Week 04 - Basic electronics

Task #04

The task for the fourth week is to create a simple electronic circuit and practise basic soldering.

Creating a PCB

We were presented with a technique to create own PCB (printed circuit board) using CNC milling machine. The making process was demonstrated. Normally, you create a PCB design using software such as AutoDesk Eagle, export necessary files and convert to g-codes for the machine. But that was quite complex for me, so, I will create my own PCB maybe some day in the future.

Running light

Since I am a complete beginner in soldering, I started with a simple kit. The kit containts basic electronics both SMD (surface mount device) and through hole. It utilizes NE555 timer and decadic counter CD4017, and creates an effect of running light. The speed can be controled by the trimmer.

📟 Electronic components

• Rezistors: 1 kΩ (10x), 2.2 kΩ (1x), 10 kΩ (1x)
• Trimmer: 50 kΩ (1x)
• LED diod: 3 mm (10x)
• Capacitor: 1 µF (2x)
• Timer: NE555 (1x)
• Counter: CD4017 (1x)
• Connector: 2.54 2P (1x)
• Printed Circuit Board: Custom
• Power requirements: 2.5 - 14.5 V DC

⚡Circuit diagram

After unpacking the kit and quick check of its completeness, I started with soldering using a micro solder iron powered by type C USB. It was difficult to solder so small components at first, but I got better over time.

And this is the final assembly and short demo.