I just assembled the Bare-Bones Board (BBB) from the Modern Device Company. The BBB is a “low-cost, breadboard-friendly Arduino-compatible” board. The BBB is cheaper than the popular Diecimila. This is because it doesn’t have the USB to UART chip from FTDI. Instead, the board connects to a cable that contains the FTDI chip. This means that if you plan on buying multiple boards, then you only pay for the FTDI chip once. The board is also cheaper because you can buy it as a kit and build it yourself. The startup kit which includes the cable costs $33, $2 cheaper than the Diecimila. Additional kits, not including the cable, cost only $15.
The BBB is very easy to build. All of the components are through-hole except for one 15 uH inductor, so the components are easy to solder. Also, the board requires a minimal amount of tools. All you need is a soldering iron, diagonal cutters, and needle nose pliers. Tweezers are also handy for soldering the surface mount inductor, but not completely necessary. You also of course need solder. I used lead free solder with a diameter of .032 inches. Solder containing lead is easier to work with because of its lower melting temperature, but also more toxic, duh! Desoldering braid is also important in case you make a mistake, I made a couple myself.
I am really happy with my new BBB. The BBB is cheap and easily plugs into a breadboard. Also, I take more pride in it than my Diecimila because I built it myself.
