A Beginner's Guide to Circuits: Nine Simple Projects with Lights, Sounds, and More!

Description

A Beginner's Guide to Circuits is the perfect first step for anyone ready to jump into the world of electronics and circuit design. After finishing the book's nine graded projects, readers will understand core electronics concepts which they can use to make their own electrifying creations! First, you'll learn to read circuit diagrams and use a breadboard, which allows you to connect electrical components without using a hot soldering iron! Next, you'll build nine simple projects using just a handful of readily available components, like resistors, transistors, capacitors, and other parts. As you build, you'll learn what each component does, how it works, and how to combine components to achieve new and interesting effects. By the end of the book, you'll be able to build your own electronic creations. With easy-to-follow directions, anyone can become an inventor with the help of A Beginner's Guide to Circuits! Build These 9 Simple Circuits! * Steady-Hand Game: Test your nerves using a wire and a buzzer to create an Operation-style game! Touch-Enabled Light: Turn on a light with your finger! Cookie Jar Alarm: Catch cookie thieves red-handed with this contraption. * Night-Light: Automatically turn on a light when it gets dark. Blinking LED: This classic circuit blinks an LED. Railroad Crossing Light: Danger! Don't cross the tracks if this circuit's pair of lights is flashing. * Party Lights: Throw a party with these charming string lights. Digital Piano: Play a tune with this simple synthesizer and learn how speakers work. ** LED Marquee: Put on a light show and impress your friends with this flashy finale. Acknowledgments Introduction The Circuits The Materials How to Build the Circuits in This Book What the Components Look Like Building Circuits on a Breadboard Build Your First Breadboard Circuit The Circuit Diagram The Parts List Building the Circuit Connecting the Resistor Connecting the LED Connecting to the Power Supply Columns Connecting the Battery What If the LED Does Not Light Up? You’re Ready to Build the Nine Circuits! Chapter 1: The Steady-Hand Game The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Connecting the Battery to the Buzzer Creating the Game Track Connecting the Metal Ring to the Breadboard Common Mistakes A Quiet Alternative Chapter 2: The Touch-Enabled Light The Circuit Diagram The Parts List Introducing the Transistor About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 3: The Cookie Jar Alarm The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 4: The Night-Light The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 5: The Blinking LED The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 6: The Railroad Crossing Light The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 7: The Party Lights The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 8: The Digital Piano The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How the Circuit Works Chapter 9: The LED Marquee The Circuit Diagram The Parts List About the Circuit Common Mistakes How This Circuit Works Where to Go from Here Resistor Color Codes