Exploratory 9 – Intro to Electronics

Introduction to Electronics

Welcome to the AMAZING world of electronics!  So much of what we seem to enjoy these days is dependent on electronics and learning a bit about the subject is just a good thing.

We will be taking a 3 Step approach to our learning journey:

1.  Preparation – some basic knowledge of electricity is essential.  You will work through three ‘Labs’ aimed to provide you with this important base of knowledge.
2.  Breadboarding – building circuits is often done temporarily as we explore their operation and design.  You will complete 5 labs that will have you build various circuits using a ‘breadboard’.  Each circuit will help you to understand a different electronic component.
3. Project Construction – It is fun to build projects.  This step in the learning process will teach you to take a project from conception to completion.

1.  Preparation Labs:

Use the links below to explore each topic.  For each lab answer the questions in the accompanying student answer booklet.  

• Prep Lab 1 – Knowledge, Basic Electricity
  • watch this video up to 5 minutes 39 seconds and answer the associated questions in your answer booklet
• Prep Lab 2 – Breadboards, understanding and how to
  • watch this video and answer the associated questions in your answer booklet
• Prep Lab 3 – Reading ‘Schematic’ diagrams and Common Symbols
  • view this presentation and answer the associated questions in your answer booklet

When complete, and before moving on to the Breadboarding Labs, turn in your Answer Booklet for marking.

2.  Breadboarding Labs:

Obtain the Breadboarding Lab Booklet and work through labs 1 – 4.   .  After each lab is completed, it is to be shown to the teacher, along with the breadboarded circuit, for marking.  DO NOT proceed to the next lab until the prior lab has been marked.

• Lab 1 – How ‘Resistors‘ work
  • (video: how to breadboard)
  • pictoral drawing of breadboarded circuit

• Lab 2 – How ‘Potentiometers‘ work
  • pictorial drawing of breadboarded circuit
• Lab 3 – How ‘Capacitors‘ work
  • pictoral drawing of breadboarded circuit
• Lab 4 – How ‘Transistors’ work
  • pictorial drawing of breadboarded circuit
• Lab 5 – Putting it all together, the sound sensing LED circuit

3.  Project – Sound Sensitive LED Display

• Making a ‘Printed Circuit Board’, or ‘PCB’
  1. Complete the practice soldering PCB board.  Print your name on it and submit it for marking.
  2. Obtain the project circuit board and follow the guide to solder in all components.
     • PCB Assembly Procedure
• 3D Printing a Display Stand
  1.   Download and ‘unzip’ this file:  Sound Sensative LED FINAL
  2.   3D Printing Guide – Sound Sensing LED Display Stand
  3.   Potentiometer Knob – Potentiometer Knob Model
• Creating a Display Tile
  •   Tutorial 1 – Inkscape: Drawing a cuttable square
  •   Tutorial 2 – Image Creation & Exporting to Laser
• Final Project Assembly
  • follow this procedure assemble your project