The PCB Pikachu Arduino Module is an educational custom-board project built around an Arduino UNO R3. Its design uses four LEDs for Pikachu’s eyes and ears, a tail-mounted button for interaction, and a buzzer for sounds or a melody. The project page includes a schematic and PCB layout, but its component list does not fully agree with its description, so check the design files before ordering parts or fabrication.
What is the PCB Pikachu Arduino Module?
Silícios Lab published the project on Hackster.io on June 30, 2019. It presents a Pikachu-shaped printed circuit board as a way to make Arduino programming activities more engaging for students. The project is marked beginner-level and estimates a two-hour completion time; that is the project’s estimate, not an independently verified build time. See the Hackster.io project.
This is an instructional build centered on a custom PCB, rather than a documented off-the-shelf Arduino accessory. The page shows a schematic and PCB layout to guide the build.
How do the LEDs, button, and buzzer work?
Four LEDs show Pikachu’s eyes and ears
The project narrative describes four LEDs: two for the eyes and two for the ears. Arduino code controls the LEDs as part of the programming activity.
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- 2 pieces of Mp3 Player Module for Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266
- A 3.5mm aux output female connector for interfacing with speaker or headphone
- Supported file formats: mp3 / wav
- Power supply: 3.2-5.2VDC
- Serial Interface with micro controller: baud rate is 9600bps
The tail button provides an input
A switch button sits on Pikachu’s tail. Pressing it lets the user interact with the Arduino program; the project page does not establish a particular button behavior that every build must use.
The buzzer produces sounds
The narrative says the buzzer can play sounds or a melody through Arduino. However, the hardware list calls it an “Active Buzzer,” while the narrative calls it a “passive buzzer.” Those terms refer to different buzzer types, so verify the schematic or bill of materials before selecting a part rather than assuming either description is definitive.
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- Compatible with Arduino UNO, R3, MEGA 2560 Due: The HiLetgo 5pcs Micro SD TF Card Adapter Reader Module works with these Arduino boards for easy data transfer.
- 6-pin SPI interface: The module features a 6-pin SPI interface for connecting to micro SD cards and reading data.
- Chip level conversion: The module converts chip level data into a standard format for easy access and analysis.
- Lightweight and compact: Weighing just 0.11 pounds, the module is lightweight and compact for easy handling.
What components does the project list?
| Item | What the project page says |
|---|---|
| Custom PCB | One PCBWay custom PCB |
| Controller | One Arduino UNO R3 |
| Buzzer | One “active buzzer” in the hardware list; the narrative instead says “passive buzzer” |
| Resistors | One 10 kΩ resistor and one 1 kΩ resistor |
| LEDs | One 5 mm LED in the list; the narrative describes four LEDs |
| Button | One switch button |
This is the page’s stated parts list, not a fully reconciled bill of materials: it lists one LED although the design narrative calls for four, and it uses conflicting buzzer descriptions. Consult the project schematic and design files to resolve the required quantities and exact component types before purchasing. The page does not establish all electrical specifications or compatibility details for substitutes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you get the Pikachu PCB files?
The 2019 project article points readers to a PCBWay repository for the Pikachu PCB files. That link is a historical pointer from the project page: current repository access and the availability of a ready-made board have not been verified. The project thanks PCBWay for PCB production and assembly support and UTSOURCE for electronic components; this historical acknowledgment does not establish a current offer or partnership.
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- High-Capacity Data Logging with SD Card Slot – Built-in SD card interface allows easy data storage and logging for sensors, time tracking, and experimental projects with reliable file recording capability.
- Integrated Real Time Clock (RTC) Function – Equipped with onboard RTC chip and coin-cell battery backup to maintain accurate timekeeping even when main power is disconnected.
- Prototyping Expansion Area – Includes a dedicated prototype section for soldering custom circuits, enabling flexible development and hardware customization for various DIY electronics projects.
- Stackable Shield Design for Easy Integration – Standard shield form factor allows direct stacking with compatible development boards, simplifying wiring and reducing assembly complexity.
- Stable SPI Communication Interface – Provides reliable SPI data transfer for SD card communication, ensuring fast and stable performance for continuous data logging applications.
Rank #4
- Smart voice module,integrated IO trigger, UART protocol control, One_line single-bus protocol control.
- Standard MP3 and other 7 operating modes setting by DIP switch.
- Drive 4~8Ω, 3~5W.Speaker by a 5W class D audio amplifier on board.
- Support MP3,WAV decoding; Support TF card for maximum 32G downloading music files directly by micro USB connector.
- Due to word limit, the product page cannot provide more detailed information. After purchasing, please contact customer service for usage instructions. Thank you.
Rank #3
- Build a 37-Module Sensor Lab: Add motion, distance, light, sound, temperature, touch, display and control functions to compatible UNO, MEGA, Nano, ESP-32 or STM32 projects for prototyping, classroom experiments and maker builds
- Explore Input Sensors and Motion: Experiment with GY-521 motion sensing, PIR detection, ultrasonic ranging, temperature and humidity, DS18B20, flame, Hall, touch, light, sound, tilt, tracking and obstacle-avoidance modules
- Add Displays, Timing and Control: Use the LCD1602, DS1307 real-time clock, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, buzzers, RGB LEDs and infrared modules to build clocks, alarms, counters, status displays and automated projects
- Follow Guided Projects Materials: Use digital tutorial materials, datasheets, wiring diagrams and example code for compatible UNO R3, MEGA 2560 and Nano boards, then adjust thresholds, timing and logic to create custom experiments
- Module-Only Expansion Kit: Controller board, USB cable, breadboard and jumper wires are not included; use 6.5–9 V DC only with the included power module, verify pin requirements before wiring and keep the laser emitter away from eyes
What to check before building
- Open the schematic and board files and confirm the LED count, buzzer type, component values, and connections.
- Check that the Arduino board and selected components match the design before ordering or assembling the PCB.
- Confirm that the repository still provides usable design files and determine whether you need to fabricate a board; the project page does not verify current ready-made board availability.
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