Getting Started

Drag parts, wire a harness, validate, and save your first Protoboard project in minutes.

Quick map

Action	Where	Why
Open	https://alpha.protoboard.xyz/	Launch the alpha web app
Parts	Left panel → Parts Bin	Source parts for your system
Smart Search Preview	Left panel → Smart Search Preview	Faster part discovery
Connect	Drag from part edge to part edge	Create a harness between two parts
Inspect	Click the harness → right panel	Map signals and power between parts
Validate	Top bar → Validate	Run checks before you buy hardware
Save	Top left → ▼ next to the Protoboard logo → Save	Keep a local copy of your project

Alpha software. Expect bugs and missing features. We push weekly updates based on feedback.

1) Open

Go to https://alpha.protoboard.xyz/. The canvas loads with the left panel (Parts Bin and Smart Search Preview), and the right inspector is hidden until you select something.

First time here? Start a tiny project like “controller + sensor” or “battery + motor + driver.” Small graphs make validation fast and obvious.

2) Add parts

1. In the left panel, use Parts Bin or Smart Search Preview to find parts.

2. Drag a part onto the canvas.

3. Repeat for at least one other part.

Missing something? Click Request Part from the Parts Bin.

Smart Search is in early preview. Not connected to real components yet. Explore the flow and tell us what to improve.

3) Connect parts

With two parts placed, drag from one part’s edge to the other. This creates a harness.

• A harness is a single logical cable that can carry power, signals, and other channels between two parts.

• One harness can bundle multiple interface connections.

Auto‑connect is not live yet. You pick the exact interface mapping in the next step.

4) Inspect and map

Click the harness. The right panel opens.

• Choose which interfaces to link on each part.

• Map required functions to actual resources (pins, ports, rails).

• Fix any red items. They indicate missing assignments or constraint violations.

Treat mapping like a matching problem: each required function needs a compatible resource with the right attributes. If power or logic levels don’t line up, insert a part that adapts them.

5) Validate

Hit Validate in the top bar when your project feels complete.

What it checks at this stage:

• Interface intent and roles line up between parts

• Cardinality and sharing rules are satisfiable

• Basic attribute ranges look sane (voltage, current, logic thresholds, simple bus constraints)

Outcome:

• Pass. You get a green light with assignments locked in.

• Needs work. You get errors or warnings with the failing items listed.

We are manually reviewing results during alpha. Expect conservative behavior.

6) Save

Top left. Click the down arrow next to the Protoboard logo and choose Save.

• Saves are local only for now.

• Keep the project file if you plan to report a bug or ask for help.

Troubleshooting and feedback

If you hit a blocker or bug:

1. Go to https://protoboard.featurebase.app/ or use the in‑app Feedback button.

2. Include simple repro steps or a short screen recording.

3. Attach your saved project file.

This speeds up fixes and gets your requested parts added.

Reference: interface compatibility

Compatibility is simple:

• Same interface intent with complementary roles

• Matching attributes within limits

• Valid resource assignment that satisfies counts and share rules

If those three are true, parts connect. If not, add or swap parts until they do.

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Alpha caveat

This documentation is in alpha along with the Protoboard app. Names, rules, and flows may change. Send us feedback early and often.