UPA-4x4 Universal Programming Adapter
Sometimes it would be easier to to be able to insert a PICAXE programming adapter at the end of a breadboard, rather than the more usual practice of inserting it somewhere along the side of the breadboard. The UPA-4x4 Universal Programming Adapter allows for this possibility because it can be assembled in one of two configurations:
Traditional "Side-Mounting" |
New "End-Mounting" |
 |
 |
As you can see in the photos, I have painted a different color dot on the top of each pin of the 4-pin headers to remind myself of the connection for each pin (there was no room on the board for labels). Here's the little mnemonic code I use to remember which is which. (I need all the help I can get in this area. :-)
- Black = Ground (what else?)
- Yellow = Serial Out because you "yell" out!
- Green = Serial In because nowadays it's "in" to be green.
Once the UPA-4x4 is assembled in one configuration, it can't be converted to the other one. The solution to this dilemma, of course, is to buy two UPA-4x4s and assemble one in each configuration. Hey, you never know!
One Final Note
When configured for side-mounting, the UPA-4x4 pinout matches that of the standard 4-pin arrangement I will be using in all future installments of the Nuts & Volts PICAXE Primer column. When configured for end-mounting, one of the two 4-pin headers has the same pinout, so this is also usable for all upcoming Primer projects.