Breadboard question

I've never owned or used a breadboard before, but considering purchasing one in my current price range. My questions are,

1. Apparently some are not "powered" ? I assume you have to add batteries or generators, rheostat ?

2. I'm looking at this (apparently older) one, -Elenco 9440 Breadboard With JW-350 Jumper Wire Set, Model 9480WK, but it says nothing about whether

a. it has a power source
OR
b. what the voltage range is
OR
c. if it has an adjustable voltage source.

Appreciate any input.

That particular breadboard is unpowered. It should have the jacks so you can add your own power-supply with banana plugs, or you can just grab a couple of batteries and go to town that way. I have that one, it has served well so far.

I converted an old computer power supply into a bench supply for 5V and 12V, works well with the breadboard and was fun to tinker up, maybe go that route!

Hi R_W_B. I just have two plain, non-powered solderless breadboards. One is similar to this:



In my opinion, most powered breadboards cost more than they're worth. It is cheaper to just connect a benchtop power supply (or even a 9-volt battery clip!) to the binding posts on the board and connect them to the board. If you ask me, the only benefit of owning a powered breadboard is its portability. Other than that, there's really no reason to get one. You can get the same portability with a 9-volt battery clipped in, which is why that's what I do. It's simple, neat, lightweight, and costs a LOT less than buying an actual powered breadboard. Personally, that's what I'd suggest you do.

Hope this helps!
Regards,
Der Strom

I would get just the plain breadboard for less than $10.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Global-Specialties/GS-830/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtm36YkO3Igk%2bBY3L9rp3pL

Agreed. .

MrChips said:

I would get just the plain breadboard for less than $10.

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Global-Specialties/GS-830/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtm36YkO3Igk%2bBY3L9rp3pL

Click to expand...

I got one of those, and 3 more that's another type.

The type I've only got one of, has the power rails all the way, the others have the power rail cut in pieces. I like the power rails to go all the way.

I have a box full of various types. Some were given to me as gifts by my parents 40 years ago, some I made a backplane (actually Jim did) and I made a quick and dirty 4 tier breadboard myself.

The older ones are better quality, the new ones have been cheapened quite a bit.

Get 24 gauge wire, and make the jumpers yourself. I have several kit boxes I used for jumpers and parts, I use conductive foam to store ESD sensitive parts.