An introduction to breadboards

1 Introduction

Follow the instructions to make a working prototype version of the Yr7 LED torch project.
You will need has 2 LEDs, a breadboard, two 330 ohm resistors and a 6X6 push to make switch.
You will also need single core wire – black and red, wire cutter and wire strippers.

Using the single core wire – black and red – cut and strip your wire to make your power leads. These will eventually connect to the power supply at 3V.

Wire them in. Best to give a 90 degree bend at the end. Try to keep them as flat to the board as possible. Black to the negative rail and red to the positive rail.

Let’s get connected

Using the single core red wire make a short connector lead which is going to
Run from the positive rail into the rest of the board.

Note LED shown for scale and I used the wrong colour wire.

Insert your connector lead to the board.
Next add the LED. Remember they are dependent on being fitted with
The correct polarity so make sure the long leg is the positive.
Trim down the legs and insert to the board as shown. Flatten side is negative.

Mind the gap

Add a push to make switch (P2M). They are not quite square so it will only fit one way round across the gap.
The first hoop needs to be inline with the LED’s negative leg.

Resistance is not futile!

Why do we need a resistor?
Grad a load resistor. It needs to be a 330 ohm.

Can you remember the values of the colour bands?

Insert the resistor into the board. It needs to connect from the second hoop of the P2M switch to the negative rail.

Blast off!

Before plugging in double check your power supply is set to 3V.
Follow the path of the electrons and make sure everything links together.
Electrons will not flow unless they got somewhere to go.

When you are sure connect your power leads to the crocodile clips and switch on.

Badge It - Silver

Complete the circuit above using the switch, LED and resistor.

Badge It - Gold

Click on this link to learn about transistors.
Create the circuit below for the door buzzer project on a breadboard.
Please note, the BC548 or BC547B transistors have specific pins that need to be used.
Look at the image below to help you with your connection.

The buzzer will also need to be connected correctly. The long leg is positive if the sticker on the top has been removed.

See examples below,