Basic Electronic Circuits

A class that teaches to the tech

William Kramer, center, 14 and Mei Lin Schraer, right, 14, eighth graders at McClintock Middle School, connect LEDs to button batteries during an electronics and circuitry demonstration by Hackerspace Charlotte. Members of Hackerspace Charlotte have created an award-winning educational product, Feltronics - a hands-on, kid-friendly way of learning about electronics and circuit design. PHOTOS BY JOHN D. SIMMONS - jsimmons@charlotteobserver.com

Blinking lights, button-size batteries and colorful fuzzy cutouts.

Those were Quincy Acklen's tools for bringing a room full of McClintock Middle School students into the world of electronics.

The unusual teaching aids are from an educational kit called Feltronics. Hobbyists at Hackerspace Charlotte, a member-operated technology lab and workspace, designed the kit for an international electronics competition.

Hackerspace Charlotte won the competition in May. Even better, the design team ended up with the making for a commercial product for educators, parents and anyone who wants to learn the basics of electronics and circuitry.

"We needed a way ourselves to teach electronics to people coming into the hackerspace," said Acklen, one of the designers. "People come in and they want to help but they don't know how."

The Great Global Hackerspace Challenge is sponsored by Element14, a global electronics community and electronics supplier.

More than 30 hackerspaces around the world entered the competition. A hackerspace is an open technology lab where people can meet and work on projects together.

The first hackerspace opened in 1981 in Berlin, Germany. Today there are more than 350 hackerspaces, including more than 150 in the United States, according to hackerspaces.org .

For the competition, each team developed an educational product that could be used by students anywhere in the world. Each team could spend $900.

About four of Hackerspace Charlotte's nearly 30 members worked for six weeks to create Feltronics. Other members pitched in. The kit cost less than $100.

Some schools teach electronics with computer program and simulators. Feltronics makes those lessons more like a play day at Discovery Place science museum.

The components are simple, including ring magnets, wires and pieces of felt. The pieces can be arranged and rearranged on a magnetic surface, which makes them easier to handle.

Most importantly, the pieces are big - really big compared to the inner working of cell phones, computers and most other electronics.

An Overview Of Basic Electronics Circuits - International ...

Posted By iaups on June 20, 2011

Learning more about basic electronics circuits is good since it has practical applications. To begin with, all of our appliance and consumer electronics run on electrical power.If you want to know how to replace a fuse or repair a simple device, then knowledge of basic electronics circuits is essential. In addition to,there are cases when an electrician is not available; thus, instead of waiting, you can apply what you learned in basic electronics circuits. Also,DIY repair can also save you lots of money. An Excel consultant who also knew much about computer repairs and IT support provided the useful overview.

To be able to have a good grasp of basic electronic circuits, you need to know some terms and concepts. You must be aware of the fact that electricity can also harm you if not properly handled. In order to learn safely and effectively, familiarize yourself with the following concepts:

Circuits – Circuits can be understood better by visualizing the flow. The circuit is the path where electrons go through beginning from one terminal and reaching another end. The terminal can either be positive or negative. The flow always proceeds in one direction- negative to positive. Remember that negative electrons attach themselves to positive electrons; hence, opposites attract.

Conductor – Sort of a channel made up of some material that allows electrons to flow. Typically, it is made from copper due to high conductivity. This translates to better conductivity rate that improves transmission.

Insulator- From the term itself, it protects the conductor ( copper wire ) by wrapping it with a material such as rubber.Definitely, you wouldn’t want to hold or even touch live wires. Insulation protects the conductor.

You must also understand that there are two types of circuits:series and parallel. The difference between series and parallel circuits is direction of flow; a series flows only one-way. You must have seen light bulbs that have totally stopped just because one bulb is busted. This is demonstrates a series circuit. On the other hand, parallel circuits have one or two more paths where electricity can flow. Thus, you would see some your Christmas light bulbs working even if some of the bulbs are busted. A basic series circuit is often used for wiring the lights inside homes. Almost all consumer appliances are built with parallel circuits because it’s more stable. Nonetheless, consult an electronics or electrician when things get too complicated for you.

Basic electronic circuits, a basic training manual

Basic electronic circuits

Basic electronic circuits

Basic electronic circuits, a basic training manual. Parts I & II

Basic electronic circuits