Learning Circuits

I got the rest of my supplies a few days ago, so I have added a lot to my projects.

Project #1: LED Cards

I didn't create any new cards. I still would like to wait and see how much conductive paint I have left. I need to have enough for Project #4. I did, however, purchase some copper tape, so I might make a few cards with that - when I have the time!

Project #2: Journal

I am fairly proud of my accomplishment on the journal. View the video of me showcasing my journal here. I learned a lot about prototyping, as I had to make changes to my initial design idea. There was a lot of trial and error and critical thinking involved in getting it to work perfectly.

Project #3: LED House

This was a lot harder than I thought it would be! I am done with this project for the time being, but I would like to try again if I have the time and the resources. I kind of got it working, but I'm still not entirely sure it works the way it is supposed to.

I had to redo the paint job three times. The first time, the LEDs did not turn on at all. I think I was using LEDs that had a low voltage so I changed it with more powerful LEDs. At this time, the photoresistor worked (light and dark turned on/off the LED) but only one of the LEDs turned on/off. I adjusted some of the paint and got both LEDs to turn on, but this time it didn't seem like the photoresistor was working correctly, as they didn't seem to turn off or all the way off. The LEDs may have gotten dimmer but they didn't turn off completely. My template is now a a complete mess of paint - having a conductive paint pen instead of using a paintbrush would help solve this problem - as well as not having to redo it so many times. So maybe I'll buy a pen and print a new template and try again some time in the future.

But for now, I've accomplished my purpose of experimenting with and learning about the paint, and I'm anxious to move on to Project #4.

the outside design

the inside

all put together

A Thought on Conductive Paint

In both the journal project and the LED House, one of the hardest things was waiting for the paint to dry before I could test it out and make my adjustments. This is especially challenging when my time is limited (busy schedule with work and holiday stuff). It certainly tests my patience and forces me to invest some time into my project even when it is not the ideal time. Usually, I like to put in large chunks of time when I am in the right mindset, but these projects forced me to put in small chunks of time as often as possible.

Project #4a: Proximity Sensor

I did some research on why my tin foil proximity sensor wasn't working correctly. I think the resistor I was using was too low. I will look into it a bit more, but I'm thinking I won't be able to get one working at this time unless I purchase a new resistor. I'm just afraid I will purchase it and then it won't work.

Project #4b: Piezo Buzzer

I did get the piezo buzzer in the mail and am anxious to play around with it. It is MUCH smaller than I expected, so that makes me a little bit nervous. I also only have one, so I'm a bit worried that it won't work or that I will do something to mess it up and won't have a backup handy.

I will start by experimenting with the piezo buzzer and just trying to get it to make some sound. If I can accomplish that, I may just end up creating a simple design with the conductive paint and a button.

Google Sites

Report abuse