EKitsZone UNO Rev.3 First Look

I recently decided to buy an Arduino UNO R3, to test compatibility with my sketches, which I have been testing w/ a Deumilanove.  The UNO R3 contains an ATmega16U2  instead of an FTDI chip to do the serial to USB conversion, as well as 3 extra pins on the digital side of the board: SCL/SDA/AREF.  One thing I don’t like about the Arduino UNO is that while it uses a 16MHz crystal for the 16U2, the main 328P MCU runs on a resonator, which is not as accurate.  I found the EKitsZone UNO Rev.3 on eBay for $14.99, and decided to give it a try.

unor3The notable differences in the EKitsZone Rev.3 versus the Arduino UNO R3 are:

  1. the ATmega328P uses a 16MHz crystal oscillator instead of a resonator, so its timing is just as accurate as a Deumilanove
  2. the reset button is mounted at a right angle, so it’s easily accessible even when a shield is attached on top
  3. it uses a mini-USB connector instead of a full-sized one
  4. the JP2 pins aren’t filled with solder, so it’s easier to solder in headers, should you want to connect something the PB4..PB7 pins on the 16U2
  5. the programming header for the 16U2 isn’t installed, but it’s easy to solder one in

I see 1-4 as advantages.  Plus, the board is a cool looking red color.

5 thoughts on “EKitsZone UNO Rev.3 First Look”

  1. Hey, nice little review, been really happy with my EKitsZone Uno, so much so I’ve ordered another. Came fast to the UK and the guy answered an email question really fast. Do you mind if I link to this page from my blog?

  2. We are now distributors of the nice eKitsZone UNO r3. We sell it with a mini USB cable and offer support. We will soon be selling the Mega 2560 r3. They are both beautiful and fully functional.

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