Beginner Breadboarding Kit

A microcontroller, one of each basic input/output type, and the cable to drive it — everything to go from an empty breadboard to a working first circuit.

The previous version of this bundle was two parts that didn’t even include a breadboard. This one is built around an actual reason to own one: a microcontroller, a cable to power and program it, and one of each basic input/output type. It’s the same parts list as the ESP32 Mood Ring build, plus a rocker switch for adding physical power control to whatever you build next.

What each part is for:

  • ESP32 dev board — the microcontroller. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth included, even if your first project doesn’t use them yet.
  • Breadboard — where everything else plugs in.
  • USB-A to USB-C cable — powers and programs the board. Without it, the rest of this list is decoration.
  • KY-040 rotary encoder — a digital input with a built-in push button.
  • WS2812B LED ring — a programmable output you can actually see working.
  • Rotary potentiometer — an analogue input, for when you need a value rather than an on/off event.
  • Round rocker switch — a physical power switch you can wire into a breadboard’s rail instead of unplugging USB every time.

You’ll also need male-to-male jumper wires to connect everything — not currently stocked here, any generic 22–24AWG set works fine.