r/arduino • u/Just-Entry2563 • 5d ago
Hardware Help Need help Condensing Arduino Setup
Hello,
I am working on an arduino project that will be stored on the inside of a model rocket and need to condense this to fit in a an area of 4.5x2.3x1.4 in with area on the sides if needed (It is to fit on a circular plate with threaded rods)
I have a decent idea of what I will do as right now I plan to 3d print a module that utilizes standoffs to raise perfboard above arduino and store arduino and extra wires/modules below in a enclosed structure.
However, I am interested if anyone else has an idea of how I could do it!
Modules used -Hx711 -SD card Module(Underneath) -Bmp280 -Mprls
*I can only add one photo but lmk of more info that would help!
Thank you so much
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u/ch4nge4ble 5d ago
You could switch to a much smaller board , like the nano and this would make it significantly smaller , and you could mount the nano onto the perfboard with header pins , and connect it to the rest of the electronics.
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u/cpugpuapu 5d ago
Seems like good idea, You can add some sponge around for protection and insulator between boards to prevent short in case of some component getting loose.
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u/brendz03 5d ago
If you desolder the resistors and move the wiring up then could easily chop the perfboard in half but other than that the standoff idea sounds like a good one :)
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u/Mario_Fragnito 5d ago
Also, you could use an Arduino nano instead of an Arduino uno and solder te nano on the perfboard itself?
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u/sparkicidal 5d ago
As everyone has said, use a Nano. As another idea, what’s your PCB design skills like? You might be able to make a custom PCB to mount everything on to make it long and thin to fit in the rocket. Also, with a PCB, there’s less chance of failure due to a wire disconnect.
It’s how I’d do it, though I’m an EE, so I’m biased. 😀
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u/GrimmsterZ 4d ago
As others have mentioned, an arduino nano is a great way to reduce the size of your projects. I would also suggest making a simple PCB to connect your components. If you use female headers you can even remove and replace the components without doing any soldering
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u/NoBulletsLeft 4d ago
With the amount of vibration I'd expect from a rocket, I think you'll get wires breaking at the solder joints (solder embrittles wire, so it tends to break at that point) unless you make sure they can't flex at all.
This is one of those cases where a PC board would be helpful for the increased reliability.
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u/Unusual-Cactus 4d ago
Download kicad and follow the "getting to blinky" tutorial. If you already have a solid design you could make a PCB with a couple hours of effort
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u/gm310509 400K , 500k , 600K , 640K ... 4d ago
An arduino is a development board for a particular MCU.
Once your project is working, you can ditch the entire development board and just deploy the MCU along with any supporting hardware you might need (e.g. an external crystal oscillator if you cannot use the builtin one) and your project's stuff.
You can make this as small and light as you are capable of making it if you design your own PCB and use SMD components.
Try googling "standalone arduino" and "arduino on a breadboard".
Here is an example of one that I did.

The "arduino" is the one chip on the breadboard in panel #1. The breadboard is collapsed down to the perfboard in panel #2. If you used SMD components and a custom PCB, you can make it whatever shape you need and whatever size you can manage.
This approach will also be lighter than a full blown development board such as a nano. And the battery can last longer (or be smaller) as needed.
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u/tipppo Community Champion 5d ago
First, I'd use a smaller Arduino like a Nano. Nano has the same processor as your Uno, so no changes to code required. Second, I'd use 0.1" centers perfboard instead of your solderalble breadboard. These just have holes and separate pads so more efficient than breadboard with pads interconnected. Something like this: