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.

Comparison of Breadboard Sizes and Features: Choosing the Right Prototype Board

Compare breadboard sizes, layouts and features for prototyping. Practical selection advice, wiring diagrams, calculations and South Africa buying tips.

Published:December 20, 2025

5 min read

Image supplied by 123RF

Size vs. Complexity

Choose tie points by counting components and jumper needs for your project.

Power & Wiring

Use proper rails, decoupling and thicker wires for higher currents.

Local Availability

Check Communica stock, branch pickup and VAT quotes for education purchases.

Overview: breadboard sizes and why they matter

A breadboard is a reusable solderless platform for building and testing circuits quickly. Choosing the right breadboard size and feature set impacts workspace layout, component density, power distribution and suitability for education or field work. This guide compares common sizes, explains layouts and shows practical selection criteria for South African makers, students and technicians seeking local stock and fast collection from branches.

Common breadboard formats

Mini / Tie-point micro (typically 170-200 tie points)
Half-size (around 400-600 tie points)
Standard / Full-size (830-900 tie points)
Stackable or modular boards and proto-plates

Each format is a trade-off between compactness and available routing area. Mini boards are useful for small sensor circuits, while standard full-size boards suit complex microcontroller projects and student lab exercises. Consider the number of components, jumper wires and header rows when estimating required tie points.

Breadboard anatomy and features

Most breadboards share common features: terminal strips (rows of connected tie points), power rails (long bus lines for Vcc and GND), and adhesive backing or mounting holes. Some models add bus splitters, double-sided contacts, integrated power supplies, or banana-plug terminals. These features change how you route power and test signals.

Note: Communica stocks a variety of breadboards, jumper wire kits and headers in its collections and brand pages; check local availability and branch pickup for immediate collection.

Quick internal resources

Explore Communica product ranges and branch info for stock and collection: Shop by Category and Branches & Trading Hours for collection options. Learn about the company and its support for education on the About Us page.

Comparison table: typical sizes and features

Type	Tie Points (approx)	Power Rails	Best Use
Mini	170-200	Often single rails or none	Small sensors, tight packing
Half-size	400-600	Usually two rails	Student projects, MCU breadboarding
Full-size	830-900+	Multiple rails, split centres	Complex prototypes, labs

Feature checklist when comparing boards

Number of tie points needed for your circuit
Presence and continuity of power rails
Mounting holes or adhesive backing for stable setups
Compatibility with standard 0.1-inch headers and modules
Quality of contacts (spring material affects wear)

Selection criteria, wiring examples and calculations

Select a board by matching tie-point capacity to your component count. As a rule of thumb, one IC consumes 8-16 tie points plus space for wiring and decoupling capacitors. For microcontroller projects with shields or headers, ensure the board accommodates the 2xN header footprint or use a full-size board.

Estimating tie points and power needs

Example: a small Arduino Nano project with 1 MCU, 4 sensors and 6 LEDs might require roughly 150-200 tie points when accounting for jumpers and decoupling. For higher-current loads or motors, use separate power rails or an external supply; breadboard traces are not rated for high continuous currents.

Basic wiring ASCII diagrams

Power rails and terminal strip layout are often confusing for beginners. Typical full-size breadboard layout (ASCII):

+---------------------------+  <- power rails
|  +---+   +---+   +---+    |
|  | A |   | B |   | C |    |  <- terminal strips (rows of 5 connected tie points)
|  +---+   +---+   +---+    |
+---------------------------+

Remember: rows of five tie points are internally connected; columns for power rails run the length of the board. When using dual-rail supplies, keep Vcc and GND rails clearly separated and label connections to avoid shorts.

Ohm's law and power notes (practical)

Quick formula refresher for resistor sizing and power: V = I * R ; P = V * I = I^2 * R. Example: an LED with 20 mA target at 5 V requiring a 2 V forward drop needs R = (5V - 2V) / 0.02A = 150 ohms. Power on the resistor: P = 0.02A * 3V = 0.06W, so a standard 0.25W resistor suffices.

Troubleshooting common breadboard issues

Loose contacts: reusable boards wear; compare spring quality and replace breadboard or use soldered perf boards for final prototypes.
Power drops: long jumper runs create voltage drops; use thicker wires or multiple power distribution points.
Noisy signals: keep decoupling capacitors close to IC power pins and avoid routing signal lines parallel to power rails.

Local availability, brands and purchasing tips

In South Africa, typical makers and education labs prefer kits that include multiple breadboard sizes, jumper leads, header pins and power modules. Communica stocks components and prototyping supplies across its collections; check the full product index for compatible parts and jumper kits: All Products. For specific brands and maker-focused modules, see Shop by Brand.

Consider lead times and VAT invoice needs for lab purchases. Visit the Communica homepage or branch pages to check stock in Samrand or Cape Town and arrange faster collection or account quoting for institutional purchases.

Practical examples and cost context (ZAR)

Estimated retail ranges in South Africa (subject to stock and brand): mini breadboards and jumper kits from around ZAR 80-200; half-size boards ZAR 120-400; full-size kits with power modules ZAR 250-800. These are estimates and depend on included accessories and brand. For education bulk orders, request a quote through Communica branches for VAT invoicing and collection.

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Comparison of Breadboard Sizes and Features: Choosing the Right Prototype Board

Size vs. Complexity

Power & Wiring

Local Availability

Communica South Africa

Overview: breadboard sizes and why they matter

Common breadboard formats

Breadboard anatomy and features

Quick internal resources

Comparison table: typical sizes and features

Feature checklist when comparing boards

Selection criteria, wiring examples and calculations

Estimating tie points and power needs

Basic wiring ASCII diagrams

Ohm's law and power notes (practical)

Troubleshooting common breadboard issues

Local availability, brands and purchasing tips

Practical examples and cost context (ZAR)

Sources

DEC cc

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