Elenco Electronics SC3DMEG Instruction Manual
Copyright © 2017 by Elenco®Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced by 753135
any means; electronic, photocopying, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.
U.S. Patents: 7,144,255; 7,273,377, & patents pending
Projects 1 - 163
Instruction Manual
8-108
AGES
Project 40
Project 36
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-1-
1.
Most circuit problems are due to incorrect assembly, always
double-check 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.
4. Try replacing the batteries.
Elenco®is not responsible for parts damaged due to
incorrect wiring.
Basic Troubleshooting
Note: If you suspect you have damaged parts, you can follow the
Advanced Troubleshooting procedure on page 11 to determine which
ones need replacing.
Basic Troubleshooting 1
Parts List 2 - 3
How to Use Snap Circuits® 4 - 6
About Your Snap Circuits®Parts 7 - 8
Introduction to Electricity 9
DOs and DON’Ts of Building Circuits 10
Advanced Troubleshooting 11
Project Listings 12 - 13
Projects 1 - 163 14 - 92
Bonus Circuits 93 - 96
Going Further 97
Other Snap Circuits®Products 98
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - Never connect
Snap Circuits
®
to the electrical outlets in your home
in any way!
Table of Contents
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
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.
CAUTION: High intensity light. Do
not look directly at the white LED
(D6).
● 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 connect batteries or
battery holders in parallel.
● Do not mix old and new batteries.
● Do not mix alkaline, standard
(carbon-zinc), or rechargeable
(nickel-cadmium) batteries.
● Remove batteries when they are
used up.
● 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.
Batteries:
!
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not
for children under 3 years.
!
Conforms to all applicable U.S. government requirements and
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3 (B).
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:29 PM Page 2
-2-
Important: If any parts are missing or damaged, DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER. Call toll-free (800) 533-2441 or e-mail us at:
help@elenco.com. Customer Service ● 150 Carpenter Ave. ● Wheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.
Parts List (Colors and styles may vary) Symbols and Numbers
Qty. ID Name Symbol Part # Qty. ID Name Symbol Part #
r 3
1-Snap Wire
6SC01
r 4
Base Grid Support
6SCBGSUP
r 6
2-Snap Wire
6SC02
r 1
Illusion Cards
6SCCARD1
r 3
3-Snap Wire
6SC03
r 1
Compass
6SCCOM
r 1
4-Snap Wire
6SC04
r 1
Blue LED
6SCD9
r 1
5-Snap Wire
6SC05
r 1
Blink Red LED
6SCD11
r 1
6-Snap Wire
6SC06
r 1
Color2 LED
6SCD12
r 2
3D Snap
6SC3DSNAP
r 1
EGG
6SCEGG
r 1
Battery Holder - uses
three (3) 1.5V type
“AA” (not Included)
6SCB3
r 1
Mounting Base
6SCFMB
r 1
Base Grid
(11.0” x 7.7”)
6SCBG
r 1
Fiber Optic Festive Tree
6SCFT2
r 3
Base Grid Mini
(7.7” x 5.5”)
6SCBGM
r 1
Small Gear (22T)
6SCGEAR5
r 1
Base Grid Mini 2-Side
(7.7” x 5.5”)
6SCBGM2
r 1
Large Gear (30T)
6SCGEAR6
5
4
3
2
1
B3
6
D11
D9
D12
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:29 PM Page 3
-3-
Parts List (Colors and styles may vary) Symbols and Numbers
Important: If any parts are missing or damaged, DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER. Call toll-free (800) 533-2441 or e-mail us at:
help@elenco.com. Customer Service ● 150 Carpenter Ave. ● Wheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.
Qty. ID Name Symbol Part # Qty. ID Name Symbol Part #
r 1
Jumper Wire (Black) 6SCJ1
r 1
Illusion Card Holder
6SCMBASE2
r 1
Jumper Wire (Red) 6SCJ2
r 1
Mirror Ball
6SCMIRBAL
r 2
Jumper Wire (Blue) 6SCJ4
r 1
Slide Switch 6SCS1
r 1
4.5V Lamp 6SCL4
r 1
Press Switch 6SCS2
r 1
String 6SCM1S
r 1
Reed Switch 6SCS9
r 1
Clear Motor 6SCM4
r 1
Screw PM 3x8 mm
6SCSCREW3
r 1
Wind Fan 6SCM4B
r 6
Stabilizer 6SCSTAB
r 1
Orange Motor 6SCM9
r 1
Melody IC 6SCU32
r 1
Gear Insert 6SCM9B
r 4
90° Vertical Snap Wire
6SCV1
r 1
Magnet 6SCMAGFF
r 2
45° Vertical Snap Wire
6SCV2
L4
V1
M9
V2
U32
S2
S1
S9
You may order additional / replacement parts at our website: www.snapcircuits.net
M4
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-4-
Snap Circuits®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 slide switch, it 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
connection required.
There is also a 1-snap wire that is used as a
spacer or for interconnection between different
layers.
You need a power source to build each circuit.
This is labeled and requires three (3) 1.5V
“AA” batteries (not included).
When installing a battery, be sure the spring
is compressed straight back, and not bent up,
down, or to one side.
One large and four smaller clear plastic base
grids are 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 large base has rows labeled AG and columns labeled 1-10, and the small
base has rows labeled A-E and columns
labeled 1-7. It should be obvious whether to
use a small base grid or a large base grid. For
small circuits that only need one grid, either
size may be used.
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.
Some circuits use the jumper wires to make
unusual connections. Just clip them to the
metal snaps or as indicated.
When assembling the 3D circuits, the order in
which parts are installed is important. In
particular, the vertical snap wires (V1) need to
be snapped onto the mini base grid first and
then the mini base grid is slid into the base grid
support as shown below. One of the small
grids has pegs on both sides and six thrusnaps. Some projects will indicate that this grid
must be (or must not be) used in a specific
location, otherwise it may be used
interchangeably with the other small grids.
2
3
4
6
How to Use SnapCircuits
®
B3
S1
5
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 5
Due to the complex nature of building 3D
circuits, the circuit diagrams use special
symbols that may need additional clarification.
One such example is the symbol for the
vertical snap wire (V1). It consists of two parts,
the horizontal base and vertical stem. In the
illustration below, the base is attached to the
large base grid and the stem is attached to the
mini base grid. The symbol makes V1 appear
as two separate parts, but in reality the symbol
is connected at the red circular ends.
The 45 degree vertical snap wire (V2) is similar
to V1 but mounts at a 45 degree angle
Another symbol of note is the base grid
support. It is important to pay attention to the
orientation of the part in the diagram since it is
not symmetrical. The figure below shows the
symbol with the narrow channel on top. This
corresponds to the 3D rendering showing the
base grid support orientation.
When inserting the base grid into the base grid
support, it is a good idea to insert an area on
the base grid that doesn’t have raised letters
or numbers. The raised text can interfere with
the insertion or cause a tight fit between the
base grid and base grid support.
To install the base grid support onto the base
grid, align the holes of the support with the
base grid pegs in the desired location on the
base grid and press down firmly on the base
grid support. Make sure that the base grid
support is fully seated on the base grid.
The stabilizer is used to connect base grids on
their corners or edges. With eight slots, the
stabilizer allows the base grids to be mounted
in increments of 45 degrees. To attach the
stabilizer to the base grid, simply align the
desired grooves in the stabilizer with the edges
of the base grids and press down. The figure
below shows how the stabilizer symbol is
presented in the manual and the 3D rendering
of the stabilizer mounted to two base grids.
Some projects use the illusion cards. Separate
them (if they came together), push one into the
Illusion card holder.
If at any point the
illusion cards become to
loose to stay in the card holder you can add a
small strip of paper to insure the card fits snug
in the holder.
Then push the holder onto the shaft of the
clear motor (M4).
How to Use SnapCircuits
®
-5-
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.
Note: Go to: www.snapcircuits.net/sc3dmeg
for interactive 3D pictures to help with
building the 3D circuits.
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 6
-6-
How to Use SnapCircuits
®
The clear motor (M4) will often have the wind
fan mounted on it; simply push the fan onto the
shaft. To remove it, push up on it with a
screwdriver or your thumbs, being careful not
to break it.
This set contains three LED attachments, which
can be mounted on the LED modules (D9, D11,
and D12) to enhance their light effects. The egg
attachment is mounted directly on the LEDs,
but
the fiber optic festive tree must be mounted
using the mounting base, as shown. This is
described in the projects.
In some
projects the mirror ball is placed on the orange
motor (M9).
In some projects a gear is mounted on the
orange motor using the gear insert.---
In some projects one or two components are
attached to a gear using the 3D snaps
Egg
Fiber Optic Festive
Tree
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 7
About Your Snap Circuits
®
Parts
(Part designs are subject to change without notice).
The base grids are platforms for mounting
parts and wires. They function 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.
This set has two sizes, which can be placed
together to form larger grids. One of the small
grids has pegs on both sides and 6 thru-snaps,
to allow assembly of circuits on both sides.
The slide & 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.
The reed switch (S9) is an electrical switch
that can be controlled by a magnet. It has two
metal contacts close together. The magnetic
field from the magnet makes the contacts
come together, completing a circuit just like
other switches do.
The blue snap
wires are wires
used to connect
c o m p o n en ts.
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 vertical snap wires (V1) and 45 degree
vertical snap wires (V2) make connections
between two dimensions, allowing electricity to
go up a wall.
The jumper wires (red, black, & blue) 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.
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.
BASE GRID
SNAP WIRES, VERTICALSNAP
WIRES, & JUMPER WIRES
BATTERY HOLDER
SLIDE&PRESS SWITCHES
Battery Holder (B3)
REED SWITCH (S9)
Slide &Press
Switches
(S1 & S2)
-7-
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 8
About Your Snap Circuits
®
Parts
The melody IC(U32) contains a specialized
sound-generation integrated circuit (IC), a
small speaker, and a few supporting
components. The IC has a recording of the
melody, which it makes into an electrical signal
for the speaker. The speaker converts the
signal into mechanical vibrations. The
vibrations create variations in air pressure,
which travel across the room. You “hear”
sound when your ears feel these air pressure
variations.
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.
The blue, blink red, and color2 LEDs (D9,
D11 & D12) are light emitting diodes, and may
be thought of as a special one-way light bulbs.
In the “forward” direction, (indicated by the
“arrow” in the symbol) electricity flows if the
voltage exceeds a turn-on threshold
brightness then increases. The blink red LED
contains a microcircuit that turns it on and off.
The color2 LED contains red, green, and blue
LEDs, with a micro-circuit controlling them. A
high current will burn out an LED, so the
current must be limited by other components
in the circuit (Snap Circuits
®
LEDs have
internal resistors added, to protect them in
case you make wiring mistakes). LEDs block
electricity in the “reverse” direction.
The clear motor (M4) converts electricity into
mechanical motion. An electric current
through the motor will turn the shaft. It can
also be used as a generator, since it produces
an electric current when the shaft is turned.
How does electricity turn the shaft in the
motor? The answer is magnetism. Electricity
is closely related to magnetism, and an electric
current flowing in a wire has a magnetic field
similar to that of a very, very tiny magnet.
Inside the motor are several coils of wire with
many loops. If a large electric current flows
through the loops, the magnetic effects
become concentrated enough to move the
coils. The motor has a magnet inside, so as
the electricity moves the coils to align them
with the permanent magnet, the shaft spins.
The orange motor (M9) is a motor with a built-
in gearbox. The gearbox makes the shaft spin
slower but with greater force. Do not try to spin
its shaft manually to generate electricity
because you may break it. The middle snap is
only used for mechanical stability.
SOUND MODULE
MOTORS
LEDs
LAMP
-8-
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 9
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, 1/1000 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, 1000 ohms).
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.
There are two ways of arranging parts in a circuit, in series or
in parallel. Here are examples:
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.
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
-9-
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 10
DOs and DON’Ts of Building Circuits
Placing a 3-snap wire directly
across the batteries is a
SHORT CIRCUIT.
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!
NEVER
DO!
!
NEVER
DO!
!
You are encouraged to tell us about new programs and circuits you create.
If they are unique, we will post them with your name and state on our
website at: www.snapcircuits.net/learning_center/kids_creation.
Send your suggestions to ELENCO
®
: elenco@elenco.com.
ELENCO®provides a circuit designer so that you can make your own Snap
Circuits®drawings. This Microsoft®Word document can be downloaded
from: www.snapcircuits.net/learning_center/kids_creation or through
the www.snapcircuits.net website.
Warning to Snap Circuits®owners: Do not connect
additional voltage sources from other sets, or you may
damage your parts. Contact ELENCO®if you have questions
or need guidance.
!
Examples of SHORT CIRCUITS - NEVER DO THESE!!!
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - Never connect Snap Circuits
®
to the electrical outlets in your home in any way!
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 motor, melody IC, or LED (which has an
internal protection resistor), 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 below) as this will damage components and/or quickly drain
your batteries. 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 a motor, melody IC, or an LED (which has an internal
protection resistor).
ALWAYS use 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.
NEVER connect to an electrical outlet in your home in any way.
NEVER leave a circuit unattended when it is turned on.
NEVER try to turn the shaft of the orange motor (M9) by hand or with tools, as
this may break it.
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.
3D Construction: Motors or other parts that produce motion (which you may
have from other snap Circuits
®
sets) should only be mounted overhead or on
walls with great care, as the vibrations they produce could cause them to fall.
The circuits in this set have been checked with the parts shown in them.
-10-
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 11
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:
1. Lamp (L4), blue LED (D9), blink red LED(D11), color2 LED
(D12), melody IC(U32), and battery holder(B3):
Place
batteries in holder. Place the lamp directly across the battery
holder, it should light. Place the LEDs (D9, D11, & D12) directly
across the battery holder one at a time (LED + to battery +),
the LED should light (D11 should be blinking, and D12 should
slowly change colors). Place the melody IC directly across the
battery holder (+ to +), it should play a tune. If none work, then
replace your batteries and repeat, if still bad then the battery
holder is damaged.
2.
Clear motor (M4) and orange motor (M9): Place the clear
motor directly across the battery holder, the shaft should spin
(you can place the green fan on the shaft so the spinning is
easy to see). Place the orange motor directly across the battery
holder (note that the middle snap on the motor is not used), the
shaft should spin.
3.
Jumper wires: Use this mini-
circuit to test each jumper wire,
the lamp should light.
4.
Vertical snap wires (V1) and 45
degree vertical snap wires (V2):
Use this mini-circuit to test each of
the vertical snap wires (V1 & V2),
one at a time. The lamp should
light.
5.
Snap wires: Use this mini-circuit to test each of the snap
wires, one at a time. The lamp
should light.
6.
Slide switch (S1), press switch (S2), and reed switch (S9):
Build project 1; if the color2 LED (D12) doesn’t light then the
slide switch is bad. Replace the slide switch with the press
switch to test it. Replace the press switch with the reed switch
and hold the magnet near it to test it, there should be a magnet
position that turns on the LED, or the reed switch is bad.
ELENCO
®
150 Carpenter Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.
Phone: (847) 541-3800
Fax: (847) 520-0085
e-mail: help@elenco.com
Website: www.elenco.com
You may order additional / replacement parts at:
www.snapcircuits.net
-11-
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 12
-12-
Project # Description Page #
1 Color Light 14
2 Blue Light 14
3 Red Light 14
4 Lamp Light 15
5 Play a Melody 15
6 Fun Seven 15
7 Rotation light 16
8 Rotation Lights 16
9 Fan 16
10 Suction Fan 16
11 Mirror Ball 16
12 Spinning Horizontal Lights 17
13 Ceiling Light 19
14 Efficient Ceiling light 21
15 Ceiling Speaker 21
16 Ceiling Fan 21
17 Four Lights 21
18 Lights & Sound 21
19 Lights & Motion 21
20 Festive House 22
21 Gears 23
22 Inverse Gear Ratio 23
23 Reed Switch 24
24 Magnet Controlled Sound 24
25 Magnet Controlled Motor 24
26 An Optical Illusion 24
27 More Optical Illusions 24
28 Funky Blinking Lights 25
Project # Description Page #
29 Funky Sounds 25
30 Low Funky Sounds 25
31 Variable Speed Fan 25
32 New Speed Fan 25
33 Any Angle LEDs 26
34 Any Angle LEDs Variants 26
35 Super Spinning Magnet 27
36 Spinning Vertical Lights 28
37 Faster Spinning Vertical Lights 28
38 Vaulted Ceiling House 29
39
Vaulted Ceiling House with Roof Lights 30
40 Box Cover Circuit 31
41 Disco Effects 33
42 Disco Effects (II) 34
43 Overhead Lights 35
44 Overhead Lights & More 36
45 Lifting 37
46 Windmill 38
47 Mini Windmill 38
48 Tall Angled Roof House 39
49 Tall Angled Roof House Variants 41
50
Enhanced Tall Angled Roof House
41
51
Enhanced Tall Angled Roof House Variants
41
52 House with Doorbell 42
53 Festive House with Roof Lights 43
54 Chandelier Circuit 45
55 Quiet Chandelier Circuit 46
56 Indoor & Outdoor Lights 47
Project # Description Page #
57 Indoor & Outdoor 48
58 Disco Lights 49
59 Angled Disco Projector 49
60 Both Sides Lights 50
61 Quiet Both Sides Lights 50
62 Spinning Magnet 50
63 Disco Spotlight 51
64 Spotlight 51
65 Spin the Magnet 51
66 2-Speed Mirror Ball 52
67 2-Speed Fan 52
68 Musical Mirror Ball 52
69 Musical Fan 52
70 Tree House 53
71 Brighter Tree House 54
72 Blue Tree House 54
73 Highlighted Tree House 55
74 Blinking Tree House 55
75 Egg House 55
76 Silent Tree House 55
77 Tree House with Fan 55
78 Manual Rotation Vertical Lights 56
79
Manual Rotation Vertical Lights Variants
79
80 Stay with the Magnet 56
81 Ceiling Disco Ball 57
82 Rotating Field 59
83 Flash & Sound 59
84 Lifter 60
Project Listings
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Project Listings
Project # Description Page #
85 Fast Lifter 61
86 Magnet Fan 61
87 Fast Magnet Fan 61
88 45° LEDs 61
89 Pivot LED bar 61
90 Side Ways 62
91 Side Ways 2 62
92 Swing LEDs 63
93 Swing LEDs ? 63
94 Follow the Field 63
95 Rocking Switch 64
96 Disco Ball Switch 64
97 Disco Ball Melody 64
98 Rocking Switch LEDs 64
99 Speed Change 65
100 Fan Power 65
101 Fan Power 2 65
102 Door Bell 66
103 Door Bell Lights 66
104 Fan Speed 66
105 Disco Ball Switch 66
106 Fan Speed 67
107 Manual Fan Speed 67
108 Fan Speed 2 67
109 Mirror Ball Speed Control 68
110 Mirror Ball Speed Control (II) 68
111 Mirror Ball Speed Control (III) 68
112 Fan Speed Control 68
Project # Description Page #
113 Illusion Card Speed Control 68
114 Generator 69
115 Generator 2 69
116 Water Completes the Circuit 69
117 You Complete the Circuit 69
118 Arrow LEDs 70
119 Arrow Melody 70
120 Light Stairs 71
121 Light Stairs 2 71
122 Egg Head 72
123 Robot 72
124 Plane 73
125 Mini Plane 74
126 Music Mini Plane 74
127 Triple Series 75
128 Triple Parallel 75
129 AND Circuit 76
130 OR Circuit 76
131 Back EMF 77
132 EMF 2 77
133 Lamp & Fan Independent 77
134 LEDs in Series 78
135 LEDs in Parallel 78
136 Cross Over 78
137 Cross Over Tree 78
138 Lighted Cross 79
139 Green Dot 79
140 2-Sided Grid 79
Project # Description Page #
141 Wall Fan 80
142 Wall Fan 2 80
143 Green Light Ball 80
144 Showcase 81
145 Current Law 82
146 Two Pull Power 82
147 On Off 83
148 On Off 2 83
149 Twice On Off 83
150 Twice On Off 2 83
151 Twice On Off 3 83
152 Compass 84
153 Downdraft 85
154 Strobe 87
155 Super Spotlight 88
156 Super Spotlight (II) 88
157 Tower 89
158 Mega Tower 90
159 Super Tower 91
160 Spinning Reed Switch 92
161 Spinning Reed Switch 2 92
162 Spinning Reed Switch 3 92
163 Spinning Reed Switch 4 92
B1 Bonus Spinning Mirror Beeper 93
B2
Bonus Spinning Mirror Beeper 90°
94
B3 Bonus Blinking Lamp 94
B4 Bonus Reflection Light 95
B5 Bonus House with Loft 95
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Project 1
Color Light
Snap Circuits®uses electronic blocks that snap onto a clear plastic base grid to build
different circuits. These blocks have different colors and numbers on them so you can
easily identify them. This set contains both large (11” x 7.7”) and small (7.7” x 5.5”) base
grids; you may use either size for this small circuit.
Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1 next to them on
the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2. Install three (3) “AA” batteries
(not included) into the battery holder (B3) if you have not done so already; be sure the
battery springs are compressed straight back, and not bent up, down, or to one side.
Turn on the slide switch (S1), and enjoy the light show from the color2 LED (D12). For
best effects, place one of the LED attachments (fiber optic festive tree or egg), and dim
the room lights. The fiber optic festive tree must be used with its mounting base.
+
Project 2 Blue Light
Modify the preceding circuit by replacing the color2
LED (D12) with the blue LED (D9), as shown. The
blue LED is brighter, but does not change colors.
Modify the preceding circuit by replacing
the blue LED (D9) with the blink red
LED (D11), as shown. The blink red
LED flashes about once a second.
Project 3 Red Light
Snappy says when you turn on the slide switch,
electricity flows from the batteries, through the
color LED and back to the battery through the
switch. If the switch is off, the flow of electricity is
blocked, and the color2 LED won’t light.
LEDs are light emitting diodes, which convert
electrical energy into light. The color of the light
depends on the characteristics of the material used
in them. The color2 LED actually contains separate
red, green, and blue lights, with a micro-circuit
controlling them; the colors can be combined to
produce yellow, cyan, purple, and white.
NOTE: this circuit (and many others in this book) have an LED
being used without a resistor or other component to limit the
electric current through it. Normally this could damage an LED but
your Snap Circuits
®
LEDs include internal protection resistors, and
will not be damaged. Be careful if you later use other electrical sets
with unprotected LEDs.T he festive tree and egg may also be used
with other Snap Circuits® LEDs from different sets.
+
Placement
Level
Numbers
LED Attachments
+
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Project 4 Lamp Light
Modify the preceding circuit to be this
one. Turn on the slide switch (S1) to light
the lamp (L4).
The lamp (L4) converts electricity into light. It is an
incandescent light bulb, just like other incandescent bulbs
in homes except smaller. In an incandescent bulb
electricity heats up a high-resistance wire until it glows,
producing light. Incandescent light bulbs are very
inefficient, converting less than 5% of the electricity used
into light, with the rest becoming heat.
LEDs are much more efficient than incandescent light
bulbs, and are increasingly being used for home lighting
and flashlights.
Project 5
Play a Melody
Build this circuit, then turn on the slide
switch (S1) to play a melody with the
melody IC (U32).
Project 6
Build the circuit shown, and place the fiber optic festive
tree in its mounting base and on the blink red LED (D11).
Turn on the slide switch (S1) and enjoy the show.
This circuit has four lights, 2 motors,
and music. Lights, sound, & motions!
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Fun Seven
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Project 7 Rotation Light
Build the circuit as shown; it has
two 3D snaps mounted on two 90
degree vertical snap wires (V1),
and then the color2 LED (D12) is
mounted on the 3D snaps.
Turn on the circuit and the color2
LED lights. Rotate the LED to any
position.
You can replace the color2 LED
with the blue LED (D9), blink red
LED (D11), or lamp (L4).
Note: if the LED assembly fit seems
loose, add a 1-snap wire between
one of the 3D snaps and a V1.
+
Use the preceding circuit
but add a second light
(blue LED (D9), blink red
LED (D11), or lamp (L4)) to
the female snaps on the
3D snaps, as shown. The
“+” side of the LEDs should
be oriented to the right.
Project 8
Rotation
Lights
The 3D snaps enable
you to rotate a light to
any position.
Project 9 Fan
Build the circuit and place the wind fan on the clear motor
(M4). Turn on the slide switch (S1) to spin the fan. Place
your hand near the fan without touching it, and you can feel
air being blown up towards you.
+
Project 10 Suction Fan
Use the preceding circuit but reverse the clear
motor (M4). Now the fan sucks air downward.
Project 11 Mirror Ball
Build the circuit and place the mirror ball on the
orange motor (M9). Turn on the slide switch (S1) to
spin the mirror ball.
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Project 12 Spinning Horizontal Lights
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Assembly (adult supervision recommended):
1. Place base grid supports and orange motor (M9) on base grid A.
Place the small gear on the gear insert and mount on the orange
motor. The teeth on the gear should face up.
2. Mount the blue & color2 LEDs (D9 & D12) to the 3D snaps, and
attach the large gear and a 1-snap wire, as shown. The teeth on the
gear should face the LEDs, and the “+” side of the LEDs should be
towards the gear.
3. Mount parts on grids B & C, and install in base grid supports in grid
A. The pegs should be facing inward.
4. Mount the LED assembly from step 2 between the 5-snap wire on
grid B and the 2-snap wire on grid C, as shown. The teeth on the large
and small gears should align.
5. Place remaining parts on grid A.
Turn on the slide switch (S1). The color2 and blue LEDs should light,
and be rotated by the gears.
Note: If the gears do not rotate properly, you may get better
performance if you spread the tops of the mini base grids apart. You
can do this by adding another base grid as a “roof” and securing with 4
stabilizers, as done in project 20.
-18-
Note: Go to: www.snapcircuits.net/sc3dmeg
for interactive 3D pictures to help with
building the 3D circuits.
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Project 13
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Ceiling Light
Think of this circuit
as a room with a
ceiling light fixture.
Note: Go to: www.snapcircuits.net/sc3dmeg
for interactive 3D pictures to help with
building the 3D circuits.
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Assembly (adult supervision recommended):
1. Place base grid supports on base grid A.
2. Place parts on base grids B, & D, and install into base grid supports
on grid A. The pegs should be facing inward.
3. Mount grid C on top of grids B & D using 4 stabilizers, attaching the 2
90 degree vertical snap wires (V1) as you do it.
4. Place the remaining parts on grids A & C.
Turn on the slide switch (S1) to light the 4.5 Lamp (L4).
Underside
view
LEDs are increasingly
being used for room
lighting.
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Project 17
Four Lights
Build the circuit shown and turn on the slide
switch (S1). For best effects, place one of the
LED attachments (fiber optic festive tree or
egg), and dim the room lights. The fiber optic
festive tree must be used with its mounting
base.
Project 18
Lights & Sound
Use the preceding circuit but replace
one of the lights with the melody IC
(U32, “+” towards the 6-snap wire).
Project 19
Lights & Motion
Use either of the preceding circuits but replace one
of the lights with the clear motor (M4), and place the
green fan on the motor. Don’t place the motor next
to the melody IC (U32), and be sure that the fan
won’t hit any of the LED attachments.
Use the preceding circuit, but carefully replace the lamp
(L4) with the blue or color2 LED (D9 or D12, “+” to the
right).
Project 14
Efficient Ceiling Light
Use the preceding circuit, but carefully replace the LED
with the melody IC (U32, “+” to the right).
Project 15
Ceiling Speaker
Project 16 Ceiling Fan
Use the preceding circuit, but
replace the melody IC with the
clear motor, wind fan, and two
2-snap wires, mounted as
shown here.
The added 2-snaps help
to secure the clear motor
to the ceiling, otherwise
the vibration it produces
might cause it to come
loose and fall.
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Festive House
Assembly:
1. Place base grid supports on base grid A.
2. Install grids B & D into base grid supports on grid A. The pegs can be pointed in either direction.
3. Mount grid C on top of grids B & D using 4 stabilizers.
4. Place the remaining parts on grid A. Place the fiber optic festive tree on the color2 LED (D12) using the mounting base.
Turn on the slide switch (S1) to light the color2 LED and play a tune on the melody if (U32). This circuit looks best in a dark
room. The melody IC may be removed if desired.
Project 20
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Project 21
Build the circuit as shown. The large gear
is placed on the gear insert and mounted
on the orange motor (M9), and the small
gear is placed on a 3D snap which is
mounted on a stack of snap wires (a 5-snap
on level 1, 3-snaps on levels 2 and 3, a 2snap on level 4, and a 1-snap on level 5).
The teeth should be pointed up on both
gears. Turn on the slide switch (S1) to spin
the gears.
Gears can be used to make things spin faster or slower.
When one gear has more teeth than another, it will spin
slower. Using gears to reduce rotation speed also increases
the turning force, allowing it to overcome more friction. Using
gears also changes the direction of rotation.
Inside the orange motor (M9) is a motor spinning very fast,
but with little force (too little to spin both orange gears).
Several small internal gears connect the internal motor to
the metal shaft that you see; these reduce the rotation
speed, give the shaft enough force to spin the orange gears,
and also make it easier to control.
Project 22
Inverse Gear Ratio
Use the preceding circuit but swap the locations of
the large and small gears. Now the 3D snap spins
more slowly.
Gears
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An Optical Illusion
Build the circuit, and place one of the illusion
cards in the illusion card holder, and place it
on the clear motor (M4). Turn on the slide
switch (S1), then push the press switch
(S2). The motor should be spinning the
illusion card, making the pictures on each
side appear to blend together.
The motor speed will vary a little depending
on the color of the color2 LED (D12) light.
Push the press switch again if you want to
speed up the motor.
If the illusion card comes out at high speed
then insert a small piece of paper into the
cardholder with the illusion card to make it
fit more snugly. see on page 6.
Project 27
More Optical
Illusions
Use the preceding circuit but try
the other 3 illusion cards. Also
try replacing the color2 LED
(D12) with the blink red LED
(D11) for different effects. If you
have a color LED (D8) from
another Snap Circuits® set,
then you can use it in place of
the LED in this circuit. D8
changes the motor speed in
bursts, giving some different
effects.
Project 25
Magnet Controlled
Motor
Use the preceding circuit but replace the melody IC (U32)
with the clear motor (M4) with green fan, or the orange
motor (M9, use a 1-snap wire to support its 3rd snap) with
the mirror ball. Use the magnet to activate the reed switch
and spin the motor.
Project 24
Magnet Controlled
Sound
Use the preceding circuit but replace the color2 LED
(D12) with the melody IC (U32, “+” on left). Use the
magnet to activate the reed switch and play a tune.
Build the circuit, and hold the magnet next to the reed
switch (S9) to turn on the color2 LED (D12). Move the
magnet around to turn the switch and LED on and off.
If you listen closely you may hear the reed switch
turning on or off. You can replace the color2 LED with
the lamp (L4) or the other LEDs (D9 or D11).
Project 23 Reed Switch
-24-
Project 26
The reed switch (S9) is an electrical
switch that can be controlled by a
magnet. It has two metal contacts
close together. The magnetic field
from the magnet makes the contacts
come together, completing a circuit
just like a switch does. If you look at
the reed switch contacts with a
magnifying glass then you may be
able to see them move slightly when
the magnet turns the reed switch on
and off.
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 25
Project 28 Funky Blinking Lights
Build the circuit and turn on the slide switch
(S1). The LEDs (D11 & D12) are blinking.
Notice that when the blink red LED (D11) is on,
the brightness of the color2 LED (D12) is lower,
because the voltage from the batteries is
divided between the two LEDs. When the blink
red LED is off, the color2 LED gets the full
battery voltage, and gets brighter.
Project 29
Use the preceding circuit
but replace the color2 LED
(D12) with the melody IC
(U32, “+” on left).
Project 31 Variable Speed Fan
Build the circuit, place the wind fan on the motor
(M4), and turn on the slide switch (S1). The fan
speed varies a little depending on the color of the
color2 LED (D12). If the fan does not start spinning
then give it a push.
The clear motor (M4) and color2 LED (D12) are connected
in series, so the voltage from the batteries is divided
between them. The electricity used by the color2 LED
varies a little depending on the color of light it is producing.
When the color2 LED uses more electricity, there is less
electricity for the motor, and the motor slows down.
Project 32
Use the preceding circuit but replace
the color2 LED (D12) with the blue
(D9) or the blink red LED (D11).
The clear motor (M4) does not spin at full
speed because the LED is connected in
series with it. With the blink red LED, the
motor speeds up a little when the LED is
off, but it is hard to see the difference.
Project 30
Use the preceding circuit
but replace the blink red
LED (D11) with the color2
LED (D12). The sound will
vary depending on the
color of the color2 LED,
but will not be very loud
and sometimes there may
be no sound at all.
Funky Sounds
Low Funky
Sounds
New Speed Fan
-25-
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Project 33 Any Angle LEDs
Assembly (adult supervision recommended):
1. Place base grid supports on base grid A.
2. Mount parts on grids B & C, and install in base grid supports in
grid A. The pegs should be facing inward.
3. Place remaining parts on grid A.
4. Mount the blue & color2 LEDs (D9 & D12) to the 3D snaps,
connect 1-snap wires on both sides, and attach to the parts on grids
B & C, as shown. The “+” side of the LEDs should be towards grid C.
Turn on the slide switch (S1). The color2 and blue LEDs light; rotate
them to any position. The circuit looks best in a dimly lit room.
Use the preceding circuit but
replace the blue or color2 LEDs
with the blink red LED (D11),
lamp (L4), or melody IC (U32
“+”
on right
). You may also remove
one of the lights.
Project 34
Any Angle LEDs
Variants
-26-
Note: If the LED
assembly fit seems tight,
remove this 1-snap wire.
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 27
Project 35 Super Spinning Magnet
Assembly:
1. Place base grid supports on base grid A.
2. Mount parts on grid B (except the blue jumper wire),
and install in base grid supports in grid A. The pegs should
be facing inward.
3. Place remaining parts on grid A, including the blue
jumper wire. Note that the color LED (D12) and lamp (L4)
are mounted on the 3D snaps, which are then mounted on
the 90 degree vertical snap wires (V1).
4. Place the gear insert on the shaft of the orange motor
(M9) and place the magnet on it, centered so it balances.
Turn on the slide switch (S1). The color2 LED (D12) and
lamp (L4) light; rotate their position as
desired. The orange motor spins the magnet, and the blue
LED (D9) lights when the reed switch (S9) is triggered by
the magnet.
If desired, swap the locations of the LEDs and lamp, or
replace one with the blink red LED (D11).
Note: if the LED assembly fit seems loose, add a 1-snap
wire between one of the 3D snaps and a V1.
-27-
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Project 37
Faster Spinning Vertical Lights
Project 36
Spinning Vertical Lights
Assembly (adult supervision recommended):
1.
Place base grid support on base grid A.
2. Place parts on grid B, and install into base grid
support on grid A. The pegs should be facing inward.
Also attach the 2-snap wire to the 90 degree vertical
snap wire (V1) that hangs off the top of grid B.
3. Mount the blue & color2 and LEDs (D9 & D12) to the
3D snaps, and attach the large gear and two 1-snap
wires on opposite sides, as shown. The teeth on the
gear should face the LEDs, and the “+” side of the LEDs
should be away from the gear.
4. Place the remaining parts on grid A. Place the small
gear in the gear insert and mount on the orange motor
(M9); the teeth on the gear should face up.
5. Mount the LED assembly from step 3 between the 2snap wire that hangs upside down and the 3-snap wire
on level 4 on grid A, as shown. The teeth on the large
and small gears should align.
Turn on the slide switch (S1). The color2 and blue LEDs
should light, and be rotated by the gears. The blink red
LED (D11) is blinking (and providing mechanical
stability).
Use the preceding circuit, but carefully swap the gears, so that
the larger gear is on the motor and the small gear is on the 3D
snap. The LEDs spin faster now, but the circuit may fall apart
too easily.
The circuit is more
stable when the gears
spin slowly.
Note: Go to: www.snapcircuits.net/sc3dmeg
for interactive 3D pictures to help with
building the 3D circuits.
Note: If the LED
assembly fit seems tight,
remove this 1-snap wire.
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Project 38
Vaulted Ceiling House
Note: Go to: www.snapcircuits.net/sc3dmeg
for interactive 3D pictures to help with
building the 3D circuits.
SC-3DMEG_Manual.qxp_SC-3Di_Manual_060816 6/19/17 7:30 PM Page 30
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