How to Use SparkFun Digital Sandbox: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SparkFun Digital Sandbox (Sandbox) is an educational platform designed to introduce electronics and programming in an easy-to-understand format. It is equipped with built-in sensors and components, making it an ideal tool for beginners to experiment with and learn the basics of electronic circuits and coding without the need for soldering or breadboarding.

• Educational environments (schools, workshops, and maker spaces)
• Prototyping simple electronics projects
• Learning the basics of Arduino programming
• Experimenting with digital and analog inputs and outputs
• Introduction to sensors and actuators

• Operating Voltage: 5V (USB powered)
• Digital I/O Pins: 14 (of which 6 provide PWM output)
• Analog Input Pins: 6
• DC Current per I/O Pin: 40 mA
• Flash Memory: 32 KB (ATmega328)
• SRAM: 2 KB (ATmega328)
• EEPROM: 1 KB (ATmega328)
• Clock Speed: 16 MHz

1. Connect the Digital Sandbox to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Use the Arduino IDE to write and upload sketches to the Sandbox.
3. Interact with the built-in components or connect external components to the Sandbox using jumper wires.

• Always ensure the Sandbox is disconnected from the USB port before making or altering connections.
• Avoid connecting components that draw more current than the Sandbox can provide (40 mA per I/O pin).
• Use the provided examples as a starting point for learning and experimentation.
• When connecting external components, ensure correct polarity and voltage levels to prevent damage to the Sandbox.

// Blink an LED connected to pin 13
void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin 13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for a second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for a second
}

• LED not blinking: Ensure the LED is connected to the correct pin and that the code has been uploaded successfully.
• Sensor readings are erratic: Check connections and ensure that there is no loose contact. Also, verify that the code is correctly reading the sensor values.
• Sandbox not recognized by computer: Try a different USB cable or port, and ensure the drivers are installed correctly.

• Double-check all connections against the circuit diagram.
• Make sure the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
• Use the Serial Monitor to debug and print out values from sensors to help diagnose issues.
• Reset the Sandbox if it becomes unresponsive.

Q: Can I power the Digital Sandbox with a battery? A: Yes, you can use a battery pack with a USB connector or a regulated 5V supply connected to the VIN pin.

Q: Is the Digital Sandbox compatible with all Arduino shields? A: Not all shields will be compatible due to the Sandbox's unique form factor and pin layout. Check compatibility before attempting to connect a shield.

Q: How do I extend the capabilities of the Digital Sandbox? A: You can connect additional sensors and actuators to the Sandbox using the I/O pins, following the Sandbox's voltage and current specifications.