Objectives

Now that we’ve covered the fundamental concepts and components of electronics, it’s time for a project. Below you will find a schematic for a circuit that causes two LEDs to flash alternately. This will be the basis for the project, which contains multiple steps. You will be making use of the following skills:

Your tasks are as follows:

  1. Construct the following circuit on your breadboard. You’ll know you’ve done it correctly when the two LEDs take turns blinking. Take a video of your working circuit on your phone DLP Schematic

  2. The final product will be using a 3V battery, so test this circuit out using the 3.3V mode on your power supply instead of 5V. Switch modes by moving the yellow jumper clips over to the side labelled 3.3V. Make sure to change both sides. Adjust the values of the resistors and capacitors as needed to make the circuit work the way you want
  3. Add an on-off switch using your slide switch. This should turn off the entire circuit. Take a picture of your breadboard layout and a video of your working circuit on your phone, inlcuding the on/off switch working
  4. Redraw the schematic diagram to include the on-off switch and any changes you made.

  5. Swap your power supply for a coin cell battery holder, provided by your teacher. Condense your breadboarded circuit to the area available on your protoboard, including the battery holder.

    NOTE: on the actual protoboard, the battery holder can be mounted on the back, freeing up space on the front

  6. Transfer your circuit to the protoboard and solder it. Other than the LEDs and slide switch, all components should be as low profile as possible. Take a picture clearly showing your solder joints

The following steps will be completed after the CAD module of the course.

  1. Starting with pencil and paper, plan a 3D printed enclosure to house your project. Your enclosure must have the following:

    • Made in two parts with holes for screws to attach together
    • Holes for the two LEDs and the on-off switch
    • Standoffs for the two mounting holes on the protoboard with holes for mounting screws

  2. Design your enclosure in Fusion 360. Keep in mind the limitations of 3D printing. Create and submit a 2D drawing sheet for approval before printing.

  3. Once the enclosure is printed and finalized, assemble it all together.