The Arduino UNO, Now in Extra-Large

For the most part, we want our electronic devices to be smaller. Nobody really wishes that their phone or smartwatch was bulkier so that it was more of a pain to carry around. UncleStem, on the other hand, wants electronics to be larger — much larger. Or at least that is the case when it comes to the Arduino UNO. UncleStem has created a fully functional UNO development board that is seven times larger than the real deal.

Why would anyone do that, you ask? Certainly not for any practical reason, but not everything needs to be practical when we are doing hobby projects. Sometimes we do things just because we can, and that is all the reason anyone ever really needs for bringing a cool project idea to life.

To make this happen, UncleStem started by downloading a 3D model of a real Arduino UNO. Most of the components were simply scaled up seven times, then were 3D printed. When it came to functional components, like the pin headers, buttons, and LEDs, a bit more work was needed. The parts had to be printed in a way that allowed real components to be hidden inside.

Next, three layers of plywood were cut to size to serve as the circuit board. Decals were affixed to the top and bottom layers to mimic the appearance of a real UNO. The middle layer was used to hide wires that run from the pin headers and other functional components to an Arduino Nano that is hidden inside. Finally, the layers were glued together and the faux components were installed on the board.

At this point UncleStem had a giant Arduino UNO that was fully functional; however, one of the most useful features of these boards is the ease with which they can interface with additional hardware. Or rather, the ease with which a normal-sized UNO can interface with additional hardware. So, to demonstrate the board in action, UncleStem had to create some giant LEDs and resistors using similar techniques, in which standard components were hidden inside super-sized 3D prints.

After hooking things up and flashing the Nano with firmware, the luggable UNO was blinking an LED like a champ. Now the only question remaining is what else this giant creation could be used for.