Summary of How to Build Your Own Arduino Clone
This article discusses the Ktuluino, an Arduino clone created primarily as a PCB design practice project. While not innovative, the Ktuluino is practical, inexpensive, compatible with many Arduino shields, and features unique artwork on the board. The design files are available on GitHub, and the boards can be ordered via OSH Park. Assembly is straightforward, with component orientation important for the ATMEGA328 and LED. Some parts like the DIP socket and headers can be omitted to reduce cost depending on project needs.
Parts used in the Ktuluino:
- ATMEGA328 microcontroller
- LED
- 28-pin DIP socket (optional)
- 5.5mm x 2.1mm power jack (optional)
- ICSP header (optional)
- Female headers (optional)
Arduino clones are ubiquitous. A quick web search or a look at any electronics hobbyist website will turn up some kind of Arduino-like microcontroller board. Studies have shown that the absolute last thing the world needs is another Arduino clone that adds nothing or very little to existing designs.
One might surmise that these are the exact reasons why someone should never design another Arduino clone, yet here is Ktuluino.
There’s nothing original or particularly compelling about the Ktuluino. The name even has “ino” added to the end which has become so overused that it’s often painful and cringe inducing. With seemingly everything going against it, why would someone make something like this? The answer is… this board was an exercise in PCB design. I need stuff to practice on, and although there’s nothing revolutionary about this board, it is practical. Who can’t use another Arduino, or three?
There are some good things about the Ktuluino. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to build, compatible with tons of Arduino shields, and it has a Great Old One silk-screened on the board. If you need a few really cool Arduinos, you can order the boards from OSH Park, or download the Gerbers from Github and have boards made. For build instructions and a bill of materials see below. If you want to design your own Arduino clone, see the Ktuluino schematic and search the web. There’s a ton of information and open source designs out there.
