Sensor Shield Expansion Board V5 for Arduino

Specifications

• Model: Sensor Shield V5.0
• Main Compatibility: Arduino Uno R3, Leonardo, Mega 2560 (Fits footprint)
• Digital I/O Ports: 14 Channels (D0-D13) configured as GVS (Ground-Voltage-Signal)
• Analog I/O Ports: 6 Channels (A0-A5) configured as GVS
• I2C Interface: Dedicated 4-pin Header (SDA, SCL, VCC, GND)
• UART (Serial) Interface: Dedicated 4-pin Header (Tx, Rx, VCC, GND)
• Wireless Interface: Dedicated APC220 / Bluetooth Header Block
• SD Card Interface: Dedicated Header for SPI SD Card Modules
• Ultrasonic Interface: Dedicated URF01 Header
• External Power Input: 2-Pin Screw Terminal Block (Blue)
• External Voltage Range: 5V - 6V DC (Recommended for Servos)
• Power Mode Selection: 2-Pin Jumper Cap (SEL) - Selects USB vs. External Power
• Reset Switch: Onboard Side-Facing Tactile Button
• Power Indicator: Onboard LED Status Light

Features 

• Plug-and-Play GVS Headers: Every I/O pin (D0-D13, A0-A5) is flanked by a VCC and GND pin.
• High-Current Power Terminal: A dedicated screw terminal allows you to pump 5V-6V directly to your servos, bypassing the Arduino’s weak onboard regulator.
• Dedicated Comms Ports: Separate 4-pin headers for I2C, COM (UART), and generic communication.
• Wireless Ready: Specific onboard headers for an APC220 Wireless Module and Bluetooth Module, making remote control projects seamless.
• Reset Button: A side-mounted reset button ensures you can still reset your Arduino even when the shield is covering the main board.

Project Evolution
From Blinking LEDs to Walking Robots

• The Prerequisite: You’ve likely mastered blinking an LED or turning a single micro servo using jumper wires plugged directly into the Arduino headers. It works, but it's fragile.
• The Upgrade (This Product): By snapping on the Sensor Shield V5, you unlock Stable Multi-Servo Control. You can now build a 4-DOF Robot Arm, a Hexapod, or a pan-tilt camera system. The GVS headers allow you to plug 4, 8, or even 12 servos directly into the shield.

Wiring & Safety Guide

Critical: Understanding the Power Jumper (SEL) This shield features a 2-pin jumper block (often labeled SEL or PWR). Understanding this is critical to not burning out your Arduino.

• Jumper ON (Pins connected): The VCC pins on the GVS headers draw power from the Arduino's 5V regulator (USB power). Usage: Sensors only. Do not connect heavy motors in this mode.
• Jumper OFF (Pins removed): The VCC pins are disconnected from the Arduino. You must connect an external 5V-6V power supply to the Blue Screw Terminal. Usage: Mandatory for driving Servos (MG995, SG90). This isolates the high-current load from your sensitive microcontroller.

Package Includes : 1 x Sensor Shield V5 Expansion Board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does this shield work with the Arduino Mega 2560?
  Yes, it physically fits the Mega 2560, but it will only break out the pins that align with the Uno footprint (D0-D13, A0-A5). The extra Mega pins are not accessible via this shield.
• What does GVS stand for?
  GVS stands for Ground, Voltage, Signal. It is the standard pinout order for most hobby sensors and servos.
• Can I power MG995 servos directly from this board?
  Yes, but only if you remove the SEL jumper and connect an external high-current power supply (5V-6V) to the blue screw terminal. Do not power MG995s via USB.
• Why does my Arduino reset when the servos move?
  This is a "brown-out." Your servos are drawing too much power from the Arduino. Remove the SEL jumper and use external power.
• Does this shield come with an Arduino Uno?
  No, this is the expansion shield only. The Arduino Uno board is sold separately.
• Can I use this for an I2C LCD display?
  Yes, there is a dedicated I2C header block (SDA, SCL, VCC, GND) specifically for displays.
• What is the URF01/APC220 header used for?
  It is designed for specific wireless radio modules but can also be used as a generic Serial (Tx/Rx) port for other devices.
• Is this shield compatible with the Arduino Leonardo?
  Yes, the footprint matches the Leonardo perfectly.
• Do I need to solder anything?
  No, the Sensor Shield V5 comes fully assembled. You simply plug it into your Arduino headers.
• Can I connect a 12V battery to the screw terminal?
  NO! The screw terminal connects directly to the VCC pins of your sensors/servos. 12V will destroy 5V servos and sensors instantly. Stick to 5V-6V.
• Does the reset button reset the shield or the Arduino?
  It resets the Arduino board underneath. It is a mechanical extension of the Arduino's reset line.
• Can I control stepper motors with this shield?
  Not directly. Stepper motors need a driver (like A4988). You can plug the driver's control pins into this shield, but not the motor coils.
• Is there a power LED?
  Yes, most V5 boards include a small LED to indicate when the VCC rail is powered.
• What cables are best for this shield?
  Female-to-Female dupont cables are ideal for connecting sensors to the male header pins.
• Can I stack another shield on top of this one?
  No, this shield uses male pins facing up. It does not have female stacking headers to accept another shield on top.
• Why are some pins labeled COM?
  The COM header is a breakout for the Serial port (Tx/Rx), used for communication modules like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• Does this interfere with USB uploads?
  If you have a module plugged into the D0/D1 (Tx/Rx) pins (like Bluetooth), you must unplug it before uploading code via USB.
• Can I use this with a 3.3V Arduino?
  Technically yes, but the V pin will carry whatever voltage is supplied. Ensure your external power matches your system logic level to be Probots Logic-Safe™.
• What is the maximum current?
  The traces are reinforced, but we recommend keeping the total current through the terminal block under 2A to prevent overheating.
• Is the SD card interface SPI?
  Yes, the labeled SD card header is typically wired to the standard SPI pins (D11, D12, D13).