On this session we made an analog circuit that uses input, and output devices.
What we used for this:
- breadboards
- resistors
- capacitor
- LED
- batteries
Simple analog circuit with input and output
We made a simple analogue circuit to turn on an LED light (output) when a button is pressed (input). The circuit is powered using a 9V battery or power supply. The circuit has a resistor to limit the current through the LED – otherwise it will blow up!
We added a capacitor in parallel to the LED. This will charge up when the button is pressed, and will discharge when the button is released making the LED fade-out (rather than simply turning off).
Soldering
Today we used soldering to fix the components to the track.
Tools:
Process:
- Collect together the soldering tools below:
- Make sure that the sponge on the stand is damp.
- When the soldering iron has reached its temperature clean the tip on the sponge.
- Place a small amount of solder on the tip of the soldering iron. This is called tinning and helps the transfer of
the heat from the soldering iron to the components. - Place the soldering iron against the track and the leg of the component and hold it there for a few seconds.
- Touch the solder against the track and leg of the component so that just enough solder runs onto both.
- Cut off any excess leg from the component just above the top of the soldered joint.
Moisture Tester
What we used for this:
- Moisture tester
- resistors
- transistor
- LED
- batteries
