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Each project has a stripboard (or pcb) layout plus extra instructions if necessary. Projects instructions are also available as PDF documents for easy printing.
Kits for all the Electronics Club projects are available from Bitsbox.co.uk and I recommend buying these because you will be sure to have the correct parts.
The Electronics Club projects are provided in good faith but no responsibilty is accepted for their accuracy or suitability for any purpose; you use them entirely at your own risk. All the projects have been built and tested to ensure they work but if you find an error please tell me so that I can correct it as soon as possible.
Suitable for your first project.
A very simple project which can be used to test components, circuit board tracks, wires and connections.
A good first project to check your soldering skills and learn to identify components.
The LED flashes at about 3Hz (3 flashes per second).
Flashes briefly.
To 'unlock' press all the correct switches at the same time without pressing any of the cancel switches.
The circuit starts timing immediately when switched on and bleeps when the time period is over.
The time period can be adjusted from 1 to about 10 minutes.
A great book for beginners with several projects, all with clear step-by-step instructions.
With one or two ICs.
UK traffic light.
Eight LEDs flash in an apparently random sequence.
A 4026 counter and driver IC is used, this is really intended for driving a 7-segment display.
A simple flash sequence.
Eight LEDs in a heart shape.
18 LEDs flashing.
The circuit detects a sudden shadow falling on a sensor.
Natural light can be used but for best results use with a beam of light.
18 LEDs flashing.
Press the switch to 'throw' the dice.
With three or more ICs, these require a little experience.
Designed for 2-4 contestants but can be adapted for more.
The first switch pressed lights its own LED and sounds the bleeper.
Originally designed for testing computer network leads, this project can be used to check any lead with up to 8 wires by using appropriate connectors.
Controlled manually or by a passing train.
Warning lights switch on as a train approaches. First a steady amber light, then two red lights flash until the train has passed.
These kits are supplied with a PCB making them relatively easy to construct. Component positions are marked on the PCB and this helps to ensure everything is in the right place. For many of the projects you can download the instructions to help decide if the kit is suitable.
Simple projects from Rapid
These are suitable for beginners with little or no experience.
More advanced projects from Rapid
For beginners I recommend Electronics for Kids because it has clear step-by-step instructions with breadboard or stripboard layouts for the projects and explanations of how they work.