I recently purchased a couple of XBee modules from Sparkfun for a new project I’m working on.  I’ll be using them to send a wireless signal from an ice fishing tip up when a fish is on the line. I was frustrated after I received my XBee modules because I realized they do not fit into a standard breadboard!

After I got over the initial frustration I started designing a breakout board that would allow me to use the XBee modules with a breadboard. I used Dip Trace to design my first two sided board.

After I got everything laid out in Dip Trace I etched the board using the equipment at the makerspace. I used our standard process for etching the board.

1. Print the board design on press and peel blue using a laser printer.
2. Transfer the circuit design from the press and peel to the copper clad fiberglass board using a heated press.
3. Etch the board in ferric chloride.
4. Drill all of the pads with a #65 drill bit using a Dremel.

Here is the finished breakout board.