Copyright © 2012, 2010 by Elenco Electronics, Inc. All ... · The Electronic Snap Circuits ......

Copyright © 2012, 2010 by Elenco® Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced by 753102any means; electronic, photocopying, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

REV-H Revised 2012Patent # 7144255

Project 58

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1. Most circuit problems are due to incorrectassembly, always double-check that your circuitexactly matches the drawing for it.

2. Be sure that parts with positive/negative markingsare positioned as per the drawing.

3. Be sure that all connections are securely snapped.

4. Try replacing the batteries.

5. If the motor spins but does not balance the fan,check the black plastic piece with three prongs onthe motor shaft. Be sure that it is at the top of theshaft.

Elenco® is not responsible for parts damaged due toincorrect wiring.

Basic Troubleshooting

Note: If you suspect you have damaged parts, you can followthe Advanced Troubleshooting procedure on page 6 todetermine which ones need replacing.

Basic Troubleshooting 1

Parts List 2

How to Use It 3

About Your Snap Circuits® Parts 4

DO’s and DON’Ts of Building Circuits 5

Advanced Troubleshooting 6

Project Listings 7

Projects 1 - 101 8 - 44

Other Snap Circuits® Projects 45

Snap Circuits® Project Shapes 46

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - Never connect SnapCircuits® to the electrical outlets in your home in any way!

Table of Contents

WARNING: Always check your wiringbefore turning on a circuit. Never leavea circuit unattended while the batteriesare installed. Never connect additionalbatteries or any other power sourcesto your circuits. Discard any cracked orbroken parts.

Adult Supervision: Because children’sabilities vary so much, even with agegroups, adults should exercisediscretion as to which experiments aresuitable and safe (the instructionsshould enable supervising adults to

establish the experiment’s suitabilityfor the child). Make sure your childreads and follows all of the relevantinstructions and safety procedures,and keeps them at hand for reference.

This product is intended for use byadults and children who have attainedsufficient maturity to read and followdirections and warnings.

Never modify your parts, as doing somay disable important safety featuresin them, and could put your child atrisk of injury.

WARNING FOR ALL PROJECTS WITH A SYMBOL - Moving parts. Do not touch the motor or fan during operation.Do not lean over the motor. Do not launch the fan at people, animals, or objects. Eye protection is recommended.! !

!

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD -Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.!

Conforms toASTM

F963-96A

• Use only 1.5V AA type, alkalinebatteries (not included).

• Insert batteries with correct polarity.• Non-rechargeable batteries should not

be recharged. Rechargeable batteriesshould only be charged under adultsupervision, and should not berecharged while in the product.

• Do not mix old and new batteries.

• Do not connect batteries or batteryholders in parallel.

• Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium)batteries.

• Remove batteries when they are used up.• Do not short circuit the battery

terminals.• Never throw batteries in a fire or

attempt to open its outer casing.• Batteries are harmful if swallowed, so

keep away from small children.

Batteries:!

Note: If you have the more advanced Models SC-300, SC-500, or SC-750, there are additional part lists in the other project manuals.

Important: If any parts are missing or damaged, DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER. Call toll-free (800) 533-2441 or e-mail us at:[email protected]. Customer Service • 150 Carpenter Ave. • Wheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.

Qty. ID Name Symbol Part # Qty. ID Name Symbol Part #

1Base Grid(11.0” x 7.7”) 6SCBG 1

Red Light EmittingDiode (LED) 6SCD1

3 1-Snap Wire 6SC01 1 2.5V Lamp 6SCL1

6 2-Snap Wire 6SC02 1Battery Holder - uses2 1.5V type AA (not included) 6SCB1

3 3-Snap Wire 6SC03 1 Speaker 6SCSP

1 4-Snap Wire 6SC04 1MusicIntegrated Circuit 6SCU1

1 5-Snap Wire 6SC05 1AlarmIntegrated Circuit 6SCU2

1 6-Snap Wire 6SC06 1Space WarIntegrated Circuit 6SCU3

1 Whistle Chip 6SCWC 1 1

MotorFan

6SCM16SCM1F

1 Slide Switch 6SCS1 1 100Ω Resistor 6SCR1

1 Press Switch 6SCS2 1 1

Jumper Wire (Black)Jumper Wire (Red)

6SCJ1 6SCJ2

1 Photoresistor 6SCRPYou may order additional / replacement parts at ourwebsite: www.snapcircuits.net

WC

6

5

4

3

2

1

S1

S2

RP

M1

U3

U2

U1

SP

B1

L1

D1

R1

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Parts List (Colors and styles may vary) Symbols and Numbers

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The Electronic Snap Circuits® kit has 101 projects. They aresimple to build and understand.

The Snap Circuits® kit uses building blocks with snaps to buildthe different electrical and electronic circuits in the projects.Each block has a function: there are switch blocks, lampblocks, battery blocks, different length wire blocks, etc. Theseblocks are in different colors and have numbers on them sothat you can easily identify them. The circuit you will build isshown in color and with numbers, identifying the blocks thatyou will use and snap together to form a circuit.

For Example:

This is the switch block which is green and has the markingon it as shown in the drawings. Please note that the drawingdoesn’t reflect the real switch block exactly (it is missing the ONand OFF markings), but gives you the general idea of whichpart is being used in the circuit.

This is a wire block which is blue and comes in different wirelengths.This one has the number , , , , or on itdepending on the length of the wire connection required.

There is also a 1-snap wire that is used as a spacer or forinterconnection between different layers.

To build each circuit, you have a power source blocknumber that needs two (2) “AA” batteries (not includedwith the Snap Circuits® kit).

A large clear plastic base grid is included with this kit to helpkeep the circuit blocks properly spaced. You will see evenlyspaced posts that the different blocks snap into. You do notneed this base to build your circuits, but it does help inkeeping your circuit together neatly. The base has rowslabeled A-G and columns labeled 1-10.

Next to each part in every circuit drawing is a small numberin black. This tells you which level the component is placedat. Place all parts on level 1 first, then all of the parts on level2, then all of the parts on level 3, etc.

Usually when the motor is used, the fan will usually beplaced on it. On top of the motor shaft is a black plastic piece(the motor top) with three little tabs. Lay the fan on the blackpiece so the slots in its bottom “fall into place” around thethree tabs in the motor top. If not placed properly, the fan willfall off when the motor starts to spin.

Some circuits use the jumper wires to make unusualconnections. Just clip them to the metal snaps or asindicated.

Note: While building the projects, be careful not toaccidentally make a direct connection across the batteryholder (a “short circuit”), as this may damage and/or quicklydrain the batteries.

How To Use It

S1

2 3 4 5 6

M1

B1

(Part designs are subject to change without notice).

Note: If you have the more advanced Models SC-300, SC-500, or SC-750,there is additional information in your other project manual(s).

The base grid functions like the printed circuit boards found in mostelectronic products. It is a platform for mounting parts and wires (though thewires are usually “printed” on the board.

The blue snap wires are just wires used to connect other components, theyare used to transport electricity and do not affect circuit performance. Theycome in different lengths to allow orderly arrangement of connections on thebase grid.

The red and black jumper wires make flexible connections for times whenusing the snap wires would be difficult. They also are used to makeconnections off the base grid (like the projects using water).

The batteries (B1) produce an electrical voltage using a chemical reaction.This “voltage” can be thought of as electrical pressure, pushing electrical“current” through a circuit. This voltage is much lower and much safer thanthat used in your house wiring. Using more batteries increases the “pressure”and so more electricity flows.

The slide switch (S1) connects (ON) or disconnects (OFF) the wires in acircuit. When ON it has no effect on circuit performance.

The press switch (S2) connects (pressed) or disconnects (not pressed) thewires in a circuit, just like the slide switch does.

Resistors, such as the 100Ω resistor (R1), “resist” the flow of electricity andare used to control or limit the electricity in a circuit. Increasing circuitresistance reduces the flow of electricity.

The photoresistor (RP) is a light-sensitive resistor, its value changes fromnearly infinite in total darkness to about 1000Ω when a bright light shines on it.

A light bulb, such as in the 2.5V lamp (L1), contains a special wire that glowsbright when a large electric current passes through it. Voltages above thebulb’s rating can burn out the wire.

The motor (M1) converts elecricity into mechanical motion. Electricity isclosely related to magnetism, and an electric current flowing in a wire has amagnetic field similar to that of a very, very tiny magnet. Inside the motor isthree coils of wire with many loops. If a large electric current flows throughthe loops, the magnetic effects become concentrated enough to move thecoils. The motor has a magnet inside so, as the electricity moves the coils toalign them with the permanent magnet, the shaft spins.

The speaker (SP) converts electricity into sound. It does this by using theenergy of a changing electrical signal to create mechanical vibrations (using

a coil and magnet similar to that in the motor), these vibrations createvariations in air pressure which travel across the room. You “hear” soundwhen your ears feel these air pressure variations.

The whistle chip (WC) contains two thin plates. When an electrical signal isapplied across them they will stretch slightly in an effort to separate (like twomagnets opposing each other), when the signal is removed they come backtogether. If the electrical signal applied across them is changing quickly, thenthe plates will vibrate. These vibrations create variations in air pressure thatyour ears feel just like sound from a speaker.

The LED (D1) is a light emitting diode, and may be thought of as a specialone-way light bulb. In the “forward” direction (indicated by the “arrow” in thesymbol) electricity flows if the voltage exceeds a turn-on threshold (about1.5V); brightness then increases. A high current will burn out the LED, so thecurrent must be limited by other components in the circuit. LEDs blockelectricity in the “reverse” direction.

Some types of electronic components can be super-miniaturized, allowingmany thousands of parts to fit into an area smaller that your fingernail. These“integrated circuits” (ICs) are used in everything from simple electronic toys tothe most advanced computers. The music, alarm, and space war ICs (U1,U2, and U3) in Snap Circuits® are actually modules containing specializedsound-generation ICs and other supporting components (resistors,capacitors, and transistors) that are always needed with them. This was doneto simplify the connections you need to make to use them. The descriptionsfor these modules are given here for those interested, see the projects forconnection examples:

(+)

HLD

OUT(–)

TRG

IN1

(–)

IN2

IN3

OUT

IN1

(+) OUT

IN2(–)

Music IC:(+) - power from batteries(–) - power return to batteriesOUT - output connection HLD - hold control inputTRG - trigger control input

Music for a few seconds on power-up, then hold HLD to (+)power or touch TRG to (+) power to resume music.

Alarm IC:IN1, IN2, IN3 - control inputs(–) - power return to batteriesOUT - output connection

Connect control inputs to (+) power to make five alarmsounds, see project 22 for configurations.

Space War IC:(+) - power from batteries(–) - power return to batteriesOUT - output connection IN1, IN2 - control inputs

Connect each control input to (–) power to sequence through8 sounds.

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About Your Snap Circuits® Parts Our Student Guides give much more information about your parts along with a complete lessonin basic electronics. See www.snapcircuits.net/learn.htm or page 45 for more information.

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DO’s and DON’Ts of Building CircuitsAfter building the circuits given in this booklet, you may wish to experimenton your own. Use the projects in this booklet as a guide, as manyimportant design concepts are introduced throughout them. Every circuitwill include a power source (the batteries), a resistance (which might bea resistor, lamp, motor, integrated circuit, etc.), and wiring paths betweenthem and back. You must be careful not to create “short circuits” (verylow-resistance paths across the batteries, see examples below) as thiswill damage components and/or quickly drain your batteries. Onlyconnect the ICs using configurations given in the projects, incorrectlydoing so may damage them. Elenco® is not responsible for partsdamaged due to incorrect wiring.

Here are some important guidelines:ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN EXPERIMENTING ON YOUR OWN.ALWAYS include at least one component that will limit the current

through a circuit, such as the speaker, lamp, whistle chip, ICs(which must be connected properly), motor, photoresistor, orresistor.

ALWAYS use the LED and switches in conjunction with othercomponents that will limit the current through them. Failure todo so will create a short circuit and/or damage those parts.

ALWAYS disconnect your batteries immediately and check your wiring ifsomething appears to be getting hot.

ALWAYS check your wiring before turning on a circuit.ALWAYS connect ICs using configurations given in the projects or as per

the connection descriptions for the parts.NEVER connect to an electrical outlet in your home in any way.NEVER leave a circuit unattended when it is turned on.NEVER touch the motor when it is spinning at high speed.

Note: If you have the more advanced Models SC-300, SC-500, or SC-750,there are additional guidelines in your other project manual(s).

For all of the projects given in this book, the parts may be arranged indifferent ways without changing the circuit. For example, the order ofparts connected in series or in parallel does not matter — what matters ishow combinations of these sub-circuits are arranged together.

Examples of SHORT CIRCUITS - NEVER DO THESE!!!

You are encouraged to tell us about new circuits you create. If they areunique, we will post them with your name and state on our website atwww.snapcircuits.net/kidkreations.htm. Send your suggestions toElenco®.

Elenco® provides a circuit designer so that you can make your own SnapCircuits® drawings. This Microsoft® Word document can be downloadedfrom www.snapcircuits.net/SnapDesigner.doc or through thewww.snapcircuits.net website.

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - Never connect Snap Circuits® tothe electrical outlets in your home in any way!

Placing a 3-snap wire directlyacross the batteries is aSHORT CIRCUIT.

This is also aSHORT CIRCUIT.

When the slide switch (S1) is turned on, this large circuit has a SHORTCIRCUIT path (as shown by the arrows). The short circuit prevents anyother portions of the circuit from ever working.

!!

!

NEVERDO!

NEVERDO! NEVER

DO!

NEVERDO!

Warning to Snap Rover owners: Do not connect your parts to theRover body except when using our approved circuits, the Roverbody has a higher voltage which could damage your parts.

!

!NEVER

DO!

!

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Advanced Troubleshooting (Adult supervision recommended)

Elenco® is not responsible for parts damaged due to incorrectwiring.

If you suspect you have damaged parts, you can followthis procedure to systematically determine which onesneed replacing:

1. 2.5V lamp (L1), motor (M1), speaker (SP), and battery holder(B1): Place batteries in holder. Place the 2.5V lamp directlyacross the battery holder, it should light. Do the same with themotor (motor + to battery +), it should spin to the right at highspeed. “Tap” the speaker across the battery holder contacts, youshould hear static as it touches. If none work, then replace yourbatteries and repeat, if still bad then the battery holder isdamaged.

2. Jumper wires: Use this mini-circuit to test each jumper wire,the lamp should light.

3. Snap wires: Use this mini-circuit to test each of the snapwires, one at a time. The lampshould light.

4. Slide switch (S1) and Press switch (S2): Build project #1, ifthe lamp (L1) doesn’t light then the slide switch is bad. Replacethe slide switch with the press switch to test it.

5. 100Ω resistor (R1) and LED (D1): Build project #7 exceptinitially use the speaker (SP) in place of the resistor, the LEDshould light. Then replace the speaker with the resistor; the LEDshould still light.

6. Alarm IC (U2): Build project #17, you should hear a siren. Thenplace a 3-snap wire between grid locations A1 and C1, thesound is different. Then move the 3-snap from A1-C1 to A3-C3to hear a 3rd sound.

7. Music IC (U1): Build project #74 but use the press switch (S2)in place of the photoresistor (RP). Turn it on and the LED (D1)flickers for a while and stops, it resumes if you press and holddown the press switch. Then touch a 3-snap wire across basegrid points A1 and C1 and the flickering resumes for a while.

8. Space war IC (U3) and photoresistor (RP): Build project #19,both switches (S1 and S2) should change the sound. Thenreplace the slide switch with the photoresistor, waving your handover it should change the sound.

9. Whistle chip (WC): Build project #61 and if there is light on thephotoresistor (RP) then you will hear sound from the whistlechip.

Note: If you have the more advanced models SC-300, SC-500, orSC-750, there are additional tests in your other project manual(s).

ELENCO®

150 Carpenter AvenueWheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.

Phone: (847) 541-3800Fax: (847) 520-0085

e-mail: [email protected]: www.elenco.com

You may order additional / replacement parts at:www.snapcircuits.net

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Project # Description Page #1 Electric Light & Switch 82 DC Motor & Switch 83 Sound Activated Switch 94 Adjusting Sound Level 95 Lamp & Fan in Series 106 Lamp & Fan in Parallel 107 Light Emitting Diode 118 One Direction for LED 119 Conduction Detector 12

10 Space War Alarm Combo 1211 Flying Saucer 1312 Decreasing Saucer Lift 1313 Two-Speed Fan 1414 The Fuse 1415 Musical Doorbell 1516 Momentary Alarm 1517 Alarm Circuit 1618 Laser Gun 1619 Space War 1720 Light Switch 1721 Paper Space War 1722 Light Police Siren 1823 More Loud Sounds 1824 More Loud Sounds (II) 1825 More Loud Sounds (III) 1826 More Loud Sounds (IV) 1827 Clap Sounds 1928 More Clap Sounds 1929 More Clap Sounds (II) 1930 More Clap Sounds (III) 1931 More Clap Sounds (IV) 1932 Voice Light Diode 2033 Voice Control 2034 Motor Space Sounds 20

Project # Description Page #35 Motor Space Light 2036 Space Battle (II) 2137 Silent Space Battle 2138 Periodic Sounds 2139 Blinking Double Flashlight 2140 Motor-Controlled Sounds 2241 More Motor Sounds 2242 More Motor Sounds (II) 2243 More Motor Sounds (III) 2244 More Motor Sounds (IV) 2245 Light-Controlled Flicker 2346 More Sound Effects 2347 This OR That 2448 This AND That 2449 Neither This NOR That 2550 NOT This AND That 2551 Reflection Detector 2652 Quieter Reflection Detector 2653 Flashing Laser Light with Sound 2754 Space War Flicker 2755 Spinning Rings 2856 Strobe the House Lights 2857 Race Game 2958 Using Parts as Conductors 2959 Spin Draw 3060 Space War Flicker Motor 3061 Light-Controlled Sounds 3162 Light-Controlled Sounds (II) 3163 Light-Controlled Sounds (III) 3164 Light-Controlled Sounds (IV) 3165 Light-Controlled Sounds (V) 3166 Electronic Bombing Game 3267 Quiet Zone Game 3368 Space War Music Combo 33

Project # Description Page #69 Space War Siren 3470 Quiet Water Alarm 3471 Light-Controlled Lamp 3572 Voice-Controlled Lamp 3573 Motor-Controlled Lamp 3574 Light-Controlled LED 3675 Sound-Controlled Time Delay LED 3676 Motor-Controlled Time Delay LED 3677 Space War Flicker LED 3778 Music AND Gate 3779 Flash and Tone 3780 Lamp, Speaker & Fan in Parallel 3881 Pencil Alarm 3882 Pencil Alarm Variants 3883 Fun with the Alarm IC 3984 Motor Sounds Combo 3985 Motor Sounds Combo (II) 3986 Music Alarm Combo 4087 Bomb Sound 4088 Bomb Sound (II) 4089 Light-Controlled LED (II) 4190 Touch Light 4191 Touch Sound 4192 Wacky Sounds 4193 Wackier Sounds 4294 Really Wacky Sounds 4295 Noisier Water Space War 4396 Light/Water Space War 4397 OR/AND Space War Light 4398 Simple Water Alarm 4499 Simple Salt Water Alarm 44

100 Ambulance Water Alarm 44101 Ambulance Contact Alarm 44

Project Listings

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Project #1OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity is turned “ON” or “OFF”with a switch.

Electric Light & Switch

Project #2OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity is used to run a DirectCurrent (DC) Motor.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1 nextto them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteries(B1) through the motor (M1) making it rotate. Place the fan blade onthe motor shaft and close the slide switch. The motor will rotate forcingthe fan blade to move air past the motor.

In this project, you changed electrical power into mechanical power.DC motors are used in all the battery powered equipment requiringrotary motion, such as a cordless drill, electric toothbrush, and toytrains that run on batteries just to name a few. An electric motor ismuch easier to control than gas or diesel engines.

DC Motor & Switch

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1 nextto them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.Install two (2) “AA” batteries (not included) into the battery holder (B1).

When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteriesthrough the lamp and back to the battery through the switch. The closedswitch completes the circuit. In electronics this is called a closed circuit.When the slide switch is opened, the current can no longer flow back tothe battery, so the lamp goes out. In electronics this is called an opencircuit.

!WARNING: Moving parts. Do not touch the fan ormotor during operation. Do not lean over the motor.

+

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Project #3OBJECTIVE: To show how sound can turn “ON” an electronicdevice.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1next to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked witha 2. Finally, lay the speaker (SP) on the table and connect it to thecircuit using the jumper wires as shown.

When you close the slide switch (S1), the music may play for a shorttime, and then stop. After the music has stopped, clap your handsclose to the whistle chip (WC) or tap the base with your finger. Themusic should play again for a short time, then stop. Blow on the whistlechip and the music should play.

You could connect the speaker using snap wires instead of the jumperwires, but then the speaker may create enough sound vibrations to re-activate the whistle chip.

Sound Activated Switch

Project #4OBJECTIVE: To show how resistance can lower the sound fromthe speaker.

Build the circuit shown on the left. When you close the slide switch(S1), the music may play for a short time and then stop. After themusic has stopped, clap your hands close to the whistle chip (WC) ortap the base with your finger. The music should play again for a shorttime, then stop.

In this project, you changed the amount of current that goes throughthe speaker (SP) and reduced the sound output of the speaker.Resistors are used throughout electronics to limit the amount ofcurrent that flows.

Adjusting Sound Level

Visit www.snapcircuits.net or page 45 to learn about Snap Circuits® upgrade kits, which have more parts and circuits.

-10-

Project #5OBJECTIVE: To show how a lamp can indicate when a fan isrunning.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1next to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked witha 2. Finally, place the fan blade on the motor (M1).

When you close the slide switch (S1), the fan will spin and the lamp(L1) should turn on. The fan will take a while to start turning due toinertia. Inertia is the property that tries to keep a body at rest frommoving and tries to keep a moving object from stopping.

The light helps protect the motor from getting the full voltage when theslide switch is closed. Part of the voltage goes across the lamp and therest goes across the motor. Remove the fan and notice how the lampgets dimmer when the motor does not have to spin the fan blade.

Lamp & Fan in Series

Project #6OBJECTIVE: To show how an indicator light can be connectedwithout affecting the current in the motor.

Build the circuit shown on the left.

When you close the slide switch (S1), both the fan and the lamp (L1)should turn on. The fan will take a while to start turning due to inertia.In this connection, the lamp does not change the current to the motor(M1). The motor should start a little faster than in Project #5.

Remove the fan and notice how the lamp does not change inbrightness as the motor picks up speed. It has its own path to thebattery (B1).

Lamp & Fan in Parallel



-11-

Project #7OBJECTIVE: To show how a resistor and LED are wired to emitlight.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1 nextto them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteries(B1) through the slide switch, through the resistor (R1), through theLED (light emitting diode, D1) and back to the battery. The closed slideswitch completes the circuit. The resistor limits the current andprevents damage to the LED. NEVER PLACE AN LED DIRECTLYACROSS THE BATTERY! If no resistor is in the circuit, the battery maypush enough current through the LED to damage the semiconductorthat is used to produce the light. LEDs are used in all types ofelectronic equipment to indicate conditions and pass information to theuser of that equipment.

Can you think of something you use everyday that has an LED in it?

Light Emitting Diode

Project #8OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity can only pass in onedirection through an LED.

Rebuild the circuit used in Project #7 but put the LED (D1) in as shownon the left.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current should flow from thebatteries (B1) through the resistor and then through the LED. Whencurrent flows through an LED, it lights up. Since the LED is inbackwards, current cannot flow. The LED is like a check valve that letscurrent flow in only one direction.

In this project, you changed the direction of current through the LED. Anelectronic component that needs to be connected in one direction issaid to have polarity. Other parts like this will be discussed in futureprojects. Placing the LED in backwards does not harm it because thevoltage is not large enough to break down this electronic component.

One Direction for LED

+

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Project #9OBJECTIVE: To make a circuit that detects the conduction ofelectricity in different materials.

Rebuild the circuit from Project #7 but leave the slide switch (S1) outas shown on the left.

When you place a metal paper clip across the terminals as shown inthe picture on the left, current flows from the batteries (B1) through theresistor (R1), through the LED (D1), and back to the battery. Thepaper clip completes the circuit and current flows through the LED.Place your fingers across the terminals and the LED does not light.Your body has too high of a resistance to allow enough current to flowto light the LED. If the voltage, which is electrical pressure, was higher,current could be pushed through your fingers and the LED would light.This detector can be used to see if a material like plastic is a goodconductor or a poor conductor.

Conduction Detector

Project #10OBJECTIVE: To combine the sounds from the space war andalarm integrated circuits.

Build the circuit shown and add the jumpers to complete it. Turn it on,press the press switch (S2) several times, and wave your hand overthe photoresistor (RP) to hear all the sound combinations. If the soundis too loud you may replace the speaker (SP) with the whistle chip(WC).

Space War Alarm Combo

To learn more about how circuits work, visit www.snapcircuits.net or page 45 to find out about our Student Guides.

-13-

Project #11OBJECTIVE: To make a circuit that launches the fan blade tosimulate a flying saucer.

Rebuild the circuit from Project #2, but reverse the polarity on the motor(M1) so the negative (–) on the motor goes to the positive (+) on thebattery (B1). New alkaline batteries are recommended for this project.

When you close the slide switch (S1), the motor will slowly increase inspeed. When the motor has reached maximum rotation, turn the slideswitch off. The fan blade should rise and float through the air like a flyingsaucer. Be careful not to look directly down on fan blade when it is spinning.

The air is being blown down through the blade and the motor rotationlocks the fan on the shaft. When the motor is turned off, the bladeunlocks from the shaft and is free to act as a propeller and fly throughthe air. If speed of rotation is too slow, the fan will remain on motorshaft because it does not have enough lift to propel it. The motor willspin faster when both batteries are new.

If the fan doesn’t fly off, then turn the switch on and off several timesrapidly when it is at full speed.

Flying Saucer

Project #12OBJECTIVE: To show how voltage affects speed of a DC motorand can decrease the lift of the saucer.

Change the circuit in Project #11 by adding the lamp (L1) in series withthe motor as shown in the diagram on the left.

When you place the lamp in series with any electronic device, it willdraw less current because it adds resistance. In this case, the lamp inseries reduces the current through the motor, and that reduces the topspeed of the motor. Close the slide switch (S1), and wait until the fanreaches maximum speed. Open the switch and observe the differencein the height due to the lamp. In most cases, it may not even launch.

Decreasing Saucer Lift

+

!WARNING: Moving parts. Do not touch the fan ormotor during operation. Do not lean over the motor. !

WARNING: Fan may notrise until switch is released.


!WARNING: Fan may notrise until switch is released.

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Project #13OBJECTIVE: To show how switches can increase or decreasethe speed of an electric fan.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black1 next to them on the board first. Then, assemble parts marked witha 2. Finally, add the 2-snap wires that are marked for level three.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteriesthrough the slide switch (S1), motor (M1), the lamp (L1), and back tothe battery (B1). When the press switch (S2) is closed, the lamp isshorted and motor speed increases.

The principle of removing resistance to increase motor speeds is onlyone way of changing the speed of the motor. Commercial fans do notuse this method because it would produce heat in the resistor and fansare used to cool circuits by moving air over them. Commercial fanschange the amount of voltage that is applied to the motor using atransformer or other electronic device.

Two-Speed Fan

OBJECTIVE: To show how a fuse is used to break all currentpaths back to the voltage source.

Use the circuit built in Project #13.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteriesthrough the slide switch (S1), the lamp (L1), motor (M1), and back to thebattery (B1). Pretend the 2-snap wire marked fuse in the drawing on theleft is a device that will open the circuit if too much current is taken fromthe battery. When press switch (S2) is closed, the light is shorted andmotor speed increases due to an increase in current to the motor. Whilestill holding press switch (S2) down, remove the 2-snap wire markedfuse and notice how everything stops. Until the fuse is replaced, theopen circuit path protects the electronic parts. If fuses did not exist,many parts could get hot and even start fires. Replace the 2-snap wireand the circuit should return to normal.

Many electronic products in your home have a fuse that will open whentoo much current is drawn. Can you name some?

The FuseProject #14

!WARNING: Movingparts. Do not touch thefan or motor duringoperation. Do not leanover the motor.

!WARNING: Movingparts. Do not touch thefan or motor duringoperation. Do not leanover the motor.

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Project #15OBJECTIVE: To show how an integrated circuit can be used asa musical doorbell.

Build the circuit shown on the left. When you close the slide switch(S1), the music integrated circuit (U1) may start playing one song thenstop. Each time you press the press switch “doorbell button” (S2) thesong will play again and stop. Even if you let go of the press switch(S2), the integrated circuit keeps the song playing until it has reachedthe end of the song.

Musical integrated circuits are used to entertain young children inmany of the toys and chairs made to hold infants. If the music isreplaced with words, the child can also learn while they areentertained. Because of great advances in miniaturization, manysongs are stored in a circuit no bigger than a pinhead.

Musical Doorbell

Project #16OBJECTIVE: To show how integrated circuits can also createloud alarm sounds in case of emergencies.

Modify the circuit used in Project #15 to look like the one shown on theleft.

When you close the slide switch (S1), the music integrated circuit (U1)may start playing one song then stop. The song will be much louderthan in the previous project because it is now being used as an alarm.Each time you press the press switch “alarm button” (S2) after thesong stops playing, the song will play again, but only while you holdthe button down.

Momentary Alarm

Visit www.snapcircuits.net or page 45 to learn about more Snap Circuits® products to add to your collection.

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Project #17OBJECTIVE: To show how an integrated circuit can be used tomake real alarm sounds.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1next to them on the board first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.

When you close the slide switch (S1), the integrated circuit (U2) shouldstart sounding a very loud alarm sound. This integrated circuit isdesigned to sweep through all the frequencies so even hard of hearingpeople can be warned by the alarm.

If the alarm sound was passed through an amplifier and installed intoa police car, it would also serve as a good police siren.

Alarm Circuit

Project #18OBJECTIVE: To show how integrated circuits sound can easilybe changed to exciting space war sounds.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black1 next to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts markedwith a 2.

When you close the slide switch (S1), the integrated circuit (U2) shouldstart sounding a laser gun sound. This integrated circuit is designedto produce different sounds that can easily be changed. You can evenswitch the sound on and off quickly to add sound effects to your gamesor recordings.

Laser Gun

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Project #19OBJECTIVE: To introduce you to the space war integratedcircuit and the sounds it can make.

Build the circuit shown on the left, which uses the space war integratedcircuit (U3). Activate it by flipping the slide switch (S1) or pressing thepress switch (S2); do both several times and in combination. You willhear an exciting range of sounds, as if a space war is raging!

Like the other integrated circuits, the space war IC is a super-miniaturized electronic circuit that can play a variety of cool soundsstored in it by using just a few extra components.

In movie studios, technicians are paid to insert these sounds at theprecise instant a gun is fired. Try making your sound occur at thesame time an object hits the floor. It is not as easy as it sounds.

Space War

Project #20 Light SwitchOBJECTIVE: To show how lightcan control a circuit using aphotoresistor.

Use the circuit from Project #19 above, but replace the slide switch (S1)with the photoresistor (RP). The circuit immediately makes noise. Tryturning it off. If you experiment, then you can see that the only ways toturn it off are to cover the photoresistor, or to turn off the lights in theroom (if the room is dark). Since light is used to turn on the circuit, youmight say it is a "light switch".

The photoresistor contains material that changes its resistance when itis exposed to light. As it gets more light, the resistance of thephotoresistor decreases. Parts like this are used in a number of waysthat affect our lives. For example, you may have streetlights in yourneighborhood that turn on when it starts getting dark and turn off in themorning.

Project #21 Paper Space WarOBJECTIVE: To give a more dramatic demonstration of using thephotoresistor.

Use the same circuit as for Project #20. Find a piece of white paper thathas a lot of large black or dark areas on it, and slowly slide it over thephotosensitive resistor. You should hear the sound pattern constantlychanging, as the white and dark areas of the paper control the light tothe photosensitive resistance. You can also try the pattern below orsomething similar to it:

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Project #22OBJECTIVE: To build a police siren that is controlled by light.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black1 next to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts markedwith a 2. Finally, insert the parts with a 3 last on level 3.

Cover the photoresistor (RP) and turn on the slide switch (S1). Apolice siren with music is heard for a while and stops, then you cancontrol it by covering or uncovering the photoresistor.

Light Police Siren

Project #23 More Loud

SoundsOBJECTIVE: To showvariations of the circuit inProject #22.

Project #24 More LoudSounds (II)OBJECTIVE: To showvariations of the circuit inProject #22.

OBJECTIVE: To showvariations of the circuit inProject #22.

Project #26 More LoudSounds (IV)OBJECTIVE: To showvariations of the circuit inProject #22.

Project #25 More LoudSounds (III)

Modify the Project #22 byconnecting points X & Y. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like a machinegun with music.

Now remove the connectionbetween X & Y and then make aconnection between T & U. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like a fire enginewith music.

Now remove the connectionbetween T & U and then make aconnection between U & Z. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like an ambulancewith music.

Now remove the connectionsbetween U & Z and between V &W, then make a connectionbetween T & U. The circuitworks the same way but now itsounds like a familiar song butwith static.


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Project #27OBJECTIVE: To build a police siren and other sounds that arecontrolled by clapping your hands.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black1 next to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts markedwith a 2.

Turn on the slide switch (S1) and a police siren is heard and thenstops, clap your hands and it will play again. Note however that musiccan be heard faintly in the background of the siren. If clapping doesnot trigger the sound, tap the whistle chip (WC) with your finger.

Clap Sounds

Project #28More Clap

SoundsOBJECTIVE: To show howICs can do many jobs.

Project #29More ClapSounds (II)OBJECTIVE: To show howICs can do many jobs.

OBJECTIVE: To show howICs can do many jobs.

OBJECTIVE: To show howICs can do many jobs.

Project #30More ClapSounds (III)

Project #31More ClapSounds (IV)

Modify the last circuit byconnecting points X & Y usingthe black jumper wire. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like a machinegun.

Now remove the connectionbetween X & Y and then make aconnection between T & U. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like a fire engine.

Now remove the connectionbetween T & U and then make aconnection between U & Z. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like anambulance.


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Project #32 Voice Light DiodeOBJECTIVE: To build acircuit that uses your voiceto control a light emittingdiode.

Build the circuit shown on theleft and turn on the slideswitch (S1). The LED (D1)may be on for a while andthen turn off. Clap or talkloud and the LED will lightagain and keep flickering fora little while.

OBJECTIVE: To use your voiceto control sounds.

Project #34 Motor Space SoundsOBJECTIVE: To build acircuit that uses a motor toactivate space war sounds.

OBJECTIVE: To build a circuitthat uses a motor to activate alight diode.

This circuit is loud and may botherother people around you soreplace the speaker with the LED(D1), (position it like in Project#32); the circuit operates in thesame manner.

Project #35Motor

Space LightTurn it on and wait for anysounds to stop then spin themotor (M1) and the soundsplay again.

Do you know why turning themotor makes the soundplay? Actually, the DC motoris also a DC generator andwhen you turn it, the motorgenerates a voltage thattriggers the sound circuits.

Project #33Voice Control

The preceding circuit probably didnot seem too exciting; so replacethe LED (D1) with the speaker(SP). You hear a range of excitingsounds. Clap or talk loud and thesounds will resume.If you find that the sound does notturn off, then vibrations created bythe speaker may be activating thewhistle chip (WC). Set the speakeron the table near the circuit andconnect it to the same locations usingthe jumper wires to prevent this.

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OBJECTIVE: To build a circuit withlight and sound that change and repeat.

Project #39BlinkingDouble

FlashlightBuild the circuit shown on the left and turnit on. The lamp (L1) alternates betweenbeing on and off while the speaker (SP)alternates between two musical tones . . .like someone is flipping a switch, but at avery consistent rate. Periodic signals likethis are very important in electronics.

Project #38 Periodic Sounds

Project #36 Space Battle (II)OBJECTIVE: To showanother way of using thespace war integrated circuit.

Build the circuit shown on theleft, which is based on thecircuit in the Space WarProject #19. Turn on theswitch and you will hearexciting sounds, as if a spacebattle is raging!

The motor is used here as a3-snap wire, and will not spin.

Project #37Silent Space

BattleOBJECTIVE: To show anotherway of using the space war part.

The preceding circuit is loud andmay bother people around you,so replace the speaker (SP) withthe LED (D1), position it as inProject #32. Now you have asilent space battle.

In the circuit at left, replace the speaker(SP) with an LED (D1); position it as inProject #32. The lamp alternates betweenbeing on and off while the LED alternatesbetween being dimmer and brighter.

OBJECTIVE: To build a circuit with twolights that alternate.


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Project #40OBJECTIVE: To show how motion can trigger electroniccircuits.

This circuit is controlled by spinning the motor (M1) with your hands.Turn on the slide switch (S1). A police siren is heard and then stops.Spin the motor and it will play again. Note however, that music can beheard faintly in the background of the siren.

Motor-Controlled Sounds

Project #41 More Motor

SoundsOBJECTIVE: To show howmotion can trigger electroniccircuits.

Project #42 More MotorSounds (II)

OBJECTIVE: To show howmotion can trigger electroniccircuits.



Project #43 More MotorSounds (III)

Project #44 More MotorSounds (IV)

Modify the last circuit byconnecting points X & Y with thelamp (L1). The circuit works thesame way but now it sounds likea machine gun.

Now remove the connectionbetween X & Y and then make aconnection between T & U withthe lamp (L1). The circuit worksthe same way but now it soundslike a fire engine.



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Project #45OBJECTIVE: To make a circuit that uses light to control theblinking of another light.

This circuit does not use the noisy speaker (SP) it uses a nice quietLED (D1). Turn on the slide switch (S1), the LED flickers. Wait a fewseconds, then cover the photoresistor (RP) and the flicker stops. Theflicker is controlled by the photoresistor, uncover it and the flickerresumes.

People who are deaf need lights to tell them when a doorbell is ringing.They also use circuits like this to tell them if an alarm has beentriggered or an oven is ready.

Can you think of other uses?

Light-Controlled Flicker

Project #46OBJECTIVE: To investigate the different sound effects availablefrom the alarm integrated circuit.

Build the circuit shown on the left. When you close the slide switch(S1), the integrated circuit (U2) should start sounding an up-downsiren. This is just one more sound effect that this integrated circuit isdesigned to produce. Different sounds that can easily be changed arevery important when designing games and toys. Switch the sound onand off quickly and see if you can create even different effects. Thismode will create many robotic sounds if switched quickly.

More Sound Effects

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Project #47OBJECTIVE: To introduce you to the OR concept of electronicwiring.

Build the circuit shown. Notice that if you turn on the slide switch (S1)OR press the press switch (S2) the LED (D1) lights up. There is nopartially lit state here, the diode is either totally on or totally off. Whilethis may seem very simple and boring, it represents an importantconcept in electronics. Two switches like this may be used to turn ona light in your house, or they might be two sensors at a railroadcrossing used to start the ding-ding sound and lower the gate. Youcould also have more than two switches and the circuit would functionthe same way.

This OR That

Project #48OBJECTIVE: To introduce you to digital circuits.

Build the circuit shown. Notice that if you turn on the slide switch (S1)AND press the press switch (S2) the LED (D1) lights up. Once again,there is no partially lit state here, the LED is either totally on or totallyoff. Two switches like this may be used to turn on the same light in yourhouse, the room switch and the master switch in the electrical box. Youcould also have more than two switches and the circuit would functionthe same way.

Combinations of AND and OR circuits are used to add and multiplynumbers together in modern computers. These circuits are made oftiny transistors in massive integrated circuits.

This AND That


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Project #49OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the concept of a NOR circuit.

Build the circuit at left and test the combinations of the slide switch(S1) and press switch (S2). If you compare it to the OR circuit inProject #47, you can see the LED lights in the opposite combinationsof that circuit. Hence, we refer to it as a NOR circuit (short for “NOTthis OR that”). Like the OR and AND, it is an important building blockin computers.

Neither This NOR That

Project #50OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the concept of a NAND circuit.

Build the circuit at left and test the combinations of the slide switch(S1) and press switch (S2). If you compare it to the AND circuit inProject #48, you can see the LED (D1) lights in the oppositecombinations of that circuit. Hence, we refer to it as a NAND circuit(short for “NOT this AND that”). This circuit can also have more or lessthan two inputs, though when it only has one input it is referred to asa NOT circuit. Like the OR, AND, and NOR, NAND and NOT areimportant building blocks in computers.

NOT This AND That

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Project #51OBJECTIVE: To detect if a mirror is present.

Build the circuit at left. Place it where there won’t be any room lighthitting the photoresistor (RP) (such as in a dark room or under a table),and then turn it on. The 2.5V lamp (L1) will be bright, but there shouldbe no sound.

Take a small mirror and hold it over the lamp and photoresistor. Youshould hear sound now. You have a reflection detector! You can alsouse a white piece of paper instead of a mirror, since white surfacesreflect light.

Reflection Detector

Project #52OBJECTIVE: To detect a mirror.

Build the circuit at left. Place it where there won’t be any room lighthitting the photoresistor (RP) (such as in a dark room or under a table),and then turn it on. The 2.5V lamp (L1) will be bright and one song mayplay, but then there should be no sound.

Take a small mirror and hold it over the lamp and photoresistor. Youshould hear sound now. You have a reflection detector! You can alsouse a white piece of paper instead of a mirror, since white surfacesreflect light.

Quieter Reflection Detector

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Project #53

OBJECTIVE: To build the circuit used in a toy laser gun withflashing laser light and trigger.

When you press the press switch (S2), the integrated circuit (U2)should start sounding a very loud laser gun sound. The red LED willflash simulating a burst of laser light. You can shoot long repeatinglaser burst, or short zaps by tapping the press switch.

Flashing Laser Lightwith Sound

Project #54OBJECTIVE: To build a circuit using the space war IC to makeexciting sounds.

Build the circuit shown on the left, which uses the Space Warintegrated circuit (U3).

Set the slide switch (S1) on and the speaker (SP) makes excitingsounds. The output of the IC can control lights, speakers, and otherlow power devices.

You may replace the speaker with the 2.5V lamp (L1), and the bulb willflicker. You can also use the LED (D1) in place of the lamp (position itwith the “+” side towards the 6-snap).

Space War Flicker


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Project #55

OBJECTIVE: To build an electronic spinner.

Setup: Cut out the disc on page 46 that looks like the one shownhere. Using Scotch tape, attach the disc with the printed side up onthe top of the fan blade. Place the blade on the motor (M1) as shownto the left and below.

When the press switch (S2) is pressed, the arcs will turn into coloredrings with a black background. Notice how the color drops inbrightness when it is stretched to make a complete circle.

Spinning Rings

Project #56

OBJECTIVE: To use the spinner to see strobe effect due to 60cycles.

Use the circuit from Project #55.

Setup: Place the spinning rings under a fluorescent light that runs onnormal house current. Start the disc spinning and release the pressswitch (S2). As the speed changes you will notice the white lines firstseem to move in one direction then they start moving in anotherdirection. This effect is because the lights are blinking 60 times asecond and the changing speed of the motor is acting like a strobelight to catch the motion at certain speeds. To prove this, try the sametest with a flashlight. The light from a flashlight is constant and if allother lights are out, you will not see the effect that looks like ahelicopter blade in a movie. Some fluorescent lights use an electronicballast and they also produce a constant light.

Strobe the House Lights


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Project #58

OBJECTIVE: To show that motors and lamps may sometimes beused as ordinary conductors.

Turn on the slide switch (S1) and tap the whistle chip (WC), it makesa machine gun sound (with music in the background). Thoroughlycover the photoresistor (RP) with your hand and the sound becomesa siren. After a while the sound will stop, tap the whistle chip and itresumes.

Press the press switch (S2) and the LED (D1) lights, but the lamp (L1)does not light and the motor (M1) does not spin. Electricity is flowingthrough the lamp and motor, but not enough to turn them on. So in thiscircuit they are acting like 3-snap wires.

Using Parts asConductors

Project #57

OBJECTIVE: Build an electronic game for racing.

Modify Project #56 by adding the pointer as shown on the left. The paper should becut from page 46 and taped high enough on the speaker (SP) so the pointer will stickover the fan (M1) with paper. Bend the pointer at a right angle as shown on the left.Setup: Cut out the grid with four (4) colors from page 46 and place it under thebase as shown on the left. Each player picks a color (or two colors if only 2 peopleare playing) and places a single snap on row G. The purple player in column 1,the blue player in column 2, the green player in column 3, and the yellow playerin column 4. Spin the wheel by closing the press switch (S2). The first singlecolor wedge that the pointer points to is the first player to start. In some models,you only have three 1-snaps, so use a 2-snap if you have four players.The Play: Each player gets a turn to press the press switch. They release thepress switch and when the pointer points to a wedge the players that match thecolors on the wedge get to move up one space. If a liner comes up like the oneshown on the left then the players on each side of the line get to move up two (2)spaces. The first player to reach the top row (A) wins. If two players reach thetop row at the same time they must both drop down to row “D” and play continues.

Race Game

!WARNING: Moving parts.Do not touch the fan ormotor during operation. Donot lean over the motor.

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Project #59

OBJECTIVE: To produce circular artistic drawings.

Rebuild the simple motor connection as shown on the left. This is the same setup as Project #57.

Setup: Cut out a circular piece of thin cardboard from the back of an old spiral notebook or note pad.Use the fan blade as a guide. Place the fan on the cardboard and trace around it with a pencil or pen.Cut the cardboard out with scissors and tape it to the fan blade. Do the same thing with a piece of whitepaper, but tape the paper on top of the cardboard so it can be removed easily later.

Drawing: To make a ring drawing obtain some thin and thick marking pens as drawing tools. Spin thepaper by pressing and holding press switch (S2) down. Press the marker on the paper to form rings. Tomake spiral drawings, release press switch and as the motor (M1) approaches a slow speed move themarker from the inside outward quickly.

Change the colors often and avoid using too much black to get hypnotic effects. Another method is to makecolorful shapes on the disc then spin the disc and watch them blend into each other. When certain speedsare reached under fluorescent lights without electronic ballasts, the strobe principle shown in another projectwill produce strange effects and backward movement. Make a wheel with different colored spokes to see thisstrange effect. Adding more spokes and removing spokes will give different effects at different motor speeds.

Spin Draw

Project #60OBJECTIVE: To run the motor using the space war IC.

Space War Flicker Motor

Thin Cardboard White Paper

Turn on the slide switch (S1) and the motor (M1) spins (you may needto give it a push with your finger to get it started). The sounds from thespace war IC (U3) are used to drive the motor. Because the motoruses magnets and a coil of wire similar to a speaker, you may evenhear the space war sounds coming faintly from the motor.


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Project #61OBJECTIVE: To give a more dramatic demonstration of usingthe photosensitive resistance.

Build the circuit shown on the left.

Turn on the slide switch (S1), a police siren is heard. The loudness ofthe sound depends on how much light reaches the photoresistor (RP),try partially shielding it or placing near a very bright light, and comparethe sound.

Light-Controlled Sounds

Project #62Light-

ControlledSounds (II)

OBJECTIVE: To show avariation of the circuit inProject #61.

Project #63Light-

ControlledSounds (III)




Project #64Light-

ControlledSounds (IV)

Project #65Light-

ControlledSounds (V)

Modify the last circuit byconnecting points X & Y. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like a machinegun.

Now remove the connectionbetween X & Y and then make aconnection between T & U. Thecircuit works the same way butnow it sounds like a fire engine.


Now remove the connectionbetween U & Z, add a 1-snap at Z(on level 3), add a second 3-snapbetween V & W (on level 3), andfinally place the music IC (U1)directly over the alarm IC (U2) onlevel 4. Listen to the sounds.

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Project #66 Electronic Bombing GameOBJECTIVE: To make an electronic bombing game.

Build the circuit at left. It uses bothjumper wires as permanentconnections. It also uses two 2-snapwires as “shorting bars”.

Setup: Player 1 sets the target byplacing one shorting bar under thepaper on row B, C, or D. Player 2must NOT know where the shortingbar is located under the paper.

The object is for Player 2 to guessthe location by placing his shortingbar at positions X, Y, or Z. In thedrawing on the left Player 1 set upthis hole at position “D”. If Player 2places his shorting bar across “Z” onthe first try then he gets a hit. Hekeeps guessing until he hits. Aftereach hit, remove the shorting barsand slide the switch off and on toreset the sound.Player 2 then sets the B, C, D sideand player 1 tries his luck.

Play multiple rounds and see whogets the best overall score. Thewinner will be the player who is bestat reading his opponent’s mind.

Shorting Bar forB, C, or D.

Paper Sheet tohide position ofshorting bar.

Shorting Bar forX, Y, or Z.

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Project #67OBJECTIVE: Make and play the electronic game of “QuietZone”.

Use the circuit from Project #66, but place two 2-snap wires (“shortingbars”) under the paper sheet as shown on left.

Setup: Player 1 sets the “Quiet Zone” by placing 2 shorting bars underthe paper on row A, B, C, or D, leaving only one open. Player 2 mustNOT know where the shorting bars are located under the paper.

Both Player 1 and Player 2 are given 10 points. The object is for Player2 to guess the location of the “Quiet Zone” by placing his shorting bar atpositions X, Y, or Z. In the drawing on the left Player 1 set up the “QuietZone” at position “C”. If Player 2 places his shorting bar across “Z” onthe first try, the sounds played mean he has not found the “Quiet Zone”and he loses 1 point. He has three (3) tries to find the zone on each turn.Each time sounds are made he loses a point.Player 2 then sets the B, C, D side and player 1 starts searching. Playcontinues until one player is at zero points and makes sound during thatplayers turn.

Quiet Zone Game

Project #68OBJECTIVE: To combine the sounds from the space war andmusic integrated circuits.

Build the circuit shown and add the jumpers to complete it. Turn it on,press the press switch (S2) several times, and wave your hand overthe photoresistor (RP) to hear all the sound combinations. If the soundis too loud you may replace the speaker (SP) with the whistle chip(WC).

Space War Music Combo

Shorting Barfor B, C, orD.

Paper Sheet tohide position ofshorting bar.

Shorting Bar forX, Y, or Z.


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Project #69OBJECTIVE: To combine effects from the space war and alarmintegrated circuits.

Build the circuit shown on the left and turn on the slide switch (S1).Press and hold the press switch (S2) to make the lamp (L1) brighter.

Space War Siren

Quiet Water AlarmOBJECTIVE: To sound an alarm when water isdetected.

Sometimes you want a water alarm that can be heardbut is not loud enough to be annoying or distracting,so let's make one. We'll also put a light on it thatcould be seen in a noisy room, in a real applicationyou could use a powerful light that would be easilyseen.

Build the circuit shown but initially leave the jumperwires outside the cup. Turn on the slide switch (S1);nothing happens. Place the jumper wires into a cupof water and an alarm sounds and the light comes on.

Project #70

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Project #71OBJECTIVE: To turn a lamp on and off using light.

Cover the unit, turn the slide switch (S1) on, and notice that thelamp (L1) is off after a few seconds. Place the unit near a light andthe lamp turns on. Cover the photoresistor (RP) and place it in thelight again. The lamp will not turn on. The resistance of thephotoresistor decreases as the light increases. The low resistanceacts like a wire connecting point C to the positive (+) side of thebattery (B1).

Light-Controlled Lamp

OBJECTIVE: To turn a lamp on and off using the voltagegenerated from a photoresistor.

Project #73

Use the circuit from Project #71. Remove the photoresistor (RP) andconnect the whistle chip (WC) across points A & B. Turn the slide switch(S1) on and clap your hands or talk loud near the whistle chip (WC), thelamp will light. The whistle chip has a piezocrystal between the twometal plates. The sound causes the plates to vibrate and produce asmall voltage. The voltage then activates the music IC (U1) and turnsthe lamp on.

Project #72Voice-Controlled Lamp

OBJECTIVE: To turn a lamp on and off using the voltagegenerated when a motor rotates.

Use the circuit from Project #72. Remove the whistle chip (WC) andconnect the motor (M1) across points A & B. Turn the slide switch (S1) onand turn the shaft of the motor and the lamp (L1) will light. As the motorturns, it produces a voltage. This is because there is a magnet and a coilinside the motor. When the axis turns the magnetic field will change andgenerate a small current in the coil and a voltage across its terminals. Thevoltage then activates the music IC (U1).

Motor-Controlled Lamp

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Project #74OBJECTIVE: To control an LED using light.

Cover the unit, turn the slide switch (S1) on, and notice that the LED(D1) is on for a few seconds and then goes off. Place the unit neara light and the LED will light. Cover the photoresistor (RP) andplace it near the light again. The LED will not turn on. Theresistance of the photoresistor decreases as the light increases.

Light-Controlled LED

OBJECTIVE: To control an LED using sound.

Project #76

Use the circuit from Project #74. Connect the whistle chip (WC) to pointsA1 and C1 on the base grid, then remove the photoresistor (RP). Turnthe slide switch (S1) on and clap your hands or talk loud near the whistlechip, the LED (D1) will light. The whistle chip has a piezocrystal betweenthe two metal plates. The sound causes the plates to vibrate andproduce a small voltage. The voltage then activates the music IC (U1).

Project #75Sound-Controlled Time

Delay LEDOBJECTIVE: To control an LED using a motor.

Use the circuit from Project #75. Remove the whistle chip (WC) andconnect the motor (M1) across points A1 and C1 on the base grid. Turnthe slide switch (S1) on and turn the shaft of the motor and the LED (D1)will light. As the motor turns, it produces a voltage.There is a magnet and a coil inside the motor. When the axis turns, themagnetic field will change and generate a small current across itsterminals. The voltage then activates the music IC (U1).

Motor-Controlled TimeDelay LED


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Project #79OBJECTIVE: Build a circuit that flashes light and plays sounds.

Turn the slide switch (S1) on and the lamp (L1) and LED (D1) startflashing. You hear two different tones driving the LED and lamp. IC’scan be connected to control many different devices at the same time.

Flash and Tone

Project #77Space War Flicker LED

O B J E C T I V E :Flash an LEDusing the spacewar IC.

Project #78Music AND Gate

Build the circuitshown on the left.The circuit usesthe alarm (U2)and space war(U3) IC’s to flashthe LED (D1).Turn the slideswitch (S1) onand the LEDstarts flashing.

OBJECTIVE:To build an AND gate.

You will only hear music ifyou turn on the slideswitch (S1) AND press thepress switch (S2). This isreferred to as an ANDgate in electronics.This concept is importantin computer logic.Example: If condition XAND condition Y are true,then execute instruction Z.

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Project #80OBJECTIVE: To show the power drop of components connectedin parallel.

Leave the fan off the motor (M1). Turn on the slide switch (S1), themotor spins and the lamp (L1) turns on. Place the fan on the motorand press the press switch. The lamp is not as bright now, because ittakes more power from the batteries (B1) to spin the motor with the fanon it, which leaves less battery power available to light the lamp. If youhave weak batteries, the difference in lamp brightness will be moreobvious because weaker batteries don’t have as much power tosupply.

The speaker (SP) is being used as a low-value resistance here tomake the above effects more apparent.

Lamp, Speaker & Fan in Parallel

Project #81OBJECTIVE: To draw an alarm activator.

Pencil Alarm

Pencil Alarm VariantsProject #82

Remove the jumper connected to point Y (as shown in the drawing) and connect it to point X instead.Touch the loose ends to the pencil drawing again, the sound is different now.

Next connect a 2-snap wire between points X & Y connect the jumper to either point. Touch the looseends to the pencil drawing again, you hear a different sound.

Now remove the 2-snap wire between X & Y and connect it between X & Z, connect the jumpers toW & Y. Touch the loose ends to the pencil drawing again, you hear yet another sound.

Now you can draw your own shapes and see what kinds of sounds you can make.

OBJECTIVE: To draw an alarm activator.

Build the circuit shown and connect the two jumpers to it, leave the loose ends of the jumpersunconnected for now. There is one more part you need and you are going to draw it. Take a pencil(No. 2 lead is best but other types will also work). SHARPEN IT, and fill in the shape below. You willget better results if you place a hard, flat surface directly beneath this page while you are drawing.Press hard (but don’t rip the paper), and fill in the shape several times to be sure you have a thick,even layer of pencil lead.

Turn on the slide switch (S1) and take the loose ends of the jumpers, press them to the shape andmove them around over the drawing. If you don’t hear any sound then move the ends closer togetherand move over the drawing, add another layer of pencil lead, or put a drop of water on the jumperends to get better contact.

!WARNING:Moving parts. Donot touch the fanor motor duringoperation.Do not lean overthe motor.

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Project #83OBJECTIVE: To show some new ways of using the alarm IC.

Build the circuit shown and place the fan on the motor (M1), but leave thejumpers off for the time being. Turn on the slide switch (S1) and tap the whistlechip (WC), it makes a machine gun sound (with music in the background).Thoroughly cover the photoresistor (RP) with your hand and the soundbecomes a siren. With the photoresistor covered, press the press switch (S2)and the sound becomes that of an ambulance. Uncover the photoresistor andthe sound remains that of a machine gun whether the press switch is pressedor not. After a while the sound will stop, tap the whistle chip and it resumes.

Connect the two jumpers as shown and tap the whistle chip to resume thesound. The lamp (L1) and LED (D1) light and the motor spins. The soundcontinues, but it may become distorted as the motor speeds up. The motordraws a lot of power from the batteries (B1), and this may reduce the voltageto the music (U1) and alarm (U2) ICs, distorting the sound. The sound mayeven stop if your batteries are weak.

Fun with the Alarm IC

Project #84OBJECTIVE: To connect multiple devicestogether.



Project #85 MotorSounds

Combo (II)OBJECTIVE: To connect multiple devicestogether.

In the circuit, the outputs from thealarm and music ICs areconnected together. Build thecircuit shown and then place thealarm IC (U2) directly over themusic IC (U1), resting on three 1-snaps. Turn on the slide switch(S1) and you will hear a siren andmusic together. Push the pressswitch (S2) and the fan spins, whilethe sound may not be as loud. Thefan may rise into the air when yourelease the switch.

This circuit is similar to project #84,but the fan will fly a little highersince the sound circuit no longerdrives the lamp (L1) and thereforeuses less battery power.



MotorSoundsCombo

In the circuit, the outputs fromthe alarm and music ICs areconnected together. Build thecircuit shown and then placethe alarm IC (U2) directly overthe music IC (U1), resting ontwo 1-snaps and a 2-snap.Turn on the slide switch (S1)and you will hear a siren andmusic together while the lamp(L1) varies in brightness. Pushthe press switch (S2) and thefan spins, while the sound maynot be as loud. The fan mayrise into the air when yourelease the press switch.

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Project #86OBJECTIVE: To combine the sounds from the music and alarmintegrated circuits.

Build the circuit shown and add the jumper to complete it. Turn it onand you will hear a siren and music together. Press the press switch(S2) and the siren changes to a fire engine sound. After a few seconds,covering the photoresistor (RP) will stop the music (but the sirencontinues). The motor (M1) is used here as a 3-snap wire and will notspin.

Music Alarm Combo

Project #87 Bomb SoundOBJECTIVE: Build a circuit thatsounds like a bomb dropping.

OBJECTIVE: Build a circuitthat sounds like bombs dropping.

Use the circuit from Project #87.Replace the slide switch (S1)with the motor (M1). Turn theshaft on the motor and now itsounds like a bunch of bombsdropping.

Turn the slide switch (S1) on and youhear the sound of a bomb droppingand then exploding. The LED (D1)lights and then flashes as the bombexplodes. This is one soundgenerated from the space war IC(U3).

Project #88Bomb

Sound (II)

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Project #89OBJECTIVE: Build a circuit that turns an LED on and off ifthere is light present.

When there is light on the photoresistor (RP), the LED (D1) will flicker.Shield the photoresistor from the light, the LED should turn off.

Light-Controlled LED (II)

OBJECTIVE: Build a circuit that turns on and off an LED usingthe whistle chip.

Project #91

Use the circuit from Project 89. Replace the photoresistor (RP) with thewhistle chip (WC). Tap on the whistle chip and the LED (D1) flickers. Tapagain and the LED may flicker for a longer time. See how long the LED willstay on.

Project #90Touch Light

OBJECTIVE: Build a circuit plays sound if you tap on the whistlechip.

Use the circuit from Project #90. Replace the LED (D1) with the speaker(SP). Now you can hear the different sound as you tap on the whistle chip(WC).

Touch Sound

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In the circuit, the outputs from the alarm and music ICs areconnected together. Build the circuit shown and then place thealarm IC (U2) directly over the music IC (U1), resting on two 1-snaps and a 2-snap. There is also a 2-snap on top of the alarm IC.Turn on the switch (S1) and you will hear a siren and music togetherwhile the lamp (L1) varies in brightness.

OBJECTIVE: To combine different sounds.

Project #94

Wacky Sounds


Build the circuit shown. Turn it on, press the press switch (S2)several times, and wave your hand over the photoresistor to hear allthe sound combinations. You can make the sound from the music IClouder by replacing the 100Ω resistor (R1) with the 2.5V lamp (L1).

Really Wacky Sounds



Now remove the 2-snap connection between X & Y and then makea 2-snap connection between X & Z (on level 5). The circuit worksthe same way but has different sounds.

Wackier SoundsProject #93

Project #92

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Project #95OBJECTIVE: To use water to control the space war integratedcircuit.

Add the press switch (S2) to the preceding circuit to make it look likethe one at left. There will be sound if the press switch is pressed orthe jumper wires are in the water. Pressing the press switch or pulling the wires out of the waterchanges the sound played.

If you prefer you can just touch the jumper wire metal with yourfingers instead of putting the jumpers in the water. Wet your fingersto get better electrical contact.

Noisier Water Space War

OBJECTIVE: To use water to control the space war integratedcircuit.

Project #97

Use the circuit from Project #95. Replace the speaker (SP) with the LED(D1), positioning it as in Project #89. Putting the jumper wires in thewater OR pressing the press switch (S2) will cause the LED to be bright.

Project #96Light/Water Space War

OBJECTIVE: To control the space war integrated circuit.

Use the circuit from Project #96. Replace the LED (D1) with the 2.5Vlamp (L1). Putting the jumper wires in the water OR pressing the pressswitch (S2) will cause the lamp to be dimly lit. Putting the jumper wiresin the water AND pressing the press switch at the same time will causethe lamp to be much brighter.

OR/AND Space War Light

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OBJECTIVE: To sound an alarm when water is detected.

Build the circuit shown but initially leave the jumper wires outside thecup. Turn on the slide switch (S1); nothing happens. Place thejumper wires into a cup of water and an alarm sounds!

You could use longer wires and lay them on your basement floor, ifyour basement floods during a storm, then this circuit will sound analarm.

Project #99Simple SaltWater Alarm

OBJECTIVE: To detect salt water.

Add salt to the water and the tone of thealarm is louder and faster, telling you that saltis in the water you detected. Also, try holdingthe jumper wires with your fingers to see ifyour body can set off the alarm.

Project #100Ambulance

Water AlarmOBJECTIVE: To show a variation of thecircuit in Project #98.

Modify the circuit in Project 98 by making aconnection between A & B. The water alarmworks the same way but now it sounds like anambulance.

Project #101 Ambulance

Contact AlarmOBJECTIVE: To show a variation of thecircuit in Project #98.

The same circuit also detects if the jumperwires get touched together, so connect themto each other. The tone of the sound is nowmuch different. Therefore, this circuit will tellyou if there is water between the jumper wiresor if the wires are touching each other.

Project #98 Simple Water Alarm

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OTHER SNAP CIRCUITS® PROJECTS!For a listing of local toy retailers who carry Snap Circuits visit www.elenco.com or call us toll-free at 800-533-2441. For Snap Circuitsupgrade kits, accessories, additional parts, and more information about your parts visit www.snapcircuits.net.

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Introducing the next generation of the RCSnap Rover®! This version includes a disclauncher, digital voice recorder, and musicsounds. Over 50 parts allow you to completeover 40 additional projects.

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Learn about energy sources and how to“think green”. Build over 125 projects andhave loads of fun learning aboutenvironmentally-friendly energyand how the electricity in yourhome works. Includes full-color manual with over 100pages and separate educational manual.This educational manual will explain allthe forms of environmentally-friendlyenergy including: geothermal,hydrogen fuel cells, wind, solar, tidal,hydro, and others. Contains over 40 parts.

Snap Circuits® LIGHTModel SCL-175

Features:• Infrared detector

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Build over 175projects!

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Page 28 for Project #55

Page 29 for Project #57

ELENCO®

150 Carpenter AvenueWheeling, IL 60090

(847) 541-3800Website: www.elenco.com

e-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © 2012, 2010 by Elenco Electronics, Inc. All ... · The Electronic Snap Circuits ......

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