DFRobot Romeo All-in-one Microcontroller Review

Introduction

Ever wondered if you could find a microcontroller that was well balanced and fit most of your projects and ideas? We have all run into these problems where we can't find the exact fit. The fact remains that this will be a problem for some time. At least until the industry stabilizes.

All things aside - we are hear to talk about the DFRobot Romeo All-In-One Microcontroller. This microcontroller is one well balanced component. Its chock full of features and capabilities that other controllers lack.

Overview

The DFRobot Romeo All-In-One Microcontroller is a board that can be used for many projects. I wouldn't use this controller if you are doing home automation. However, if you are doing robotics and want to have a good controller to start out with then this would be it. It may not fit every project - but - it will let you do everything you need to do. Just know that it doesn't have the expansion that the DFRobot DFRduino Mega Microcontroller has.

Similar to that of the Mega controller - this board can use shields. However, its not nearly as open as the Mega but it does support shields. Combine this board with the right shield and you might just have an equivalent board to the Mega - just without the expansion.

The following is a quick introductory video providing an overview of the DFRobot Romeo All-in-one controller.

DFRobot Romeo All-In-One Microcontroller Features

Now onto the details of the DFRobot DFRduino All-in-one microcontroller. Below is a listing of the features of the Romeo:

• Atmega 328
• 14 Channels Digital I/O
• 6 PWM Channels (Pin11,Pin10,Pin9,Pin6,Pin5,Pin3)
• 8 Channels 10-bit Analog I/O
• USB interface
• Auto sensing/switching power input
• ICSP header for direct program download
• Serial Interface TTL Level
• Support AREF
• Support Male and Female Pin Header
• Integrated sockets for APC220 RF Module and DF-Bluetooth Module
• Five I2C Interface Pin Sets
• Two way Motor Drive with 2A maximum current
• 7 key inputs
• DC Supply：USB Powered or External 7V~12V DC
• DC Output：5V /3.3V DC and External Power Output
• Dimension：90x80mm
• Weight:60 gram

Pros and Cons

Pros

• APC220 RF module and DF-Bluetooth Module Support
• 5 I2C Ports
• Two Way Motor Controller up to 2A
• Shield Support
• 7 programmable onboard buttons
• Good all around board

Cons

• Limited Expansion
• Limited Shield Support

Compatibility

The DFRobot Romeo All-in-one controller is compatiable with the freely available Arduino IDE. We have used numerous verions of this software and it has worked flawlessly.

The following is a list of shields that are known to be compatiable with the DFRobot Romeo All-in-one Microcontroller:

• Arduino Prototyping Shield
• Arduino Ethernet Shield
• Arduino Input Shield

The following is a list of shields we have used with the DFRobot Romeo All-in-one microcontroller without flaw. They are not official from DFRobot - however - we have used them without one hiccup.

• Arduino I/O Shield

Support

As with all DFRobot products very little support is required. You may find yourself trying to figure out how to use the push buttons. But we were able to find plenty of examples online of how to do so. We plan to include this on the site in the near future for those that need it.

Their online support is simple and easy to navigate. We have yet to have to contact support for assistance with their products. This is a great sign. Truely a company that thinks through their products and ensures they provide something you can work with out of the box!

Conclusion

In conclusion - if you are looking for a controller that fit many projects and is versatile with little to know additional purchases then the DFRobot Romeo All-in-one is the controller for you. Including enough expansion to support most robotic projects. Not to mention 5 I2C ports and two way motor controller to boot. What else could you ask for? Lastly, it supports shields but not all shields will work with it. Make sure you look ahead to what shields you may need to ensure it will support them.

Where to buy?

DIYbin.com