Shopping List
The easiest way to obtain parts for the nine experiments in this workshop is by ordering a kit. You can order your Easy Electronics kit and handbook bundle (including three additional experiments) from Maker Shed.
If you prefer to shop for parts individually online, I suggest sites such as ebay.com, mouser.com, digikey.com, or newark.com.
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Here’s a complete list of everything you need for the 9 experiments in this workshop.
Batteries
Alkaline AA size.
Quantity: 3.
Note: Do not use lithium batteries!
Battery Holder for Single AA Battery
With solder pins or PCB terminals. Eagle Plastic Devices part 12BH311P-GR or similar.
Quantity: 3
Battery Holder for Three AA Batteries
With solder pins or PCB terminals. Eagle Plastic Devices part 12BH331P-GR or similar.
Quantity: 2.
Miniature Incandescent Light Bulb
This item is sometimes sold as a “lamp”. The one that I prefer, pictured throughout this book, is rated for 5V and 60mA and has a ceramic base with two short leads. Search for JKL 7361 by JKL components, or CM7361 by Chicago Miniature Lighting, a subsidiary of VCC. If these options are unavailable, a very similar bulb is JKL 7362; it will use more current and will be a bit dim when used with a series resistor, but should work in the experiments. Another option is to use a 6V bulb rated for 40mA or 60mA; these usually have a size E10 screw-thread base, and require a matching socket. Search online for E10 6V bulb, and you will find scientific supply companies selling the bulb and socket for high-school electrical experiments. It may be less bright than an equivalent 5V bulb, but should work.
Quantity: 2.
Alligator Jumper Wire
Single wire with alligator clip at each end. Any length, but very short ones are more convenient (3" to 6").
Quantity: 2 red, 2 black, 3 green.
Slide Switch
Also known as a slider switch. To use it with alligator clips, it should be as large as possible, with pins widely spaced. This can be a problem, as most slide switches today are subminiature. I suggest that the minimum body size is 1/2" or 13mm long, minimum pin spacing 1/8" or 5mm. You want a single-pole, double-throw switch, which may be identified as SPDT, SP2T, 1P2T, or PDT. Examples of an acceptable switch are part number PM13B012 by Apem or L102011MS02Q by C&K Components. You will be switching very small currents at only 4.5V, so you do not need to be concerned about maximum voltage or amperage listed for a switch.
Quantity: 1.
Resistors, Quarter-watt, 5% or 10% Tolerance
You will need values 33 ohms, 1K, 10K, and 100K: 2 of each. Values 2.2K and 3.3K: 1 of each.
Transistor, 2N3904 NPN Bipolar
Purchase from any manufacturer.
Quantity: 2.
LED
Low-current type, tinted red. Avago or Broadcom HLMP-D150, or HLMP-D155, or HLMP K-150, or HLMP K-155, for a typical 1.6V forward voltage, 20mA maximum average current but able to respond to 1mA.
Quantity: 2.
Phototransistor
Lite-On LTR-301 preferred, side-facing NPN type, rated 5V. Alternatively Optek / TT Electronics OP550B. (The O at the beginning of this part number is letter O, the 0 near the end is numeral zero.) The component that you use must be able to pass a constant current of 3mA. If you find that a side-looking phototransistor has both leads of equal length, hold the component with the lens facing you and the leads pointing down, and the right-hand lead is probably the collector (more positive). If in doubt, apply power very briefly.
Quantity: 1.
Capacitors, Electrolytic
Rated 10V or higher. 1µF, 10µF, 100µF, and 470µF.
Quantity: 1 of each.
Capacitors, Ceramic
2.2nF, 10nF, and 100nF. (These values may be written as 0.0022µF, 0.01µF, and 0.1µF.)
Quantity: 1 of each.
7555 Timer Chip
Preferred manufacturer is Intersil. If you try using a 555 timer chip, it will consume more current and may not work well at the low voltage in the experiments in this book.
Quantity: 1.
Mini Breadboard
17 rows of holes or more.
Quantity: 1.
Jumper Wires
22-gauge, stripped at both ends, in colors red, green, and black.
Length of insulation 1/2": 3 of each color.
Length of insulation 1": 2 of each color.
Piezoelectric Audio Transducer
With wire leads, DB Unlimited TP244003-1 preferred. Alternatively, CPE-827 from CUI Inc. If you search online, note that piezo is often used as the abbreviation for piezoelectric, and you should search for “piezo speakers” to avoid finding other kinds of transducers, some of which work like microphones. If making a substitution, larger is better (minimum diameter 1" or 25mm).
Quantity: 1.
Optional Items
Laser Pen
Used for triggering phototransistor.
Quantity: 1.
Magnifying Lens
Useful for reading part numbers).
Quantity: 1.
Nail Clippers
Used for trimming unruly component leads.
Quantity: 1.
Wire Strippers
For if you’d rather make your own jumper wires.
Quantity: 1.
