Kits for all the projects are available from
RSH Electronics.
Project kits are now available! I am pleased to announce that kits for all the projects on this website are now available from
RSH Electronics.
If you are new to electronics this is an ideal way to be sure you have the correct parts.
A brief description of the each project is given, but for full details click on the title.
If you are looking for an easy project suitable for a beginner you might like to try the
Flashing LED.
In addition to the web pages, all projects are available as PDF files to download
for convenient printing onto A4 paper.
To view and print PDF files you need an Acrobat Reader which may be downloaded free for
Windows,
Mac,
RISC OS,
or UNIX/Linux
computers. If you are not sure which type of computer you have it is probably
Windows.
These projects are provided in good faith but no responsibilty is accepted
for their accuracy or suitability for any purpose - you use them entirely at your own risk!
If you find an error in a project please tell me
so that I can correct it as soon as possible.
Simple Component and Continuity Tester
This simple project can be used to test components, circuit board tracks,
wires and connections.
Flashing LED This simple project on stripboard is the first that all Electronics Club members build.
It makes a good low-cost project to check your soldering skills. The LED flashes at about
3Hz (3 flashes per second).
Heart-shaped Badge 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.
Simple Electronic 'Lock'
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.
Most relays cost about £2 to £3 extra.
Adjustable Timer This circuit starts timing when switched on. A green LED lights to show that
timing is in progress. When the time period is over the green LED turns off,
a red LED turns on and a bleeper sounds. The time period is set by a
variable resistor and it can be adjusted from 1 to 10 minutes (approximately). It could be
used to set a time limit when playing games or as an egg-timer in the kitchen.
Light-Sensitive Alarm The circuit detects a sudden shadow falling on a light-sensor and sounds a bleeper for
a short time (adjustable). Normal lighting can be used, but the circuit will work best
if a beam of light is arranged to fall on the light-sensor. Breaking this beam will
then cause the bleeper to sound.
Christmas Decoration 18 LEDs flash at three different rates and you can use these to create a decoration
of your choice. A template for a Christmas tree can be downloaded.
The circuit is kept simple (and cheap!) by using the 4060B chip which is a counter
and oscillator (clock) in one package.
The circuit requires a 9V supply, such as a PP3 battery.
Model Railway Level Crossing Lights
The level crossing warning lights are switched on automatically as a train approaches.
First an amber light shows, then two red lights flash until the train has passed the crossing.
Network Lead Tester
This was designed for confirming the continuity and correct wiring of computer network leads,
but it can be adapted to check any lead with up to 8 wires by using appropriate connectors.
'Random' Flasher for 8 LEDs
This project uses a 4026 counter and display driver IC to flash eight LEDs in an
apparently random manner. It can be used to create a display of your choice.
Model Railway Signal This signal is controlled automatically by a passing train fitted with a magnet.
It can also be manually set to red or green by pressing the switches. Trains will stop
automatically stop at the red signal.
Kits for all these projects are available from
RSH Electronics.
If you are new to electronics I recommend buying a kit because it is a good way to be sure
you have the correct parts for a project.
Simple Component and Continuity Tester
Heart-shaped Badge
Christmas Decoration
