Kypruino UNO+

Probably the only four-layer UNO R3 board in the universe!

Yeah, you heard right! The Kypruino (along with is brother ROBO UNO+) development board sets itself apart with its advanced four-layer printed circuit board (PCB) design, offering significant benefits over traditional two-layer PCBs, and probably making it the only four-layer UNO R3 board in the universe! This sophisticated layering enhances electrical performance by reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI), a critical factor in maintaining signal integrity for complex electronics projects. Additionally, the four-layer configuration allows for a more compact board design, optimizing space for additional features and functionality. This design approach facilitates better heat dissipation, ensuring Kypruino operates reliably under a wide range of conditions. Integrating internal ground and power planes also improves power distribution throughout the board, leading to more stable and efficient operation. This enhancement make Kypruino a superior choice for enthusiasts and educators seeking a robust platform for their innovative projects.

Say goodbye to the mess

Based on our research and experience, almost all medium to advanced projects include some pushbuttons for input, a buzzer to generate audio feedback and sounds, a few LEDs for visible feedback, and most probably a display. Wiring these components for each new project is time-consuming and messy. Incorporating these components directly onto the board streamlines your project build, allowing you to focus more on coding and project-specific wiring.

Kypruino specifically incorporates, and saves a lot of wiring for:

• 1x Buzzer 3x RGB LEDs
• 4x General Purpose Buttons
• 1x Plug & Play OLED Port
• 1x I2C JST-SH Port

All pins are free to use 🎉

Although Kypruino has lots of on-board components, the board was cleverly designed so that all pins are free to use! That is if you want to use the on-board button pins (D2,D4,D6,D7) you can just go ahead and do it without any changes, but to use the buzzer and Neopixel pins (D8,D9) for other purposes you have to push the respective switch to OFF.

Dive right to the action - smoother learning curve

Over six years of teaching microcontroller prototyping, we’ve seen beginners struggle with the steep learning curve of both electronics and programming. The Kypruino simplifies this by incorporating onboard components, clear labels, and easy-to-use features, allowing learners to start with programming and gradually progress to electronics. Since this is a classic educational platform, we labeled all the main components on the silkscreen so students can easily recognize and understand the board layout.

Of course, we wouldn’t limit you in any way; if you prefer not to use the built-in hardware, all pins are accessible for your custom use.

Kypruino Quest Map

To make your journey even easier, we prepared a list of 20 ready-made projects, ensuring you have a smooth kickoff! A piano project, a police system, an egg timer, an altitude logger, and even DOOM is on the list to play with! All the projects are available in our GitHub repository :)

Expanded connectivity

Kypruino boasts double header pin rows, providing increased connectivity options for additional sensors, actuators, and expansion modules. A big upgrade is the JST-SH port for plug-and-play connectivity with ROBO add-ons, Adafruit’s STEMMA QT, and Sparkfun’s Qwiic ecosystem, opening up an entirely new world of expansion boards for your projects.

OLED Display & WiFi Port

Kypruino includes a standard four-pin connector for the popular SSD1306 OLED display. This plug-and-play feature allows for seamless integration of I2C displays, providing a visual interface to showcase project data, status, user interactions, or even mini-games. In addition there is WiFi plug-and-play port that can use the well-known ESP8266 WiFi module to add WiFi functionality to your Kypruino!

Getting started:

Getting started with the Kypruino is super easy, it's like using the classic Arduino UNO R3:

1. Install the drivers! If not installed already on your PC, you should install the drivers of the USB-UART IC CP2102 which you can find from the official manufacturer here 💻
2. Install the Arduino IDE and fire it up ⚡
3. Connect the Kypruino with a USB TypeC data cable. If you are having issues ensure that your cable is not power-only. For more information you can check our dedicated article around that matter here 🔌
4. Just select Arduino UNO as the board and you are ready to upload a sketch and unleash your creativity! As promised, the Kypruino is 100% compatible with the UNO R3 and beyond! 🚀

To the moon and beyond!

In conclusion, the Kypruino is not just a product but a testament to the innovative spirit of Cyprus. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging the next generation of engineers and makers to explore the realms of technology and electronics. With the Kypruino, we welcome you to the future of Arduino development, where the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.

To celebrate the 7th Robotex Cyprus—the largest robotics competition on the island—and the launch of the first Cypriot Arduino board, we're excited to introduce the Robotex Cyprus Limited Edition Kypruino. This special edition is a tribute to the innovation and technological advancement within Cyprus, marking a significant milestone with the release of Kypruino, the island's first Arduino-compatible board. The Kypruino embodies a leap forward in Cyprus's tech landscape, merging the globally recognized Arduino platform with local expertise. Released in limited quantities, it aims to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers and makers in Cyprus and beyond.