Elenco Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 User Manual

Copyright © 2014 by Elenco®Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced by 753093
any means; electronic, photocopying, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

U.S. Patents 7,144,255; 7,273,377;
patents pending

Table of Contents

Basic Troubleshooting 1
How to Use It 2
Parts List 3, 4
About Your Circuit Maker Parts 5, 6
Introduction to Electricity 7

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD -

Never connect Circuit Maker to the electrical
outlets in your home in any way!

Basic Troubleshooting

1. Most circuit problems are due to
incorrect assembly, always double­check that your circuit exactly matches
the drawing for it.

2. Be sure that parts with
positive/negative markings are
positioned as per the drawing.

3. Be sure that all connections are
securely snapped.

!

WARNING: Always check your wiring before

turning on a circuit. Never leave a circuit
unattended while the batteries are installed.
Never connect additional batteries or any
other power sources to your circuits.
Discard any cracked or broken parts.

Adult Supervision: Because children’s

abilities vary so much, even with age
groups, adults should exercise discretion
as to which experiments are suitable and
safe (the instructions should enable
supervising adults to establish the

DOs and DON’Ts of Building Circuits 8
Advanced Troubleshooting 9
Project Listings 10, 11
Projects 1 - 203 12 - 77
Other Circuit Maker Products 78

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD -

Small parts. Not for children under
3 years.

Conforms to all applicable U.S. government

requirements.

experiment’s suitability for the child). Make
sure your child reads and follows all of the
relevant instructions and safety
procedures, and keeps them at hand for
reference.

This product is intended for use by adults
and children who have attained sufficient
maturity to read and follow directions and
warnings.

Never modify your parts, as doing so may
disable important safety features in them,
and could put your child at risk of injury.

4. Try replacing the batteries.

ELENCO

®

is not responsible for parts

damaged due to incorrect wiring.

Note: If you suspect you have damaged parts,

you can follow the Advanced Troubleshooting
procedure on page 9 to determine which ones
need replacing.

-1-

Batteries:

!

● Use only 1.5V “AA” type, alkaline batteries
(not included).

● Insert batteries with correct polarity.

● Non-rechargeable batteries should not be

recharged. Rechargeable batteries should
only be charged under adult supervision,
and should not be recharged while in the
product.

● Do not mix old and new batteries.

● Remove batteries when they are used up.

● Do not connect batteries or battery holders

in parallel.

● Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon­zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium)
batteries.

● Do not short circuit the battery terminals.

● Never throw batteries in a fire or attempt to

open its outer casing.

● Batteries are harmful if swallowed, so keep
away from small children.

How to Use Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200

Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 uses building
blocks with snaps to build the different
electrical and electronic circuits in the projects.
Each block has a function: there are switch
blocks, light blocks, battery blocks, different
length wire blocks, etc. These blocks are
different colors and have numbers on them so
that you can easily identify them. The blocks
you will be using are shown as color symbols
with level numbers next to them, allowing you
to easily snap them together to form a circuit.

For Example:

This is the switch block which is green and has
the marking on it. The part symbols in this
booklet may not exactly match the appearance
of the actual parts, but will clearly identify them.

This is a wire block which is blue and comes
in different wire lengths.
This one has the number , , , ,
or on it depending on the length of the wire

6

connection required.

There is also a 1-snap wire that is used as a
spacer or for interconnection between different
layers.

S2

2

3 4 5

You need a power source to build each circuit.
This is labeled and requires three (3) 1.5V
“AA” batteries (not included).

A large clear plastic base grid is included with
this kit to help keep the circuit blocks properly
spaced. You will see evenly spaced posts that
the different blocks snap into. The base has
rows labeled A-G and columns labeled 1-10.

Next to each part in every circuit drawing is a
small number in black. This tells you which
level the component is placed at. Place all
parts on level 1 first, then all of the parts on
level 2, then all of the parts on level 3, etc.

B3

Some circuits use the jumper wires to make
unusual connections. Just clip them to the
metal snaps or as indicated.

Note: While building the projects, be careful
not to accidentally make a direct connection
across the battery holder (a “short circuit”),
as this may damage and/or quickly drain the
batteries.

-2-

Parts List (Colors and styles may vary) Symbols and Numbers

Important: If any parts are missing or damaged, DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER. Call customer service toll-

free at [phone] or e-mail us at: [e-mail].

Qty. ID Name Symbol Part # Qty. ID Name Symbol Part #

r 1

r 4

r 7

r 4

r 1

r 1

Base Grid
(11.0” x 7.7”)

1

1-Snap Wire 6SC01

2

2-Snap Wire 6SC02

3-Snap Wire

3

4-Snap Wire

4

5

5-Snap Wire 6SC05

6SCBG

6SC03

6SC04

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

C2

C3

C4

D1

0.1mF Capacitor 6SCC2

10mF Capacitor 6SCC3

100mF Capacitor

6SCC4

Red Light
Emitting

6SCD1

Diode (LED)

Jumper Wire
(Black)

6SCJ1

Jumper Wire
(Red)

6SCJ2

r 1

r 1

6

B3

6-Snap Wire 6SC06

Battery Holder ­uses 3 1.5V type

6SCB3

AA (not included)

r 1

r 1

L4

Q1

Lamp

6SCL4

PNP Transistor 6SCQ1

Parts List (Colors and styles may vary) Symbols and Numbers

Important: If any parts are missing or damaged, DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER. Call customer service toll-

free at [phone] or e-mail us at: [e-mail].

Qty. ID Name Symbol Part # Qty. ID Name Symbol Part #

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

Q2

R1

R2

R3

R5

RP

NPN Transistor 6SCQ2

100W Resistor 6SCR1

1KW Resistor 6SCR2

5.1KW Resistor 6SCR3

100KW Resistor 6SCR5

Photoresistor 6SCRP

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

r 1

S1

S2

SP2

U3

U6

WC

Slide Switch 6SCS1

Press Switch 6SCS2

Speaker 6SCSP2

Space War
Integrated

6SCU3

Circuit (IC)

Recording
Integrated

6SCU6

Circuit (IC)

Whistle Chip 6SCWC

r 1

RV

Adjustable
Resistor

6SCRV

r 1

X1

Microphone 6SCX1

-4-

About Your Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 Parts

(Part designs are subject to change without notice).

BASE GRID

The base grid is a platform for mounting parts and
wires. It functions like the printed circuit boards used
in most electronic products, or like how the walls are
used for mounting the electrical wiring in your home.

SNAP WIRES & JUMPER WIRES

The blue snap wires

are wires used to
connect components.

They are used to transport

electricity and do not affect

circuit performance. They come in

different lengths to allow orderly

arrangement of connections on the base grid.

The red and black
jumper wires make
flexible connections
for times when using
the snap wires would be difficult.
They also are used to make
connections off the base grid.

Wires transport electricity just like pipes are used to
transport water. The colorful plastic coating protects
them and prevents electricity from getting in or out.

BATTERY HOLDER

The batteries (B3) produce an electrical voltage using
a chemical reaction. This “voltage” can be thought of
as electrical pressure, pushing electricity through a
circuit just like a pump pushes water through pipes.
This voltage is much lower and much safer than that
used in your house wiring. Using more batteries
increases the “pressure”, therefore, more electricity
flows.

Battery Holder (B3)

SLIDE & PRESS SWITCHES

The slide and press switches (S1 & S2) connect
(pressed or “ON”) or disconnect (not pressed or
“OFF”) the wires in a circuit. When ON they have no
effect on circuit performance. Switches turn on
electricity just like a faucet turns on water from a pipe.

RESISTORS

Resistors “resist” the flow of electricity and are used to
control or limit the current in a circuit. Circuit Maker Skill
Builder 125 includes 100W (R1), 1kW (R2), 5.1kW (R3),
and 100kW (R5) resistors (“k” symbolizes 1,000, so
R3 is really 5,100W). Materials like metal have very low
resistance (<1W), while materials like paper, plastic,
and air have near-infinite resistance. Increasing circuit
resistance reduces the flow of electricity.

Resistors (R1, R2, R3, & R5)

The adjustable resistor (RV) is
a 50kW resistor but with
a center tap that can
be adjusted between
200W and 50kW.

Adjustable

Resistor (RV)

The photoresistor (RP) is a light-sensitive resistor, its
value changes from nearly infinite in total darkness to
about 1,000W when a bright light shines on it.

-5-

Slide & Press Switches (S1 & S2)

Photoresistor (RP)

About Your Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 Parts

CAPACITORS

Capacitors are components that can store electrical
pressure (voltage) for periods of time, higher values
have more storage. Because of this storage ability
they block unchanging voltage signals and pass fast
changing voltages. Capacitors are used for filtering
and oscillation circuits. This kit includes 0.1mF (C2),
10mF (C3), and 100mF (C4) capacitors. The whistle
chip (WC) also acts like a 0.02mF capacitor in addition
to its sound
properties.

Capacitors

(C2, C3, & C4)

MICROPHONE

The microphone (X1) is actually a resistor that
changes in value when changes in air pressure
(sounds) apply pressure to its surface.

Microphone

(X1)

LAMP

A light bulb, such as in the 4.5V lamp (L4), contains a
special thin high-resistance wire. When a lot of
electricity flows through, this wire gets so hot it glows
bright. Voltages above the bulb’s rating can burn out
the wire.

Lamp (L4)

SPEAKER

The speaker (SP2) converts
electricity into sound by making
mechanical vibrations. These
vibrations create variations
in air pressure, which travel
across the room. You “hear”
sound when your ears feel
these air pressure vari­ations.

Speaker (SP2)

TRANSISTORS

The PNP transistor (Q1) and NPN transistor (Q2)
are components that use a small electric current to
control a large current, and is used in switching,
amplifier, and buffering applications. Transistors are
easy to miniaturize, and are the main building blocks
of integrated circuits including the microprocessor and
memory circuits in computers.

PNP Transistor (Q1)

NPN Transistor (Q2)

WHISTLE CHIP

The whistle chip (WC) contains two thin plates. When
an electrical signal is applied across them they will
stretch slightly in an effort to separate (like two
magnets opposing each other), when the signal is
removed they come back together. If the electrical
signal applied across them is changing quickly, then
the plates will vibrate. These vibrations create
variations in air
pressure that
your ears feel
just like sound
from a speaker.

Whistle Chip (WC)

LED

The red LED (D1) is a light emitting diode and may be
thought of as a special one-way light bulb. In the
“forward” direction, (indicated by the “arrow” in the
symbol) electricity flows if the voltage exceeds a turn­on threshold (about 1.5V); brightness then increases.
A high current will burn out an LED, so the current
must be limited by
other components in
the circuit. LEDs
block electricity in the
“reverse” direction.

LED (D1)

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS (ICs)

Some types of electronic components can be super­miniaturized, allowing many thousands of parts to fit into an
area smaller that your fingernail. These “integrated circuits”
(ICs) are used in everything from simple electronic toys to the
most advanced computers. The space war and recording IC
modules (U3 & U6) in Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 are
actually modules containing specialized sound-generation ICs
and other supporting components (resistors, capacitors, and
transistors) that are always needed with them. This was done
to simplify the connections you need to make to use them.
The descriptions for these modules are given here for those
interested; see the projects for connection examples:

Space War IC:

(+)

IN1

OUT

IN2(–)

Recording IC Module:

Mic +

Mic –

(+)

(–) RCPlay

Connections:

(+) - power from batteries
(–) - power return to batteries
OUT - output connection
IN1, IN2 - control inputs

Connect each control input to
(–) power to sequence
through 8 sounds.

Connections:

(+) - power from batteries
(–) - power return to batteries
RC - record
Play - play
OUT - output connection

OUT

Mic + - microphone input
Mic – - microphone input

See Project #4 for example of
proper connections.

-6-

Introduction to Electricity

What is electricity? Nobody really knows. We only know how to produce it,
understand its properties, and how to control it. Electricity is the movement of sub­atomic charged particles (called electrons) through a material due to electrical
pressure across the material, such as from a battery.

Power sources, such as batteries, push electricity through a circuit, like a pump
pushes water through pipes. Wires carry electricity, like pipes carry water. Devices
like LEDs, motors, and speakers use the energy in electricity to do things. Switches
and transistors control the flow of electricity like valves and faucets control water.
Resistors limit the flow of electricity.

The electrical pressure exerted by a battery or other power source is called
voltage and is measured in volts (V). Notice the “+” and “–” signs on the battery;
these indicate which direction the battery will “pump” the electricity.

The electric current is a measure of how fast electricity is flowing in a wire, just
as the water current describes how fast water is flowing in a pipe. It is expressed
in amperes (A) or milliamps (mA, 1/1,000 of an ampere).

The “power” of electricity is a measure of how fast energy is moving through a
wire. It is a combination of the voltage and current (Power = Voltage x Current). It
is expressed in watts (W).

The resistance of a component or circuit represents how much it resists the
electrical pressure (voltage) and limits the flow of electric current. The relationship
is Voltage = Current x Resistance. When the resistance increases, less current
flows. Resistance is measured in ohms (W), or kilo ohms (kW, 1,000 ohms).

There are two ways of arranging parts in a circuit, in series or
in parallel. Here are examples:

Series Circuit

Nearly all of the electricity used in our world is produced at enormous generators
driven by steam or water pressure. Wires are used to efficiently transport this
energy to homes and businesses where it is used. Motors convert the electricity
back into mechanical form to drive machinery and appliances. The most important
aspect of electricity in our society is that it allows energy to be easily transported
over distances.

Note that “distances” includes not just large distances but also tiny distances. Try
to imagine a plumbing structure of the same complexity as the circuitry inside a
portable radio - it would have to be large because we can’t make water pipes so
small. Electricity allows complex designs to be made very small.

-7-

Parallel Circuit

Placing components in series increases the resistance; highest
value dominates. Placing components in parallel decreases the
resistance; lowest value dominates.

The parts within these series and parallel sub-circuits may be
arranged in different ways without changing what the circuit
does. Large circuits are made of combinations of smaller series
and parallel circuits.

DOs and DON’Ts of Building Circuits

After building the circuits given in this booklet, you may wish to experiment on
your own. Use the projects in this booklet as a guide, as many important design
concepts are introduced throughout them. Every circuit will include a power
source (the batteries), a resistance (which might be a resistor, capacitor, speaker,
integrated circuit, etc.), and wiring paths between them and back. You must be

careful not to create “short circuits” (very low-resistance paths across the
batteries, see examples at right) as this will damage components
drain your batteries. Only connect the ICs using configurations given in the

projects, incorrectly doing so may damage them. ELENCO®is not responsible

for parts damaged due to incorrect wiring.

Here are some important guidelines:

ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION WHEN EXPERIMENTING ON YOUR

OWN.

ALWAYS include at least one component that will limit the current through a

circuit, such as the speaker, lamp, ICs (which must be connected
properly), motor, photoresistor, or resistor.

ALWAYS use the LED, NPN transistor, and switches in conjunction with other

components that will limit the current through them. Failure to do so
will create a short circuit and/or damage those parts.

ALWAYS disconnect your batteries immediately and check your wiring if

something appears to be getting hot.

ALWAYS check your wiring before turning on a circuit.

ALWAYS connect capacitors so that the “+” side gets the higher voltage.

ALWAYS connect ICs using configurations given in the projects or as per the

connection descriptions for the parts.

NEVER connect to an electrical outlet in your home in any way.

NEVER leave a circuit unattended when it is turned on.

NEVER touch the motor when it is spinning at high speed.

and/or quickly

Examples of SHORT CIRCUITS - NEVER DO THESE!!!

Placing a 3-snap wire directly
across the batteries is a
SHORT CIRCUIT.

!

NEVER

DO!

This is also a SHORT CIRCUIT.

When the slide switch (S1) is turned on, this large circuit has a SHORT
CIRCUIT path (as shown by the arrows). The short circuit prevents any
other portions of the circuit from ever working.

!

NEVER

DO!

!

NEVER

DO!

For all of the projects given in this book, the parts may be arranged in different
ways without changing the circuit. For example, the order of parts connected in
series or in parallel does not matter — what matters is how combinations of these
sub-circuits are arranged together.

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD -

Sound Plus 200 to the electrical outlets in your home in any way!

Warning to Circuit Maker owners: Do not connect
additional voltage sources from other sets, or you

!

may damage your parts. Contact ELENCO
have questions or need guidance.

Never connect Circuit Maker

®

if you

CAUTION: Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or

!

rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.

!

NEVER

DO!

-8-

Advanced Troubleshooting

(Adult supervision recommended)

ELENCO®is not responsible for parts
damaged due to incorrect wiring.

If you suspect you have damaged parts, you
can follow this procedure to systematically
determine which ones need replacing:

Note: Some of these tests connect an LED directly
across the batteries without another component
to limit the current. Normally this might damage
the LED, however, Circuit Maker LEDs have
internal resistors added to protect them from

incorrect wiring, and will not be damaged.

1. Red LED (D1), 4.5V lamp (L4), speaker

(SP2), and battery holder (B3): Place

batteries in holder. Place the red LED
directly across the battery holder (LED + to
battery +); it should light. Place the 4.5V
lamp directly across the battery holder, it
should light. “Tap” the speaker across the
battery holder contacts, you should hear
static as it touches. If none work, then
replace your batteries and repeat. If still bad,
then the battery holder is damaged.

2. Jumper wires: Use this mini-circuit to test

each jumper wire, the lamp should light.

4. Slide switch (S1) and press switch (S2):

Build Project #1; if the lamp (L4) doesn’t light
then the slide switch is bad. Replace the
slide switch with the press switch to test it.

5.

100W (R1), 1KW (R2), and 5.1KW (R3)
resistors:

should be bright. If not, then R1 is damaged.
Next use the 1KW and 5.1KW resistors in
place of the 100W resistor; the LED should
be dimmer but still light.

6. Microphone (X1) and photoresistor (RP):

Build Project #13; if blowing into the
microphone does not change the LED (D1)
brightness then the microphone is bad.
Replace the microphone with the
photoresistor. Waving your hand over the
photoresistor (changing the light that shines
on it) should change the brightness of the
LED or the photoresistor is bad.

7. NPN transistor (Q2): Build the mini-circuit

shown here. The LED (D1) should only be
on if the press switch (S2) is pressed. If
otherwise, then the NPN is damaged.

1

Build Project #10; the red LED

9. Adjustable resistor (RV): Build Project

#14, the resistor control lever can turn the
LED (D1) on and off.

10. Recording IC (U6): Build Project #4.

Make an 8 second recording, then listen to
the three pre-recorded songs.

11. Space war IC (U3: Build Project #2, both

switches (S1 and S2) should change the
sound.

12. Whistle chip (WC): Build Project #165.

When you press the press switch (S2) you
should hear sound.

13. 100KW resistor (R5), 0.1mF (C2)

capacitor and 10mF capacitor (C3):

Build Project #120, it makes sound unless
the resistor is bad. Place the 0.1mF
capacitor on top of the whistle chip (WC)
and the sound changes (pitch is lower).
Replace the 0.1mF with the 10mF (“+” on
left) and the circuit will “click” about once
a second.

100mF (C4) capacitors: Build Project #75,

14.
press the press switch (S2) and turn on the
slide switch (S1). The LED (D1) should be
lit for about 5 seconds then go out (press
the press switch again to reset this).

3. Snap wires: Use this mini-circuit to test

each of the snap wires, one at a time. The
lamp should light.

-9-

8. PNP transistor (Q1): Build the mini-circuit

shown here. The LED (D1) should only be
on if the press switch (S2) is pressed. If
otherwise, then the PNP is damaged.

1

Customer Service

Call toll-free: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Project Listings

Project # Description Page #

1 Electric Light & Switch 12
2 Space War 12
3 Electronic Playground 13
4 Playback & Record 14
5 Light-Controlled Music 14
6 Touch-Controlled Music 14
7 Water Alarm 14
8 Fun with Sounds 15
9 Playground 15
10 Light Emitting Diode 16
11 Dim Light 16
12 Light Changing Light 16
13 Microphone Control 17
14 Conduction Detector 17
15 Adjustable Brightness 17
16 Red & White Control 18
17 Current Controllers 18
18 Touch Light 18
19 Speaker Static 18
20 Parallel Resistors 19
21 Series Resistors 19
22 Capacitors in Series 19
23 Capacitors in Parallel 19
24 Sound & Light in Series 20
25 Parallel Lamps 20
26 Light-Controlled LED 20
27 Two-Transistor Light Alarm 20
28 The Fuse 21
29 Sound by Rotary Switch 21
30 Quiet Zone Game 22
31 Music in the Light 22
32 This OR That 23
33 This AND That 23
34 Neither This NOR That 24

Project # Description Page #

35 NOT This AND That 24
36 Batteries in Series 25
37 Batteries in Series - LED 25
38 Diode 26
39 Musical Space War 26
40 Transistor Direction 27
41 Another Transistor Direction 27
42 Simple Rectifier 27
43 Slow Off Switch 28
44 Slower Off Switch 28
45 Current Control Q1 28
46 Current Control Q2 28
47 Reflection Detector 29
48 Quiet Reflection Detector 29
49 Make Your Own Battery 30
50 Make a Small Battery 30
51 Make Another Battery 30
52 Bomb Sound 30
53 Standard Transistor Circuit 31
54 Recharge Light 31
55 Transistor Amplifiers 32
56 Pressure Meter 32
57 Resistance Meter 32
58 NPN Amplifier 33
59 PNP Amplifier 33
60 PNP Collector 34
61 PNP Emitter 34
62 NPN Collector 34
63 NPN Emitter 34
64 NPN Light Control 35
65 NPN Dark Control 35
66 PNP Light Control 35
67 PNP Dark Control 35
68 Automatic Street Lamp 36

Project # Description Page #

69 Voice Control 36
70 Blowing Off the Electric Light 36
71 Listen to Your Breath 36
72 Light Alarm 37
73 Brighter Light Alarm 37
74 Light Dimmer 37
75 Auto-Off Night Light 38
76 Discharging Caps 38
77 Changing Delay Time 38
78 Two-Finger Touch Lamp 39
79 One-Finger Touch Lamp 39
80 Storing Electricity 40
81 Lamp Brightness Control 40
82 Motion Detector 41
83 LED Motion Detector 41
84 Whistling Recording IC 42
85 Two-Sound Output 42
86 Lights On & Off 42
87 Delayed Action Lamp 42
88 Watch Light 43
89 Adjustable Time Delay Lamp 43
90 Photo-Off Night Light 44
91 Sunrise Light 44
92 Capacitor Photo Control 45
93 Capacitor Control 45
94 Turn Off Timer 46
95 Turn Off Timer - Lamp 46
96 LED & Bulb Timer 46
97 LED & Bulb Short Timer 46
98 Slow Light Dimmer 47
99 Not-So-Slow Light 47
100 The SCR 47
101 Light-Controlled SCR 47
102 Adjustable Tone Generator 48

-10-

Project Listings

Project # Description Page #

103 Photosensitive Electronic Organ 48
104 Electronic Cicada 48
105 Morse Code 49
106 Audio Morse Code 49
107 Dog Whistle 49
108 The Lie Detector 50
109 Clicking Liar 50

110 Slow Clicking Liar 50

111 Photo-Powered Recording 50

112 Photo Whistle Music 50
113 Whiner 51
114 Hummer 51
115 Adjustable Metronome 51
116 Quiet Flasher 51
117 Hissing Foghorn 52
118 Hissing & Clicking 52

119 Video Game Engine Sound 52
120 Tone Generator 53
121 Tone Generator (II) 53
122 Tone Generator (III) 53
123 More Tone Generator 53
124 More Tone Generator (II) 53
125 More Tone Generator (III) 53
126 Sound Wave Magic 54
127 Pitch 54
128 Photo Pitch 54
129 High Pitch Bell 55
130 Steamship 55
131 Water Alarm 55
132 Buzzing in the Dark 56
133 Touch Buzzer 56
134 High Frequency Touch Buzzer 56
135 High Frequency Water Buzzer 56
136 Mosquito 56

Project # Description Page #

137 Loud Mosquito 56
138 Oscillator 57
139 Pulse Oscillator 57
140 Whistle Oscillator 57
141 Flasher 57
142 Mail Notifying Electronic Lamp 58
143
144 Mail Notifying Mode Change 58
145 Lasting Doorbell 58
146 Lasting Clicking 58
147 Shorter Doorbell 58
148 Lighted Doorbell 58
149 Light Oscillator 59
150 Another Light Oscillator 59
151 Sound & Light Stepper Circuit 59
152 Another Light Oscillator 59
153 Transistor Power 60
154 Transistor Power (II) 60
155 Static Space Sounds 60
156 Blink & Beep 60
157 Blink & Beep (II) 60
158 Electricity You Can Wear 61
159 Electricity in Your Hair 61
160 Bending Water 62
161 Static Tricks 62
162 Recording LED Indicator 63
163 Pencil Alarm 63
164 Two Light Two Sounds 63
165 LED Music 64
166
167
168 Music AND Gate 65
169 Music OR Gate 65
170 Water Detector 66

Mail Notifying Electronic Lamp & Sound

Light-Controlled LED Time Delay
Touch-Controlled LED Time Delay

58

64
64

Project #

171 Saltwater Detector 66
172 Playback & Record with Light 67
173 Photo Music 67
174 Sliding Music 68
175 Synchronized Flasher 68
176 Slow Light Switcher 69
177 Space Battle 69
178 Space Battle (II) 69
179 Electronic Bombing Game 70
180 Photo Switcher 70
181 Blowing & Shining Lights 71
182 Adjustable Blowing Sound 71
183 Tunable Oscillator 72
184 High Low Oscillator 72
185 Recording IC 72
186 Whistle Recording 72
187 Mind Reading Game 73
188 Tap Start Recorder 74
189 Transistor Mic 74
190 Transistor Mic with Speaker 74
191 Adjustable Volume 75
192 Adjustable Volume Music 75
193 Adjustable Volume with Light 75
194 Audio Amplifier 76
195 Whistling Sound Amplifier 76
196 Whistle Amplifier 76
197 Blowing Audio Amplifier 76
198 Photo Audio Amplifier 76
199 Photo Whistle Amplifier 76
200 Air Audio Amplifier 77
201 Red LED Audio Amplifier 77
202 Whistle Chip Audio Amplifier 77
203 Photo Powered Music 77

Description Page #

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Placement

Level

Numbers

Project #1

Electric Light & Switch

Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 uses electronic blocks that snap onto a
clear plastic grid to build different circuits. These blocks have different
colors and numbers on them so that you can easily identify them.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1
next to them on the board first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.
Install three (3) “AA” batteries (not included) into the battery holder (B3).
Turn on the slide switch (S1); the lamp (L4) lights.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current
flows from the batteries through the lamp and
back to the battery through the switch. The closed
switch completes the circuit. In electronics this is
called a closed circuit. When the switch is opened,
the current can no longer flow back to the battery,
so the lamp goes out. In electronics this is called
an open circuit.

Project #2

Space War

Build the circuit shown on the left, which uses the space war integrated
circuit (U3). Activate it by flipping the slide switch (S1) or pressing the
press switch (S2); do both several times and in combination. You will
hear an exciting range of sounds, as if a space war is raging!

Like the other integrated circuits, the space war
IC is a super-miniaturized electronic circuit that
can play a variety of cool sounds stored in it by
using just a few extra components.

In movie studios, technicians are paid to insert
these sounds at the precise instant a gun is fired.
Try making your sound occur at the same time an
object hits the floor. It is not as easy as it sounds.

Placement Level

Numbers

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This complex circuit is
pictured on the box
cover, use that as a guide
to help in building it.

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Project #3 Electronic Playground

Placement Level Numbers

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Circuit Maker Sound Plus 200 uses electronic blocks that snap onto a clear
plastic grid to build different circuits. These blocks have different colors and
numbers on them so that you can easily identify them.

Build the circuit shown above by placing all the parts with a black 1 next to
them on the board first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2. Then,
assemble parts marked with a 3. Install three (3) “AA” batteries (not included)
into the battery holder (B3).

If there is light on the photoresistor (RP) then you will hear a bomb sound.
Move the lever on the adjustable resistor (RV) to adjust the volume.

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Placement

Level

Numbers

Push the press switch (S2) to play a recorded message followed by music,
press it again to stop the music. Move the lever on the adjustable resistor to
adjust the volume.

Turn on the slide switch (S1), you hear a beep signaling that you may begin
recording. Talk into the microphone (X1) up to 5 seconds, and then turn off
the slide switch (it also beeps after the 5 seconds expires).

The lamp (L4) will not light. The red LED (D1) will light at some settings on
RV.

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Project #4 Playback & Record

Build the circuit shown. Turn on the slide switch (S1), you hear a beep
signaling that you may begin recording. Talk into the microphone (X1)
up to 5 seconds, and then turn off the slide switch (it also beeps after
the 5 seconds expires).

Press the press switch (S2) for playback. It plays the recording you made
followed by one of three songs. If you press the press switch before the
song is over, music will stop. You may press the press switch several
times to play all three songs. The lamp (L4) is used to limit current and
will not light.

Project #5

Light-Controlled

Music

Use the circuit in Project #4. Replace the press
switch (S2) with the photoresistor (RP), then turn
on the slide switch (S1). Turn the music on and
off by waving your hand over the photoresistor.

Project #6

Touch-Controlled

Music

Use the circuit in Project #4. Place a single snap
on base grid point F1. Replace the press switch
(S2) with the PNP transistor (Q1, with the arrow
on point E2) and then turn on the slide switch
(S1). Turn the music on and off by touching
points F1 & G2 at the same time. You may need
to wet your fingers.

Project #7

Water Alarm

Use the circuit in Project #4. Make a new
recording warning that you detected water.
Remove the press switch (S2) and connect the
ends of the red and black jumper wires where it
had been. Place the other ends of the jumper
wires into a cup of water to activate your alarm.

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Project #8

Fun with Sounds

Uncover the photoresistor (RP) to play a recorded message
followed by music, cover it to stop the music.

Turn on the slide switch (S1), you hear a beep signaling that you
may begin recording. Talk into the microphone (X1) up to 5
seconds, and then turn off the slide switch (it also beeps after
the 5 seconds expires).

Push the press switch (S2) several times to make space war
sounds.

The red LED (D1) lights when there is sound. The lamp (L4) will
not light.

Project #9 Playground

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Uncover the photoresistor (RP) to play a recorded message
followed by music, cover it to stop the music.

Turn on the slide switch (S1), you hear a beep signaling that you
may begin recording. Talk into the microphone (X1) up to 5
seconds, and then turn off the slide switch (it also beeps after
the 5 seconds expires).

Set the lever on the adjustable resistor (RV) to the right. Push
and release the press switch (S2); the red LED (D1) lights but
doesn’t goes out instantly. The lamp (L4) will not light.

If you swap the resistors (R1) and (R3) then the lamp will light,
but the recording quality will be worse.

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Project #10 Light Emitting Diode

LEDs use very little power and last
for thousands of hours. That’s why
they replaced the standard light bulb
in many products today.

Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1
next to them on the board first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.

When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteries
through the switch, through the resistor, through the LED (light emitting
diode) and back to the battery. The closed switch completes the circuit.
The resistor limits the current and prevents damage to the LED. NEVER
PLACE AN LED DIRECTLY ACROSS THE BATTERY! If no resistor is
in the circuit, the battery may push enough current through the LED to
damage the semiconductor that is used to produce the light. LEDs are
used in all types of electronic equipment to indicate conditions and pass
information to the user of that equipment.

Reverse the position of the LED (so the “+” is on the right) and turn on
the circuit - nothing happens. Since the LED is in backwards, current
cannot flow. The LED is like a check valve that lets current flow in only
one direction. Return the LED to the original position in the diagram.

Can you think of something you use every day that has an LED in it?

Project #11

Dim Light

Use the circuit from Project #10, but replace the 100W resistor (R1) with the
1KW resistor (R2). The LED is not as bright now because the resistance is
higher. Now replace the 1KW resistor (R2) with the 5.1KW resistor (R3). The
LED is even dimmer now because the resistance is even higher.

Project #12

Light Changing Light

Use the circuit from Project #10, but replace the 5.1KW resistor (R3) with
the photoresistor (RP). Vary the brightness of the LED by adjusting how
much light shines on the photoresistor.

The photoresistor changes its resistance depending on how much light
shines on it.

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Project #13

Project #14

Microphone Control

In this circuit, blowing on the microphone (X1) changes
the LED (D1) brightness.

The resistance of the microphone changes when you
blow on it. You can replace the microphone with one of
the resistors to see what resistor value it is closest to.

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Project #15

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Conduction Detector

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Adjustable Brightness

In this circuit, changing the adjustable
resistor (RV) setting changes the
brightness of the LED (D1).

The lever on RV adjusts how much
resistive material the electric current
flows through.

Build the circuit, but leave the ends of the
red and black jumper wires unconnected at
first.

When you place a paper clip (not included)
across the loose ends of the jumper wires
as shown, current flows from the batteries
through the resistor, through the LED, and
back to the battery. The paper clip
completes the circuit and current flows
through the LED. Place your fingers across
the terminals and the LED does not light.
Your body is too high of a resistance to
allow enough current to flow to light the
LED. If the voltage, which is electrical
pressure, was higher, current could be
pushed through your fingers and the LED
would light. This detector can be used to
see if materials like plastic, wood, cloth,
aluminum, or paper are a good conductor
or a poor conductor.

Resistors are used to control or limit the flow of
electricity in a circuit. Higher resistor values reduce the
flow of electricity in a circuit.

In this circuit, the adjustable resistor is used to adjust
the LED brightness, to limit the current so the batteries
last longer, and to protect the LED from being damaged
by the batteries.

What is Resistance? Take your hands and rub them
together very fast. Your hands should feel warm. The
friction between your hands converts your effort into
heat. Resistance is the electrical friction between an
electric current and the material it is flowing through.

The adjustable resistor can be set for as low as 200W,
or as high as 50,000W (50kW).

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Project #16

Project #17

Red & White Control

Turn on the circuit using the
slide switch (S1) and/or the
press switch (S2) and move
the adjustable resistor’s (RV)
control lever around to adjust
the brightness of the D1 and
L4. When the adjustable
resistor is set to one side,
that side will have low
resistance and its light turns
(assuming the switch on that
side is ON) on while the
other is OFF.

Project #18

Touch Light

Current Controllers

Build the circuit and turn on the
slide switch (S1), the LED (D1) will
be lit. To increase the LED
brightness, turn on the press switch
(S2). To decrease the LED
brightness, turn off the slide switch.

With the slide switch on, the 1KW
resistor (R2) controls the current.
Turning on the press switch places the
100W resistor (R1) in parallel with it to
decrease the total circuit resistance.
Turning off the slide switch places the

5.1KW resistor (R3) in series with
R1/R2 to increase the total resistance.

Project #19

Speaker Static

Tap on the whistle chip and
the LED flickers. Tap again
and the LED may flicker for
a longer time. See how long
the LED will stay on.

Turn the slide switch (S1) on and
off several times. You hear static
from the speaker (SP2) when
you first turn on the switch, but
hear nothing after it is left on.

The speaker uses electromagnetism to create changes
in air pressure, which your ears feel and interpret as
sound. Think of the speaker as creating pressure waves
in the air just like waves in a pool. You only see waves
in the pool when you disturb the water, so the speaker
only makes sound when the voltage changes.

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Project #20

Project #21

Parallel Resistors

Turn on either or both
switches (S1 & S2) and
compare the LED (D1)
brightness.

This circuit has the 100W
resistor (R1) and 1KW
resistor (R2) arranged in
parallel. You can see that
the smaller 100W resistor
controls the brightness in
this arrangement.

Project #22 Capacitors in Series

Turn on the slide switch (S1), then press and release the press switch (S2). The
LED (D1) becomes bright when the 100mF capacitor (C4) charges up with the press
switch on, then the LED slowly gets dim after you release the press switch.

Now turn off the slide switch. Repeat the test with the slide switch off; you’ll notice
the LED goes out much faster after you release the press switch. The much smaller
10mF capacitor (C3) is now in series with the 100mF and so reduces the total
capacitance (electrical storage capacity), and they discharge much faster. (Note
that this is opposite to how resistors in series work).

Series Resistors

Turn on either or both
switches (S1 & S2) and
compare the LED (D1)
brightness.

This circuit has the 100W
resistor (R1), the 1KW resistor
(R2), and the photoresistor
(RP) arranged in series. You
can see that the larger
photoresistor controls the
brightness in this
arrangement (the resistance
of the photoresistor will be
much higher than the others,
unless the light is very bright).

Project #23 Capacitors in Parallel

Turn off the slide switch (S1), then press and release the press switch (S2). The
LED (D1) becomes bright when the 10mF capacitor (C3) charges up with the press
switch on, then the LED slowly gets dim after you release the press switch.

Now turn on the slide switch and repeat the test; you’ll notice the LED goes out
much slower after you release the press switch. The much larger 100mF capacitor
(C4) is now in parallel with the 10mF and so increases the total capacitance
(electrical storage capacity), and they discharge much slower. (Note that this is
opposite to how resistors in parallel work).

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Project #24

Project #25

Sound & Light in Series

Turn on the slide switch (S1) and the speaker sounds as the lamp (L4)
lights. The speaker and lamp are in series. The transistor is used to
increase the voltage on the lamp, otherwise it wouldn’t light

Project #26

Light-Controlled LED

Parallel Lamps

Turn on the slide switch
(S1) and the LED (D1) and
lamp (L4) light. If one of the
them is broken then the
other will still be on,
because they are in
parallel. An example of this
is most of the lights in your
house; if a bulb is broken on
one lamp then the other
lamps are not affected.

Project #27

Two-Transistor Light Alarm

When there is light on
the photoresistor (RP),
its resistance is low and
the LED (D1) will flicker.
Shield the photoresistor
from the light; the LED
should turn off.

Build the circuit with the
jumper connected as shown,
and turn it on. Nothing
happens. Break the jumper
connection and the lamp (L4)
turns on. You could replace
the jumper with a longer wire
and run it across a doorway to
signal an alarm when
someone enters.

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The FuseProject #28

Build the circuit shown. Pretend the 2-snap wire marked fuse in the
drawing on the left is a device that will open the circuit if too much current
is taken from the battery. With the slide switch (S1) turned on, remove
the 2-snap wire marked fuse and notice how the lamp (L4) shuts off. Until
the fuse is replaced, the open circuit path protects the electronic parts.
If fuses did not exist, many parts could get hot and even start fires.
Replace the 2-snap wire and the lamp should light again.

Some fuses contain special wires that break when too much current
flows, and need to be replaced after they activate. Other fuses can be
reset by flipping a switch.

Many electronic products in your home have a fuse that will open when
too much current is drawn. Can you name some?

Actual fuse - if too much current flows then the
wire inside melts to break the circuit.

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Project #29

Sound by

Rotary Switch

Place the 3-snap as shown and turn the switch (S1) on. There should
be no sound since the 3-snap is not touching point A or B. Now rotate
the 3-snap to points A or B and the speaker sounds.

Today most device use electric switches. Until the early 1970s,
mechanical switches were used as channel selectors on television and
other electronic equipment.

Sheet of paper
to hide position
of shorting bar

Shorting Bar for

A, B, C, or D

Project #30

Quiet Zone Game

Shorting Bar for W, X, Y, or Z

Build the circuit on the left. It uses both jumper wires as
permanent connections. It also uses three (3) 2-snap wires
(“shorting bars”) under paper as shown.

Setup: Player 1 sets the “Quiet Zone” by placing three (3)
shorting bars under the paper on row A, B, C, or D, leaving only
one open. Player 2 must NOT know where the shorting bars are
located under the paper.

Both Player 1 and Player 2 are given 10 points. The object is for
Player 2 to guess the location of the “Quiet Zone” by placing their
shorting bar at positions W, X, Y, or Z. In the drawing on the left,
Player 1 sets up the “Quiet Zone” at position “C”. If Player 2
places their shorting bar across “Z” on the first try, the sounds
played mean they have not found the “Quiet Zone” and they lose
1 point. They have 4 tries to find the zone on each turn. Each
time sounds are made, they lose a point.

Player 2 then sets the A, B, C, D side and Player 1 starts
searching. Play continues until one player is at zero points and
makes sound during that player’s turn.

Project #31

Music in the Light

Press the press switch (S2) to play a recording followed by a song. If
you press the press switch before the song is over, music will stop. Adjust
the amount of light on the photoresistor (RP) to change the volume and
alter the tone. Wave your fingers over the photoresistor for some cool
sound effects.

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Project #32

This OR That

Build the circuit shown. Notice that if you turn on the slide switch (S1)
OR press the press switch (S2) the LED (D1) lights up. There is no
partially lit state here, the diode is either totally on or totally off. While
this may seem very simple and boring, it represents an important
concept in electronics. Two switches like this may be used to turn on a
light in your house, or they might be two sensors at a railroad crossing
used to start the ding-ding sound and lower the gate. You could also
have more than two switches and the circuit would function the same
way.

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Project #33

This AND That

Build the circuit shown. Notice that if you turn on the slide switch (S1)
AND press the press switch (S2) the LED (D1) lights up. Once again,
there is no partially lit state here, the LED is either totally on or totally
off. Two switches like this may be used to turn on the same light in your
house, the room switch and the master switch in the electrical box. You
could also have more than two switches and the circuit would function
the same way.

Combinations of AND and OR circuits are used
to add and multiply numbers together in modern
computers. These circuits are made of tiny
transistors in massive integrated circuits.