SainSmart
SainSmart Function Expansion Board for Raspberry Pi
Bridge your Raspberry Pi's GPIO capabilities with the vast Arduino ecosystem using the SainSmart ARPI600 Expansion Board. This board ensures compatibility with numerous Arduino shields and hardware, featuring an onboard Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with 11 channels and a Real-Time Clock (RTC). It simplifies wireless integration with an XBee connector and offers easy serial debugging via an onboard USB to UART converter. Designed for Raspberry Pi 1 B+, 2 B, and 3 B models, it unlocks a world of expansion possibilities for your projects.
$63.99
Owner Satisfaction
3.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1520
/ 1546
#1520 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
-27%
Below average
ADC Resolution
10
/ -bit
Who it's for
- Simplified Prototyping
- Integrated Core Features
- Enhanced Project Stability
Who should skip it
- Increased Physical Footprint
- GPIO Pin Commitment
- Variable Documentation Quality
Key Specs
ADC Resolution
10-bit
ADC Speed
38KSPS
Analog Input Channels
11 total (6 for Arduino interface, 5 for sensors)
Onboard Components
TLC1543 (AD converter), PCF8563 (RTC), CP2102 (USB TO UART)
RTC Battery Holder
Supports CR1220 button battery
Supported Raspberry Pi Models
Pi 1 A+/B+, Pi 2 B, Pi 3 B
Package includes
Sensors Pack and two USB cables (micro and mini-B)
Form Factor
Shield/HAT compatible
Features
- Adapts Raspberry Pi GPIO for Arduino shield compatibility.
- Integrated XBee connector for wireless modules.
- Onboard USB to UART for easy debugging.
- Dedicated sensor interface for direct connection.
- Real-Time Clock (RTC) for accurate timekeeping.
- Configurable jumpers for analog/digital pin selection.
- Supports multiple Raspberry Pi models.
What customers say
The SainSmart Function Expansion Board generally earns praise for its reliability once operational, successfully expanding the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi. However, customer sentiment consistently highlights significant challenges regarding ease of use. The documentation is often cited as sparse or confusing, forcing users to rely heavily on external resources for setup and configuration. While the hardware quality is acceptable, the steep learning curve detracts from the overall experience, suggesting it is best suited for experienced hobbyists rather than beginners.
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$64