Thursday, 3 January 2013

HEART SHAPED BADGE

Heart-shaped Badge Project

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics.
Download PDF version of this page
The badge consists of eight LEDs arranged in the shape of a heart. One LED is lit at a time and this 'chases' round the shape. It would be easy to adapt this project to create other shapes with the eight LEDs. This project uses a 555 astable circuit to provide the clock pulses for the 4017 counter.

Parts Required

resistors: 2.2k, 47k, 270 ×8
capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial
red LEDs ×8
555 timer IC
4017 counter IC
DIL sockets for ICs: 8-pin, 16-pin
on/off switch
battery clip for 9V PP3
safety pin to attach badge
ribbon cable 9-way about 1 metre (to connect badge to main circuit)
stripboard: 16 rows × 19 holes for circuit, 10 rows × 9 holes for badge

Stripboard Layouts

Stripboard layout for heart-shaped badge

Circuit diagram

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project.

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MODERN RAILWAY SIGNAL

Model Railway Signal Project

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics.
Download PDF version of this page
A magnet under the train operates reed switches positioned on the track. The first reed switch changes the signal to red as the train passes, then further along the track a second reed switch changes the signal back to green ready for the next train. The isolated section of track just in front of the signal is switched off by the relay when the signal is red so a train will stop automatically at the red signal.
This project uses a 555 bistable circuit.

Parts Required

resistors: 1k ×2, 33k ×2
capacitors: 220µF
1N4001 diode
1N4148 diode
red LED (3mm best)
green LED (3mm best)
555 timer IC
8-pin DIL socket for IC
push-switch ×2
reed switch ×2
relay SPCO 12V coil
miniature magnet - each locomotive needs one
stripboard 11 rows × 24 holes

Stripboard layout

Track connections

Connect the reed switches to push-switches A and B (see the stripboard layout).
The switches can be held in place between the rails with a small piece of blu tac.
Connect the track wires to the COM and NC contacts of the relay.
When soldering to the track make sure you solder to the outside of the rail.
Each locomotive will need a miniature magnet glued to its underside - test first with blu tac, but superglue is probably best once you are sure it is in the correct position.
Note that railway signals have red at the bottom, unlike road traffic lights where red is at the top.

Circuit diagram

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project.

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Simple ELECTRONIC LOCK

Simple Electronic Lock Project

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics.
Download PDF version of this page
There are six (or more) push switches. To 'unlock' you must press all the correct ones at the same time, but not press any of the cancel switches. Pressing just one cancel switch will prevent the circuit unlocking. When the circuit unlocks it actually just turns on an LED for about one second, but it is intended to be adapted to turn on a relay which could be used to switch on another circuit.
Please Note: This circuit just turns on an LED for about one second when the correct switches are pressed. It does not actually lock or unlock anything!
This project uses a 555 monostable circuit.

Parts Required

resistors: 470, 100k ×2, 1M
capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial
red LED
555 timer IC
8-pin DIL socket for IC
on/off switch
push-switch ×6 (or more)
battery clip for 9V PP3
stripboard 12 rows × 25 holes

Stripboard Layout

Circuit diagram

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project.

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Home | Map | Projects | Construction | Soldering | Study | Components | 555 | Symbols | FAQ | Links Electronics Club Flashing LED Project LED stands for Light Emitting Diode A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. Download PDF version of this page This project is designed as an introduction to soldering, identifying common components, using the resistor colour code and placing components correctly on stripboard. The LED flashes at about 3Hz (3 flashes per second). This project uses a 555 astable circuit. Parts Required * resistors: 470, 1k, 220k * capacitor: 1µF 16V radial * red LED (or orange, yellow or green if you prefer!) * 555 timer IC * 8-pin IC holder (a 'DIL socket') for the 555 IC * battery clip for 9V PP3 * stripboard: 6 rows × 21 holes Instructions 1. Solder the 8-pin IC holder in the correct place on the stripboard. 2. Break the 4 tracks under the IC holder with a track cutter tool. You can allow extra holes if your piece of stripboard is large enough. Stripboard with IC holder 3. Use the resistor colour code to identify the resistors which are marked with coloured bands to show their value. 4. Insert and solder the resistors in the correct position, they can be put in either way round, but you must line them up correctly with the IC holder. 5. Identify the other parts, then solder them in the correct position and the right way round. To help you identify the parts please see our page on soldering. Stripboard layout for flashing LED 6. Solder the 2 wire links in place around the IC holder, it is easier to use plastic-coated single-core wire. (The flexibility of stranded wire is not needed for connections like this and the strands can be difficult to push through the small hole). 7. Finally insert the 555 timer IC and connect a battery! For a circuit diagram of the 555 astable circuit used in this project please see the Stripboard page. Click here for RSH Electronics A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project. Return to Projects page * Electronics Club Home Page Soldering iron * Site Map * Example Projects * Construction of Projects * Soldering Guide * Study Electronics * Electronic Components * 555 Timer * Circuit Symbols * Frequently Asked Questions * Links to other Electronics sites This website uses StatCounter cookies to estimate the number of unique visitors. No personal information is stored in the cookies. If you would like further information or wish to refuse these cookies please visit the StatCounter website. © John Hewes 2013, The Electronics Club, www.kpsec.freeuk.com

Flashing LED Project

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode
A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics.
Download PDF version of this page
This project is designed as an introduction to soldering, identifying common components, using the resistor colour code and placing components correctly on stripboard. The LED flashes at about 3Hz (3 flashes per second). This project uses a 555 astable circuit.

Parts Required

resistors: 470, 1k, 220k
capacitor: 1µF 16V radial
red LED (or orange, yellow or green if you prefer!)
555 timer IC
8-pin IC holder (a 'DIL socket') for the 555 IC
battery clip for 9V PP3
stripboard: 6 rows × 21 holes

Instructions

Solder the 8-pin IC holder in the correct place on the stripboard.
Break the 4 tracks under the IC holder with a track cutter tool. You can allow extra holes if your piece of stripboard is large enough.
Use the resistor colour code to identify the resistors which are marked with coloured bands to show their value.
Insert and solder the resistors in the correct position, they can be put in either way round, but you must line them up correctly with the IC holder.
Identify the other parts, then solder them in the correct position and the right way round. To help you identify the parts please see our page on soldering.
Solder the 2 wire links in place around the IC holder, it is easier to use plastic-coated single-core wire. (The flexibility of stranded wire is not needed for connections like this and the strands can be difficult to push through the small hole).
Finally insert the 555 timer IC and connect a battery!

For a circuit diagram of the 555 astable circuit used in this project please see the Stripboard page.

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project.

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light house

Model Lighthouse Project

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics.
Download PDF version of this page
Flash sequence for model lighthouse project

This project was designed for a model lighthouse to flash a lamp in a simple sequence: two flashes of 2s with a short gap of 1s, followed by a longer gap of 5s before repeating the sequence.

The 555 timer is connected as an astable to provide clock pulses for the 4017 counter. The 4017 has ten outputs (Q0 to Q9) and each one becomes high ('on') in turn as the clock pulses are received. Outputs Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q4 are combined with diodes to produce the flash sequence. A transistor amplifies the current to power the lamp, or LED if you prefer (a 470

LED resistor is included on the stripboard layout). The 1M

preset controls the time period (T) of the 555 astable from about 0.1s to 1.5s, for example set T = 1s.
For a different flash sequence connect the diodes to combine different 4017 outputs (Q0-Q9). If the full count from 0 to 9 is not required one of outputs can be connected to the reset input (pin 15). For example connecting Q8 (pin 9) to reset (pin 15) reduces the long gap at the end of the sequence to 3s (with T=1s).
This project uses a 555 astable circuit to provide the clock pulses for the 4017 counter.
For information about lighthouses in the UK visit www.trinityhouse.co.uk

Parts Required

resistors: 470, 2k2, 22k, 100k
capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial
diodes: 1N4148 ×4
transistor: BC108 (or equivalent)
1M preset, horizontal
6V 60mA MES lamp
MES lampholder
555 timer IC, such as NE555
4017 counter IC
DIL sockets for ICs: 8-pin, 16-pin
on/off switch
battery clip
9V battery box for 6 AA cells
stripboard: 19 rows × 21 holes

Stripboard Layout

Circuit diagram

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project.

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ELECTRONIC PAGES

Traffic Light Project

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics.
Download PDF version of this page

This project operates red, amber and green LEDs in the correct sequence for a single UK traffic light. The time taken for the complete red - red & amber - green - amber sequence can be varied from about 7s to about 2½ minutes by adjusting the 1M preset. Some amber LEDs emit light that is almost red so you may prefer to use a yellow LED.
The 555 astable circuit provides clock pulses for the 4017 counter which has ten outputs (Q0 to Q9). Each output becomes high in turn as the clock pulses are received. Appropriate outputs are combined with diodes to supply the amber and green LEDs. The red LED is connected to the ÷10 output which is high for the first 5 counts (Q0-Q4 high), this saves using 5 diodes for red and simplifies the circuit.
This project uses a 555 astable circuit to provide the clock pulses for the 4017 counter.

Parts Required

resistors: 470 ×3, 22k, 100k
capacitors: 0.1µF, 1µF 16V radial, 10µF 16V radial
diodes: 1N4148 ×6
LEDs: red, amber (or yellow), green
1M preset, horizontal
555 timer IC, such as NE555
4017 counter IC
DIL sockets for ICs: 8-pin, 16-pin
on/off switch
battery clip for 9V PP3
stripboard: 20 rows × 21 holes

Stripboard Layout

Circuit diagram

A kit for this project is available from RSH Electronics. If you are new to electronics buying a kit is a good way to be sure you have the correct parts for the project.

Return to Projects page

robots

How to Build a Simple Robot – Beetle Robot

Posted on January 6th, 2006 in How To Make a Robot, Robots

Do not miss the new up-to-date and detailed How to Build a Robot – Grand Tutorial Series.

The following article will show you how to build a simple robot, called “The Beetle Robot”, created by Jerome Demers. It’s great for beginners and is easy to do. Before starting, I suggest you to read the complete tutorial below. This will greatly lower the chances of you making a mistake. This is the Beetle Robot v. 3 you are going to build:

Tools Needed:

soldering iron ( here’s a helpful tutorial on soldering )
electronic solder
diagonal cutter
Mini glue gun

Components for the robot

2x – small DC motors
2x – small paperclips
2x – big paperclips
2x – batteries AAA or AA
1x – AA battery holder or AAA battery holder
1x – 2 cm of heat shrink
1x – wooden pearl (for the caster)
1x – meter of electric wire
2x – Sub-mini lever SPDT switches

Here are the serial numbers of the components and tools from RadioShack .

Component

Number

soldering iron	64-2184
electronic solder	64-006
diagonal cutter	64-2951
1.5 Volts motor	273-223
battery holder	270-398
SPDT switch	275-016

Most of the components can be bought for much cheaper at Digi-Key, Jameco, or similar. At RobotShop, you can find the dual AA battery holder and the small DC motor. You can also find these components at any good electronic component store. Here are all the parts needed for the construction the beetle robot:

1. Cut the electric wire in pieces of 6 cm each, 13 times.

Strip 1 cm at each end.

2. Regroup all the components.

3. Solder each wire to each components except the two batteries.

4. Take the battery holder and make a connection to the connection.

This will give a third connection.See picture below.

The blue wire is the third connections

5. Turn the battery holder up side down so the batteries point to the ground. Glue the two switches on the battery holder in a V form.

6. Glue the motor beside each switch so that the shaft touches the ground

7. Take the big paperclip and make the caster like the picture below.

You can make a nice looking caster or a normal one

I prefer the nice one

8. How to make the connection

9. Take the small paper clip and bend them to make antenna.

Glue them to the switches and don’t put to much glue.

Add 1 cm of heat shrink to the shaft of each motor.

10. Add the batteries in the battery holder and put it on a flat surface to see your creation take life. Congratulations!

There is a comprehensive debugging tutorial on Jerome’s site, in French. A Google translation is here.

For further information on learning how to make a robot, please visit the RobotShop Learning Center. Visit the RobotShop Community Forum in order to seek assistance in building robots, showcase your projects or simply hang-out with other fellow roboticists.

Faces2kb

Thursday, 3 January 2013