The Arduino Nano’s breadboard-style headers make connecting multiple sensors a wiring nightmare. The Waveshare Nano expansion board provides screw terminals, grove connectors, power regulation, and labelled breakout headers for every pin.
Board Features
- Screw terminals for all digital and analogue pins
- 5V and 3.3V regulated outputs, VIN up to 12V
- Dedicated I2C, SPI, and UART headers
- LED indicators for power and pin 13
- Four M3 mounting holes
- Fits Nano, Nano Every, and ESP32-S3-Nano
Pinout and Connectors
Each pin gets a 3-pin screw terminal: signal, VCC, GND. Every sensor connection needs only a screwdriver. The I2C connector follows Grove standard for plug-and-play sensors.
Setup Guide
- Ensure Nano has headers soldered downward.
- Align USB port with USB marking on expansion board.
- Press firmly — all 30 pins should seat fully.
- Connect power via USB or VIN terminal (7-12V).
Wiring Sensors
DHT22 Temperature Sensor
#include <DHT.h>
DHT dht(2, DHT22);
void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); dht.begin(); }
void loop() {
Serial.print("Temp: "); Serial.print(dht.readTemperature());
Serial.print("C Hum: "); Serial.println(dht.readHumidity());
delay(2000);
}Project Ideas
- Weather Station: DHT22 + BMP280 + OLED, wall-mounted via M3 holes.
- Plant Watering: Soil moisture on A0, relay on D7, water pump.
- Home Hub: ESP32-S3-Nano for WiFi, relay modules for light control.
- Data Logger: SD card on SPI, multiple analog sensors.
- Robot Controller: Motor driver + ultrasonic sensor, vibration-proof screw terminals.
Power Management
- USB: 500 mA limit. VIN: 7-12V, higher current for servos/motors.
- 3.3V rail for sensors like BME280 and NRF24L01.
- Each GPIO sources 20 mA max. Use MOSFETs for high-current loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Works with Nano Every?
Yes, same form factor and pinout.
Can I stack boards?
No, single Nano only. Use I2C expanders for more pins.
Screw terminal current rating?
Up to 2A per terminal, sufficient for most sensors.
Outdoor use?
Mount in weatherproof enclosure. Screw terminals handle vibration better than breadboard.
Conclusion
The Waveshare Nano expansion board transforms the Arduino Nano from a breadboard prototype to a robust permanent installation. Screw terminals, dedicated headers, and mounting holes make it essential for production projects.
Browse the full Waveshare collection at Zbotic.in with fast shipping across India.
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