Adafruit 12 x Capacitive Touch Shield for Arduino - MPR121

This awesome touch - add - on shield for Arduinos is a game - changer for your interactive projects. It comes with 12 capacitive touch sensors. Capacitive touch sensing, which you've likely used on tablets, phones, or appliance control panels, detects when someone touches a sensor electrode. With this shield, you can create electronics that respond to human touch using up to 12 individual sensors. The shield has 12 'figure 8' holes. Attach alligator clip cables to the holes, connect the other end to something conductive like metal or wet items such as fruits and vegetables. Then, use our Arduino library to detect touches - it's super easy! Advanced users can solder to a pad for a slimmer and more permanent connection. It only uses I2C pins (SCL & SDA), so it works well with any Arduino. It uses the same chip as our MPR121 12 - Key Capacitive Touch Sensor Breakout, allowing you to reuse the library and code. We have touch - reading examples. With an Arduino Leonardo and some creativity, you can turn touches into keyboard presses or pair it with our Music Maker shield for an audio player. Each order includes a Capacitive Touch Shield and a 36 - pin header stick. You'll need to do some basic through - hole soldering, which is easy with tools like a soldering iron and rosin core electronics solder. You may also want to get a 12 - pack of alligator clips. Note: This kit doesn't include an Arduino, alligator clips, or fruit, but we have most of these items in the store (except fruit).

Using this Adafruit touch shield is simple. First, if you haven't already, do some light through - hole soldering to attach the 36 - pin headers onto the shield's circuit board. You just need a soldering iron and rosin core electronics solder. Next, take your alligator clip cables. Connect one side to the 'figure 8' holes on the shield, and the other side to a conductive object like a piece of metal or a fruit. Then, start up the provided Arduino library. It will detect when the object is touched. For those who are more advanced, you can solder to a pad for a better connection. When using it with an Arduino Leonardo, you can get really creative, like turning touches into keyboard presses or making an audio player with our Music Maker shield. Just remember, this kit doesn't come with an Arduino, alligator clips, or fruit. You can buy the Arduino and alligator clips from our store. As for maintenance, keep the shield in a dry place. If it gets dirty, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe it. Avoid using any harsh chemicals as they might damage the shield.