This project is designed as an introduction to soldering, identifying common
components, using the resistor colour code
and placing components correctly on stripboard. The LED flashes at about 3Hz (3 flashes per second).
This project uses a 555 astable circuit.
stripboard (pack of 5): 9 rows × 25 holes (a bit larger than necessary)
Most parts are supplied in packs but the extras are likely to be useful for other projects. Also see advice for building up a
starter kit of parts.
Instructions
Solder the 8-pin IC holder in the correct place on the stripboard.
Break the 4 tracks under the IC holder with a track cutter tool.
You can allow extra holes if your piece of stripboard is large enough.
Use the resistor colour code to
identify the resistors which are marked with coloured bands to show their value.
Insert and solder the resistors in the correct position, they can be put in either
way round, but you must line them up correctly with the IC holder.
Identify the other parts, then solder them in the correct position and the
right way round. To help you identify the parts please see the page on
soldering.
Solder the 2 wire links in place around the IC holder, it is easier to use
plastic-coated single-core wire. The flexibility of stranded wire is not needed for
connections like this and the strands can be difficult to push through the small hole.
Finally insert the 555 timer IC and connect a battery!
