MyRoboPathOpen Robotics Lab
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ElectronicsQUICK REFERENCE

Breadboard

Know which holes connect before troubleshooting your circuit.

Wiring fundamentalsMyRoboPath / Robotics field notes
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01Internal connections

Terminal strips
A–E in one numbered row connect together; F–J in that row form a separate group.
Center gap
No connection across the trench. Place DIP ICs across it.
Power rails
Long +/− side strips often connect vertically; many are split halfway.

02Before power

Continuity
With power OFF, meter-test rail segments and uncertain connections.
Bridge rails
Connect split segments deliberately; opposite-side rails are not automatically linked.
Label voltage
Mark 3.3 V, 5 V and GND clearly when multiple rails are used.

03Common mistakes

Shorted component
Both leads in the same connected five-hole group bypass the component.
Wrong row
A jumper one row away leaves a circuit open.
Motor current
Use proper terminals/wires for high current; breadboards are for low-power prototypes.

Datasheets & further reading

SparkFun breadboard guide