How do I choose a microcontroller or single-board computer for a robotics prototype?

Match the controller to your project's compute needs, I/O count, and communication interfaces (GPIO, PWM, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN). Consider power budget, real?time requirements, available development libraries and community examples (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi families), and confirm part availability and datasheets on the product page before ordering.

What should I check when selecting motors and motor drivers for robots?

Select motors based on required torque, speed, voltage and continuous vs stall current, and pair them with drivers rated for the motor's peak current and control method (brushed, brushless, stepper). Review datasheets for torque curves and cooling needs, and account for gearing, feedback sensors and the controller interface when planning your drivetrain.

Can I collect orders from a Communica branch and obtain a VAT invoice for institution purchases?

Yes — branch collection is available from the Samrand head office and branches in Pretoria (CBD) and Cape Town; choose the branch pickup option at checkout and present your order reference and ID on collection. VAT invoices can be issued for business or educational purchases; request invoice details at checkout or via the sales channel used for your order.

What are typical lead times for out?of?stock components and how do backorders work?

Many items are stocked locally, but specialist components may have supplier lead times; the product page normally shows current stock status and any estimated ETAs. For procurement or bulk needs you can request a quote or backorder option to confirm delivery timelines and minimum quantities.

Does Communica support educational or classroom robotics kits and bulk procurement for tertiary institutions?

Communica offers component kits, development boards, 3D printing supplies and test equipment suitable for classrooms and labs, and can provide bulk quotations and VAT invoicing for institutions. Check the education requirements when requesting a quote to ensure kit content, quantities and delivery or branch pickup options meet your curriculum needs.

What types of robotics and prototyping components does Communica stock?

Communica stocks microcontrollers and development boards, sensors, motors and drivers, power supplies, connectors and enclosures, 3D printing consumables, tools, and test & measurement equipment from a wide range of global and maker brands. Product availability can be checked on the online catalogue or by contacting your local branch.

How can I check stock availability and estimated lead times for parts?

Check the product page on communica.co.za for current stock indications and lead-time notes, and contact the Samrand head office or your nearest branch for confirmation on backorders or import lead times. For larger or time-sensitive orders, request a formal quote or lead-time confirmation from sales so you have a documented delivery estimate.

Can I collect my order from a Communica branch or do you only ship?

You can choose branch collection (Samrand, Pretoria CBD, Cape Town) or courier delivery at checkout; branch trading hours and collection details are listed on the Branches & Trading Hours page. For branch collection request a VAT invoice or packing slip at pickup.

Do you support educational and bulk procurement for robotics courses or labs?

Yes — Communica supplies schools, universities and industry with component kits and larger quantities; departments should contact the sales team with a parts list and delivery requirements to obtain volume quotes, lead times, and VAT-compliant paperwork. Early engagement helps manage stock allocation and import lead times for semester planning.

How do I choose the right motor and driver for a mobile robot prototype?

Match motor voltage and continuous/peak current ratings to the driver specification and battery system, and select torque and RPM based on robot weight, wheel diameter, and required acceleration; include a safety margin for stall current and thermal dissipation. Review datasheets, estimate your power budget, and confirm component availability or compatible alternatives with Communica before finalising the design.

Automotive Boards for Sale in South Africa - Fast Local Stock at Communica

Name: Communica
Telephone: 0126573500

Find automotive boards and interface modules at Communica: CAN, OBD-II, microcontroller kits, shields, and more. Local ZAR invoicing, stock in Samrand, and quick branch pickup.

Published:July 10, 2026

3 min read

Image supplied by 123RF

SA's Board Selection Hub

Find CAN, OBD-II, and automotive dev kits with verified local availability.

Business and Tertiary Solutions

Quick VAT invoicing and collection for engineers, students, and sourcing teams.

Shop Leading Automotive Brands

Browse stocked brands like Seeed, STMicroelectronics, MikroElektronika, and more.

Automotive Boards & Interface Kits In-Stock Locally

For South African automotive engineers, tertiary labs, and hobbyists working on connected cars, diagnostics, or fleet solutions, automotive boards and interface kits are essential. Communica brings together a wide selection of CAN-Bus boards, OBD-II modules, microcontroller development kits, and automotive protocol shields-offering reliable local stock and ZAR invoicing for rapid project turnaround.

Local Automotive Board Range

CAN-Bus dev boards (STM32, Arduino, ESP32, and more)
OBD-II interface modules
Automotive diagnostics shields and expansion boards
Processor boards designed for harsh environments
Accessory bundles: cables, enclosures, relays, and breakout kits

South Africa Context: These automotive boards are popular for tertiary research, IoT fleet projects, aftermarket diagnostics, and CAN/OBD educational labs. With Communica, you can check real-time branch stock at Samrand, order for pickup, or arrange delivery anywhere in South Africa.

Popular Automotive Board Brands Stocked

Brand	Example Boards/Modules	Category
Seeed Studio	CAN-Bus shield, OBD-II modules	Prototyping, vehicle comms
MikroElektronika	Click boards (CAN, LIN, OBD-II)	Plug-in diagnostics
STMicroelectronics	Nucleo dev kits with automotive MCUs	Embedded control
Adafruit	CAN FeatherWing, OBD add-ons	Maker/education

Whether you need a rugged MCU board for custom car ECUs, a quick plug-in CAN shield to interface with bakkie electronics, or a basic OBD-II interface for diagnostics, Communica's stocked categories simplify your search. All products include clear specification callouts such as input voltage range, protocol support (CAN 2.0, CAN FD, LIN), and connector compatibility to speed up your integration and reduce rework.

Automotive Board Selection Criteria

When comparing automotive boards, consider:

Microcontroller family and processing power
Supported automotive protocols (CAN, LIN, OBD-II)
Voltage levels: 3.3V, 5V, automotive 12V
Physical connectors and harness compatibility
Board form factor and mounting
Library/support resources for rapid prototyping

Tip: For university and FET students, most dev boards are compatible with common prototyping connectors, so you can build out projects with available breadboards and test leads from Communica's general prototyping section.

Related Robotics & Prototyping Products

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Feature	Board Example A	Board Example B
MCU Series	STM32F042K6	ATmega328P + CAN Shield
CAN Protocol	CAN 2.0B	CAN 2.0A/B
OBD-II Ready	With external transceiver	Yes, shield add-on
Voltage Input	5-16V DC	7-16V DC
Form Factor	Nucleo STM32 board	Arduino w/ CAN shield

Automotive Boards for Sale in South Africa - Fast Local Stock at Communica

SA's Board Selection Hub

Business and Tertiary Solutions

Shop Leading Automotive Brands

Automotive Boards & Interface Kits In-Stock Locally

Local Automotive Board Range

Popular Automotive Board Brands Stocked

Automotive Board Selection Criteria

Related Robotics & Prototyping Products

7,5a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Brown • 7.5a

7,5a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Brown • 7.5a

5a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Tan • 5a

5a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Tan • 5a

50a 10x38 Gold | 12v Amplifier Automotive Fuse • 50a • 10Ø X 38mm

4a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Pink • 4a

4a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Pink • 4a

3a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Violet • 3a

3a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Violet • 3a

30a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Light Green • 30a

2a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Grey • 2a

2a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Dark Green • 2a

Business, Education, and Advanced Maker Use

Specification Snapshot: Comparing Automotive Boards

Accessory Considerations & Compatibility

Next Steps: Sourcing Automotive Boards at Communica

Sources

7,5a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Brown • 7.5a

7,5a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Brown • 7.5a

5a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Tan • 5a

5a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Tan • 5a

50a 10x38 Gold | 12v Amplifier Automotive Fuse • 50a • 10Ø X 38mm

4a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Pink • 4a

4a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Pink • 4a

3a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Violet • 3a

3a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Violet • 3a

30a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Light Green • 30a

2a Mini Blade Fuse | Mini Blade Automotive Fuse • Grey • 2a

2a Blade Fuse | Blade Automotive Fuse • Dark Green • 2a

Communica South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a microcontroller or single-board computer for a robotics prototype?

How do I choose a microcontroller or single-board computer for a robotics prototype?

What should I check when selecting motors and motor drivers for robots?

What should I check when selecting motors and motor drivers for robots?

Can I collect orders from a Communica branch and obtain a VAT invoice for institution purchases?

Can I collect orders from a Communica branch and obtain a VAT invoice for institution purchases?

What are typical lead times for out?of?stock components and how do backorders work?

What are typical lead times for out?of?stock components and how do backorders work?

Does Communica support educational or classroom robotics kits and bulk procurement for tertiary institutions?

Does Communica support educational or classroom robotics kits and bulk procurement for tertiary institutions?

What types of robotics and prototyping components does Communica stock?

What types of robotics and prototyping components does Communica stock?

How can I check stock availability and estimated lead times for parts?

How can I check stock availability and estimated lead times for parts?

Can I collect my order from a Communica branch or do you only ship?

Can I collect my order from a Communica branch or do you only ship?

Do you support educational and bulk procurement for robotics courses or labs?

Do you support educational and bulk procurement for robotics courses or labs?

How do I choose the right motor and driver for a mobile robot prototype?

How do I choose the right motor and driver for a mobile robot prototype?

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