An electronics kit (most of you probably had these when you were 12).
http://www.maplin.co.uk/electronics-kit-97369
There's an awesome selection of components and a number of basic projects for me to get stuck into. Also, got a flashing LED kit.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/dual-superbright-redflashing-leds-34161
Not entirely sure what this is going to do but I intend to leave this until after I've worked through most of the projects in the kit. It also looks like this might require a bit of soldering and I don't yet have a soldering iron. But I do have... screwdrivers!
http://www.maplin.co.uk/32-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-528589
This is a really cool little set, given the price and although it doesn't contain the security versions of the 'T' head screwdrivers that just means my xbox controllers are safe for now.
So, due to recent illness, this is a bit of a retrospective so I'll just give a quick recap. I worked dutifully through the stage 1 exercises, creating simple lightbulb, buzzer and LED switch circuits. I also created my own pressure switch!
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| It's ok to be jealous. |
Today I started on the stage 2 exercises. It involves work with transistors which I'm still trying to wrap my head around. Below is a circuit listed as 'Dampness Indicator'. From what I gather the transistor in the circuit acts like a switch but the middle (base) pin requires connection to positive current in order for the switch to work. This way (I think) a small amount of current could be used to operate a switch on something that needs more. Behold the dampness indicator!
To the right are 2 probes that can be bridged with a finger. If the finger is damp the bulb comes on strongly. If the finger is relatively dry then it doesn't (or gives a weak response due to the slight moisture already in my finger). This is basically a crude lie detector.
That's it for now. Stay tuned for more thrilling experiments!
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