What – What do I need?

All you’ll need is

• the circuit board you want to make into a protoboard,
• soft silicone wire,
• and the ring terminals!

You can get all these right here at Tinker Tailor.

How – can I do this?

Yes! This is something you can do and if you take your time it will last for many many projects.

I’ve written up an Instructable for this as a step-by-step guide. You can read it here: https://www.instructables.com/ALIENS-Making-Your-Circuit-Boards-Into-Multiuse-Pr/

Examples – Have I made this? Yes!

I’ve made these protoboards with the ring terminals and I love them, here are some photos!

Aliens – Mix it up

Try different circuit boards and wire colors. I would love to see what you made – have you added longer wires? Shorter wires and then sewn it into a project? How have you mixed it up? Does it look as alien as mine?

Tip – Try other connectors?

Lastly, this is a great start to making your personalised circuit boards. You might want to swap out the connectors for crocodile clip ends or brass colours and similar. There are a lot to choose from so make it work for you!

Time to get making

Now it’s your turn. Look through the tutorial, and solder the wires and ring terminals to your board, then get prototyping. Send us your photos of your own aliens! Don’t be shy. Buy ring terminals, get soldering. Please leave a comment below.