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Never fear! This handy Cheat Sheet will help you remember such mundane details so you can get on with the fun stuff.","description":"As you design and build with electronic circuits, you’ll invariably find yourself scratching your head trying to remember what color stripes are on a 470 Ω resistor or what pin on a 555 timer integrated circuit (IC) is the trigger input. Never fear! This handy Cheat Sheet will help you remember such mundane details so you can get on with the fun stuff.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. 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Electronics is a potentially dangerous hobby. Any circuit that works with 120 VAC power from an electrical outlet is especially dangerous and could potentially kill you. Here are some safety guidelines to keep you safe as you work:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Never work on a circuit while power is applied.</li>\n<li>Do not connect power to a circuit until the circuit is finished and you have carefully checked your work.</li>\n<li>If you smell anything burning, immediately disconnect the power and examine your circuit to find out what went wrong.</li>\n<li>Keep your work area dry.</li>\n<li>Always wear safety googles.</li>\n<li>Be careful around large capacitors — they can continue to hold voltage long after they’re disconnected from power.</li>\n<li>Be especially careful when you solder — a hot soldering iron can easily burn you.</li>\n<li>Always work in a well-ventilated space.</li>\n<li>Have safety equipment such as a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, and a phone nearby.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Resister color codes","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Resistor values are marked with small colored stripes. The first two stripes represent numeric values; the third stripe is a multiplier. The fourth stripe gives you the resistor’s <em>tolerance</em> (how close to the indicated value you can expect the resistance to actually be).</p>\n<p>For example, a resistor with brown, black, orange, and gold stripes is a 10,000 W whose actual resistance my vary by as must as 10 percent.</p>\n<p>Note that if no tolerance band is present, the tolerance is assumed to be 20 percent.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Color</td>\n<td width=\"74\">Digit</td>\n<td width=\"155\">Multiplier (in Ohms)</td>\n<td width=\"138\">Tolerance</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Black</td>\n<td width=\"74\">0</td>\n<td width=\"155\">1</td>\n<td width=\"138\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Brown</td>\n<td width=\"74\">1</td>\n<td width=\"155\">10</td>\n<td width=\"138\">± 1%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Red</td>\n<td width=\"74\">2</td>\n<td width=\"155\">100</td>\n<td width=\"138\">± 2%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Orange</td>\n<td width=\"74\">3</td>\n<td width=\"155\">1 k</td>\n<td width=\"138\">± 3%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Yellow</td>\n<td width=\"74\">4</td>\n<td width=\"155\">10 k</td>\n<td width=\"138\">± 4%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Green</td>\n<td width=\"74\">5</td>\n<td width=\"155\">100 k</td>\n<td width=\"138\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Blue</td>\n<td width=\"74\">6</td>\n<td width=\"155\">1 M</td>\n<td width=\"138\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Violet</td>\n<td width=\"74\">7</td>\n<td width=\"155\">10 M</td>\n<td width=\"138\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Gray</td>\n<td width=\"74\">8</td>\n<td width=\"155\">100 M</td>\n<td width=\"138\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">White</td>\n<td width=\"74\">9</td>\n<td width=\"155\">1,000 M</td>\n<td width=\"138\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Gold</td>\n<td width=\"74\"></td>\n<td width=\"155\">0.1</td>\n<td width=\"138\">± 5%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"140\">Silver</td>\n<td width=\"74\"></td>\n<td width=\"155\">0.01</td>\n<td width=\"138\">± 10%</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Ohm's law","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Sometimes in electronics you have no alternative but to whip out your calculator and do a little math. The most likely reason for needing to do this is to calculate how much resistance you need for a given situation, how much current a circuit will pull, or how much voltage will be dropped between two points in a circuit. All these calculations can be made using one of the following formulas derived from Ohm’s law:</p>\n<p><strong>V = I x R</strong></p>\n<p><strong>I = V/R</strong></p>\n<p><strong>R = V/I</strong></p>\n<p>In these formulas, <em>V </em>represents voltage (in volts, naturally), <em>I </em>represents current (in amperes), and <em>R</em> represents resistance in ohms.</p>\n"},{"title":"555 and 556 timer IC pinouts","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The 555 is one of the most popular integrated circuits (IC) ever made. When you use it, you’ll need to be aware of the purpose of each of the eight pins in the 555 package. You may also occasionally use a 556 IC, which consists of two 555 timers in a single package. You’ll need to be aware of its pinouts as well.</p>\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Function</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">555 Timer</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">556 First Timer</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">556 Second Timer</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Ground</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">1</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">7</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">7</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Trigger</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">2</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">6</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">8</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Output</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">3</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">5</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">9</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Reset</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">4</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">4</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">10</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Control</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">5</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">3</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">11</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Threshold</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">6</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">2</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">12</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Discharge</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">7</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">1</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">13</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"23%\">Vcc</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">8</td>\n<td width=\"23%\">14</td>\n<td width=\"29%\">14</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"LM741 op-amp IC pinout","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Operational amplifiers are one of the most common types of integrated circuits. The LM741 is a popular single op-amp integrated circuit.</p>\n<table width=\"100%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">Pin</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">Function</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">1</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">Not used</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">2</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">V<sub>–</sub> inverting input</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">3</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">V<sub>+</sub> non-inverting input</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">4</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">–V power</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">5</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">Not used</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">6</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">V<sub>out</sub> output</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">7</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">+V power</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"46%\">8</td>\n<td width=\"53%\">Not used</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Orientation of the anode and cathode in a typical LED","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The following diagram shows the orientation of the anode (long lead) and cathode (short lead) in a typical LED:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-291048\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119822110-fgcs01.jpg\" alt=\"electronics diagram of anode and cathode orientation in typical LED\" width=\"535\" height=\"143\" /></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-02-24T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208423},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:47:04+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-12-15T13:02:59+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:55+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"Electronics For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"electronics for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"electronics-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Electronics is more than just schematics and circuits. By using various components, such as resistors and capacitors, electronics allows you to bend electric cu","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>Electronics is more than just schematics and circuits. By using various components, such as resistors and capacitors, electronics allows you to bend electric current to your will to create an infinite variety of gizmos and gadgets. In exploring electronics, use this handy reference for working with Ohm’s, Joule’s, and Kirchhoff’s Laws; making important calculations; determining the values of resistors and capacitors according to the codes that appear on their casings; and using a 555 timer and other integrated circuits (ICs).</p>\r\n","description":"<p>Electronics is more than just schematics and circuits. By using various components, such as resistors and capacitors, electronics allows you to bend electric current to your will to create an infinite variety of gizmos and gadgets. In exploring electronics, use this handy reference for working with Ohm’s, Joule’s, and Kirchhoff’s Laws; making important calculations; determining the values of resistors and capacitors according to the codes that appear on their casings; and using a 555 timer and other integrated circuits (ICs).</p>\r\n","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":203207,"title":"Tools Needed for Electronics Projects","slug":"tools-needed-for-electronics-projects","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203207"}},{"articleId":142544,"title":"Displaying Electrical Signals on an Oscilloscope","slug":"displaying-electrical-signals-on-an-oscilloscope","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142544"}},{"articleId":142537,"title":"Electronics: Doping Semiconductors","slug":"electronics-doping-semiconductors","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142537"}},{"articleId":142529,"title":"10 Memorable Names in Electronics","slug":"10-memorable-names-in-electronics","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142529"}},{"articleId":142470,"title":"Electronics: 555 Timer as an Astable Multivibrator","slug":"electronics-555-timer-as-an-astable-multivibrator","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142470"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281695,"slug":"electronics-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119675594","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119675596-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119675594-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9082\">Cathleen Shamieh</b></b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119675594&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0f08a2d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119675594&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0f09515\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":142464,"title":"Important Formulas in Electronics","slug":"important-formulas-in-electronics","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142464"}},{"articleId":142467,"title":"Electronics: Reading Resistor and Capacitor Codes","slug":"electronics-reading-resistor-and-capacitor-codes","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142467"}},{"articleId":142469,"title":"Electronics: Integrated Circuit (IC) Pinouts","slug":"electronics-integrated-circuit-ic-pinouts","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142469"}},{"articleId":142470,"title":"Electronics: 555 Timer as an Astable Multivibrator","slug":"electronics-555-timer-as-an-astable-multivibrator","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142470"}}],"content":[{"title":"Important Formulas in Electronics","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>With just a handful of basic mathematical formulas, you can get pretty far in analyzing the goings-on in electronic circuits and in choosing values for electronic components in circuits you design.</p>\n<h2>Ohm&#8217;s Law and Joule&#8217;s Law</h2>\n<p>Ohm&#8217;s Law and Joule&#8217;s Law are commonly used in calculations dealing with electronic circuits. These laws are straightforward, but when you&#8217;re trying to solve for one variable or another, it is easy to get them confused. The following table presents some common calculations using Ohm&#8217;s Law and Joule&#8217;s Law. In these calculations:</p>\n<p>V = voltage (in volts)</p>\n<p>I = current (in amps)</p>\n<p>R = resistance (in ohms)</p>\n<p>P = power (in watts)</p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Unknown Value</th>\n<th>Formula</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Voltage</td>\n<td>V = I x R</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Current</td>\n<td>I = V/R</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Resistance</td>\n<td>R = V/I</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Power</td>\n<td>P = V x I or P = V<sup>2</sup>/R or P = I<sup>2</sup>R</td>\n</tr>\n</table>\n<h2>Equivalent resistance and capacitance formulas</h2>\n<p>Electronic circuits may contain resistors or capacitors in series, parallel, or a combination. You can determine the equivalent value of resistance or capacitance using the following formulas:</p>\n<p>Resistors in series:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482733.image0.png\" height=\"25\" alt=\"image0.png\" width=\"186\"/></p>\n<p>Resistors in parallel:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482734.image1.png\" height=\"61\" alt=\"image1.png\" width=\"200\"/></p>\n<p>or</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482735.image2.png\" height=\"46\" alt=\"image2.png\" width=\"200\"/></p>\n<p>Capacitors in series:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482736.image3.png\" height=\"61\" alt=\"image3.png\" width=\"188\"/></p>\n<p>or</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482737.image4.png\" height=\"44\" alt=\"image4.png\" width=\"188\"/></p>\n<p>Capacitors in parallel:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482738.image5.png\" height=\"22\" alt=\"image5.png\" width=\"186\"/></p>\n<h2>Kirchhoff&#8217;s Current and Voltage Laws</h2>\n<p>Kirchhoff&#8217;s Circuit Laws are commonly used to analyze what&#8217;s going on in a closed loop circuit. Based on the principle of conservation of energy, Kirchhoff&#8217;s Current Law (KCL) states that, at any <i>node</i> (junction) in an electrical circuit, the sum of currents flowing into that node is equal to the sum of currents flowing out of that node, and Kirchhoff&#8217;s Voltage Law (KVL) states that the sum of all voltage drops around a circuit loop equals zero.</p>\n<p>For the circuit shown, Kirchhoff&#8217;s Laws tells you the following:</p>\n<p>KCL: I = I<sub>1</sub> + I<sub>2</sub><b><sub></sub></b></p>\n<p>KVL: V<sub>battery</sub> &#8211; V<sub>R</sub> &#8211; V<sub>LED</sub> = 0, <i>or</i><i> </i>V<sub>battery</sub> = V<sub>R</sub> + V<sub>LED</sub></p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482739.image6.jpg\" height=\"127\" alt=\"image6.jpg\" width=\"267\"/></p>\n<h2>Calculating the RC time constant</h2>\n<p>In a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit, it takes a certain amount of time for the capacitor to charge up to the supply voltage, and then, once fully charged, to discharge down to 0 volts.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482740.image7.jpg\" height=\"140\" alt=\"image7.jpg\" width=\"268\"/></p>\n<p>Circuit designers use RC networks to produce simple timers and oscillators because the charge time is predictable and depends on the values of the resistor and the capacitor. If you multiply <i>R </i>(in ohms) by <i>C</i> (in farads), you get what is known as the <i>RC time constant</i> of your RC circuit, symbolized by T:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482741.image8.png\" height=\"16\" alt=\"image8.png\" width=\"156\"/></p>\n<p>A capacitor charges and discharges almost completely after five times its RC time constant, or 5<i>RC</i>. After the equivalent of one time constant has passed, a discharged capacitor will charge to roughly two-thirds its capacity, and a charged capacitor will discharge nearly two-thirds of the way.</p>\n"},{"title":"Electronics: Reading Resistor and Capacitor Codes","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Electronics can sometimes be difficult to decipher. By decoding the colorful stripes sported by many resistors and the alphanumeric markings that appear on certain types of capacitors, you can determine the nominal value and tolerance of the specific component.</p>\n<h2>Resistor color codes</h2>\n<p>Many resistor casings contain color bands that represent the nominal resistance value and tolerance of the resistor. You translate the color and position of each band into digits, multipliers, and percentages.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482743.image0.jpg\" height=\"88\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"267\"/></p>\n<p>The table that follows outlines the meaning of the resistor color bands.</p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Color</th>\n<th>1st Digit</th>\n<th>2nd Digit</th>\n<th>Multiplier</th>\n<th>Tolerance</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Black</td>\n<td>0</td>\n<td>0</td>\n<td>x1</td>\n<td>&plusmn;20%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Brown</td>\n<td>1</td>\n<td>1</td>\n<td>x10</td>\n<td>&plusmn;1%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Red</td>\n<td>2</td>\n<td>2</td>\n<td>x100</td>\n<td>&plusmn;2%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Orange</td>\n<td>3</td>\n<td>3</td>\n<td>x1,000</td>\n<td>&plusmn;3%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yellow</td>\n<td>4</td>\n<td>4</td>\n<td>x10,000</td>\n<td>&plusmn;4%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Green</td>\n<td>5</td>\n<td>5</td>\n<td>x100,000</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Blue</td>\n<td>6</td>\n<td>6</td>\n<td>x1,000,000</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Violet</td>\n<td>7</td>\n<td>7</td>\n<td>x10,000,000</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Gray</td>\n<td>8</td>\n<td>8</td>\n<td>x100,000,000</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>White</td>\n<td>9</td>\n<td>9</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Gold</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n<td>x0.1</td>\n<td>&plusmn;5%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Silver</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n<td>n/a</td>\n<td>x0.01</td>\n<td>&plusmn;10%</td>\n</tr>\n</table>\n<h2>Capacitor value reference</h2>\n<p>In electronic circuits, the value of a capacitor can be determined by a two- or three-digit code that appears on its casing. The following table outlines values for some common capacitors.</p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Marking</th>\n<th>Value</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td><i>nn</i> (a number from 01 to 99) <i></i>or <i>nn</i>0</td>\n<td><i>nn</i> picofarads (pF)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>101</td>\n<td>100 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>102</td>\n<td>0.001 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>103</td>\n<td>0.01 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>104</td>\n<td>0.1 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>221</td>\n<td>220 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>222</td>\n<td>0.0022 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>223</td>\n<td>0.022 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>224</td>\n<td>0.22 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>331</td>\n<td>330 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>332</td>\n<td>0.0033 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>333</td>\n<td>0.033 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>334</td>\n<td>0.33 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>471</td>\n<td>470 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>472</td>\n<td>0.0047 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>473</td>\n<td>0.047 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>474</td>\n<td>0.47 &micro;F</td>\n</tr>\n</table>\n<h2>Capacitor tolerance codes</h2>\n<p>In electronic circuits, the tolerance of capacitors can be determined by a code that appears on the casing. The code is a letter that often follows a three-digit number, for instance, the Z in 130Z. The following table outlines common tolerance values for capacitors. Note that the letters B, C, and D represent tolerances in absolute capacitance values, rather than percentages. These three letters are used on only very small (pF range) capacitors.</p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Code</th>\n<th>Tolerance</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>B</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 0.1 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>C</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 0.25 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>D</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 0.5 pF</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>F</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 1%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>G</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 2%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>J</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 5%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>K</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 10%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>M</td>\n<td>&plusmn; 20%</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Z</td>\n<td>+80%, &ndash;20%</td>\n</tr>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Electronics: Integrated Circuit (IC) Pinouts","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The pins on an IC chip provide connections to the tiny integrated circuits inside of your electronics. To determine which pin is which, you look down on the top of the IC for the <i>clocking mark,</i> which is usually a small notch in the packaging but might instead be a little dimple or a white or colored stripe. By convention, the pins on an IC are numbered counterclockwise, starting with the upper-left pin closest to the clocking mark. So, for example, with the clocking notch orienting the chip at the 12 o&#8217;clock position, the pins of a 14-pin IC are numbered 1 through 7 down the left side and 8 through 14 up the right side.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482753.image0.jpg\" height=\"200\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"166\"/></p>\n"},{"title":"Electronics: 555 Timer as an Astable Multivibrator","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The 555 can behave as an <i>astable</i><i> </i><i>multivibrator,</i> or <i>oscillator.</i> By connecting components to the chip in your electronics, you can configure the 555 to produce a continuous series of voltage pulses that automatically alternate between low (0 volts) and high (the positive supply voltage, V<sub>CC</sub>).</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482747.image0.jpg\" height=\"200\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"169\"/></p>\n<p>You can calculate the low and high timing intervals using the formulas that follow:</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482748.image1.png\" height=\"20\" alt=\"image1.png\" width=\"162\"/><br />\n<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/482749.image2.png\" height=\"22\" alt=\"image2.png\" width=\"216\"/></p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-12-14T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207483},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:29:30+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-17T21:32:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:38+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"Closed, Open, and Short Circuits","strippedTitle":"closed, open, and short circuits","slug":"closed-open-and-short-circuits","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article explains in an easy-to-understand way what open, closed, and short circuits are, using a simple flashlight as an example.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"You need a closed path, or <i>closed circuit,</i> to get electric current to flow. If there's a break anywhere in the path, you have an <i>open circuit,</i> and the current stops flowing — and the metal atoms in the wire quickly settle down to a peaceful, electrically neutral existence.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489264.image0.jpg\" alt=\"A closed circuit allows current to flow, but an open circuit leaves electrons stranded.\" width=\"535\" height=\"216\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A closed circuit allows current to flow, but an open circuit leaves electrons stranded.</div>\r\n</div>\r\nPicture a gallon of water flowing through an open pipe. The water will flow for a short time but then stop when all the water exits the pipe. If you pump water through a closed pipe system, the water will continue to flow as long as you keep forcing it to move.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Open circuits by design</h2>\r\nOpen circuits are often created by design. For instance, a simple light switch opens and closes the circuit that connects a light to a power source. When you build a circuit, it's a good idea to disconnect the battery or other power source when the circuit is not in use. Technically, that's creating an open circuit.\r\n\r\nA flashlight that is off is an open circuit. In the flashlight shown here, the flat black button in the lower left controls the switch inside. The switch is nothing more than two flexible pieces of metal in close proximity to each other. With the black button slid all the way to the right, the switch is in an open position and the flashlight is off.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489265.image1.jpg\" alt=\"A switch in the open position disconnects the light bulb from the battery, creating an open circuit.\" width=\"535\" height=\"311\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A switch in the open position disconnects the light bulb from the battery, creating an open circuit.</div>\r\n</div>\r\nTurning the flashlight on by sliding the black button to the left pushes the two pieces of metal together — or closes the switch — and completes the circuit so that current can flow.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489266.image2.jpg\" alt=\"Closing the switch completes the conductive path in this flashlight, allowing electrons to flow.\" width=\"535\" height=\"157\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Closing the switch completes the conductive path in this flashlight, allowing electrons to flow.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Open circuits by accident</h2>\r\nSometimes open circuits are created by accident. You forget to connect a battery, for instance, or there's a break in a wire somewhere in your circuit. When you build a circuit using a solderless breadboard, you may mistakenly plug one side of a component into the wrong hole in the breadboard, leaving that component unconnected and creating an open circuit. Accidental open circuits are usually harmless but can be the source of much frustration when you're trying to figure out why your circuit isn't working the way you think it should.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Short circuits take the wrong path</h2>\r\nShort circuits are another matter entirely. A <i>short circuit</i> is a direct connection between two points in a circuit that aren't supposed to be directly connected, such as the two terminals of a power supply. Electric current takes the path of least resistance, so in a short circuit, the current will bypass other parallel paths and travel through the direct connection. (Think of the current as being lazy and taking the path through which it doesn't have to do much work.)\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 458px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489267.image3.jpg\" alt=\"In a short circuit, current may be diverted from the path you intended it to flow through.\" width=\"458\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">In a short circuit, current may be diverted from the path you intended it to flow through.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">If you short out a power supply, you send large amounts of electrical energy from one side of the power supply to the other. With nothing in the circuit to limit the current and absorb the electrical energy, heat builds up quickly in the wire and in the power supply. A short circuit can melt the insulation around a wire and may cause a fire, an explosion, or a release of harmful chemicals from certain power supplies, such as a rechargeable battery or a car battery.</p>","description":"You need a closed path, or <i>closed circuit,</i> to get electric current to flow. If there's a break anywhere in the path, you have an <i>open circuit,</i> and the current stops flowing — and the metal atoms in the wire quickly settle down to a peaceful, electrically neutral existence.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489264.image0.jpg\" alt=\"A closed circuit allows current to flow, but an open circuit leaves electrons stranded.\" width=\"535\" height=\"216\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A closed circuit allows current to flow, but an open circuit leaves electrons stranded.</div>\r\n</div>\r\nPicture a gallon of water flowing through an open pipe. The water will flow for a short time but then stop when all the water exits the pipe. If you pump water through a closed pipe system, the water will continue to flow as long as you keep forcing it to move.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Open circuits by design</h2>\r\nOpen circuits are often created by design. For instance, a simple light switch opens and closes the circuit that connects a light to a power source. When you build a circuit, it's a good idea to disconnect the battery or other power source when the circuit is not in use. Technically, that's creating an open circuit.\r\n\r\nA flashlight that is off is an open circuit. In the flashlight shown here, the flat black button in the lower left controls the switch inside. The switch is nothing more than two flexible pieces of metal in close proximity to each other. With the black button slid all the way to the right, the switch is in an open position and the flashlight is off.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489265.image1.jpg\" alt=\"A switch in the open position disconnects the light bulb from the battery, creating an open circuit.\" width=\"535\" height=\"311\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">A switch in the open position disconnects the light bulb from the battery, creating an open circuit.</div>\r\n</div>\r\nTurning the flashlight on by sliding the black button to the left pushes the two pieces of metal together — or closes the switch — and completes the circuit so that current can flow.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489266.image2.jpg\" alt=\"Closing the switch completes the conductive path in this flashlight, allowing electrons to flow.\" width=\"535\" height=\"157\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Closing the switch completes the conductive path in this flashlight, allowing electrons to flow.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Open circuits by accident</h2>\r\nSometimes open circuits are created by accident. You forget to connect a battery, for instance, or there's a break in a wire somewhere in your circuit. When you build a circuit using a solderless breadboard, you may mistakenly plug one side of a component into the wrong hole in the breadboard, leaving that component unconnected and creating an open circuit. Accidental open circuits are usually harmless but can be the source of much frustration when you're trying to figure out why your circuit isn't working the way you think it should.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Short circuits take the wrong path</h2>\r\nShort circuits are another matter entirely. A <i>short circuit</i> is a direct connection between two points in a circuit that aren't supposed to be directly connected, such as the two terminals of a power supply. Electric current takes the path of least resistance, so in a short circuit, the current will bypass other parallel paths and travel through the direct connection. (Think of the current as being lazy and taking the path through which it doesn't have to do much work.)\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 458px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/489267.image3.jpg\" alt=\"In a short circuit, current may be diverted from the path you intended it to flow through.\" width=\"458\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">In a short circuit, current may be diverted from the path you intended it to flow through.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">If you short out a power supply, you send large amounts of electrical energy from one side of the power supply to the other. With nothing in the circuit to limit the current and absorb the electrical energy, heat builds up quickly in the wire and in the power supply. A short circuit can melt the insulation around a wire and may cause a fire, an explosion, or a release of harmful chemicals from certain power supplies, such as a rechargeable battery or a car battery.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Open circuits by design","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Open circuits by accident","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Short circuits take the wrong path","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207483,"title":"Electronics For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"electronics-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207483"}},{"articleId":203207,"title":"Tools Needed for Electronics Projects","slug":"tools-needed-for-electronics-projects","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/203207"}},{"articleId":142544,"title":"Displaying Electrical Signals on an Oscilloscope","slug":"displaying-electrical-signals-on-an-oscilloscope","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142544"}},{"articleId":142537,"title":"Electronics: Doping Semiconductors","slug":"electronics-doping-semiconductors","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142537"}},{"articleId":142529,"title":"10 Memorable Names in Electronics","slug":"10-memorable-names-in-electronics","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/142529"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281695,"slug":"electronics-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119675594","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119675596-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119675596/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119675594-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9082\">Cathleen Shamieh</b></b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119675594&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afe7b3e3\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119675594&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afe7be6b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-17T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":141399},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T18:43:00+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-17T16:35:24+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:38+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"Electronics Basics: What Is a Semiconductor?","strippedTitle":"electronics basics: what is a semiconductor?","slug":"electronics-basics-what-is-a-semiconductor","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn what semiconductors are, how they are formed, how they work, and the differences between N- and P-type conductors.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<i>Semiconductors</i> are used extensively in electronic circuits. As its name implies, a semiconductor<i> </i>is a material that conducts current, but only partly. The conductivity of a semiconductor is somewhere between that of an insulator, which has almost no conductivity, and a conductor, which has almost full conductivity. Most semiconductors are crystals made of certain materials, most commonly silicon.\r\n\r\nTo understand how semiconductors work, you must first understand a little about how electrons are organized in an atom. The electrons in an atom are organized in layers. These layers are called <i>shells. </i>The outermost shell is called the <i>valence </i>shell.\r\n\r\nThe electrons in this shell are the ones that form bonds with neighboring atoms. Such bonds are called <i>covalent bonds</i>. Most conductors have just one electron in the valence shell. Semiconductors, on the other hand, typically have four electrons in their valence shell.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Semiconductors are made of crystals</h2>\r\nIf all the neighboring atoms are of the same type, it's possible for all the valence electrons to bind with valence electrons from other atoms. When that happens, the atoms arrange themselves into structures called <i>crystals</i>. Semiconductors are made out of such crystals, usually silicon crystals.\r\n\r\nHere, each circle represents a silicon atom, and the lines between the atoms represent the shared electrons. Each of the four valence electrons in each silicon atom is shared with one neighboring silicon atom. Thus, each silicon atom is bonded with four other silicon atoms.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/308915.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"398\" height=\"400\" />\r\n\r\nPure silicon crystals are not all that useful electronically. But if you introduce small amounts of other elements into a crystal, the crystal starts to conduct in an interesting way.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Two types of conductors</h2>\r\nThe process of deliberately introducing other elements into a crystal is called <i>doping</i>. The element introduced by doping is called a <i>dopant</i>. By carefully controlling the doping process and the dopants that are used, silicon crystals can transform into one of two distinct types of conductors:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>N-type semiconductor: </b>Created when the dopant is an element that has five electrons in its valence layer. Phosphorus is commonly used for this purpose.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The phosphorus atoms join right in the crystal structure of the silicon, each one bonding with four adjacent silicon atoms just like a silicon atom would. Because the phosphorus atom has five electrons in its valence shell, but only four of them are bonded to adjacent atoms, the fifth valence electron is left hanging out with nothing to bond to.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The extra valence electrons in the phosphorous atoms start to behave like the single valence electrons in a regular conductor such as copper. They are free to move about. Because this type of semiconductor has extra electrons, it's called an <i>N-type semiconductor.</i></p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/308916.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"398\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>P-type semiconductor: </b>Happens when the dopant (such as boron) has only three electrons in the valence shell. When a small amount is incorporated into the crystal, the atom is able to bond with four silicon atoms, but since it has only three electrons to offer, a <i>hole</i> is created. The hole behaves like a positive charge, so semiconductors doped in this way are called <i>P-type semiconductors.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Like a positive charge, holes attract electrons. But when an electron moves into a hole, the electron leaves a new hole at its previous location. Thus, in a P-type semiconductor, holes are constantly moving around within the crystal as electrons constantly try to fill them up.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/308917.image2.jpg\" alt=\"image2.jpg\" width=\"398\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhen voltage is applied to either an N-type or a P-type semiconductor, current flows, for the same reason that it flows in a regular conductor: The negative side of the voltage pushes electrons, and the positive side pulls them. The result is that the random electron and hole movement that's always present in a semiconductor becomes organized in one direction, creating measurable electric current.","description":"<i>Semiconductors</i> are used extensively in electronic circuits. As its name implies, a semiconductor<i> </i>is a material that conducts current, but only partly. The conductivity of a semiconductor is somewhere between that of an insulator, which has almost no conductivity, and a conductor, which has almost full conductivity. Most semiconductors are crystals made of certain materials, most commonly silicon.\r\n\r\nTo understand how semiconductors work, you must first understand a little about how electrons are organized in an atom. The electrons in an atom are organized in layers. These layers are called <i>shells. </i>The outermost shell is called the <i>valence </i>shell.\r\n\r\nThe electrons in this shell are the ones that form bonds with neighboring atoms. Such bonds are called <i>covalent bonds</i>. Most conductors have just one electron in the valence shell. Semiconductors, on the other hand, typically have four electrons in their valence shell.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Semiconductors are made of crystals</h2>\r\nIf all the neighboring atoms are of the same type, it's possible for all the valence electrons to bind with valence electrons from other atoms. When that happens, the atoms arrange themselves into structures called <i>crystals</i>. Semiconductors are made out of such crystals, usually silicon crystals.\r\n\r\nHere, each circle represents a silicon atom, and the lines between the atoms represent the shared electrons. Each of the four valence electrons in each silicon atom is shared with one neighboring silicon atom. Thus, each silicon atom is bonded with four other silicon atoms.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/308915.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"398\" height=\"400\" />\r\n\r\nPure silicon crystals are not all that useful electronically. But if you introduce small amounts of other elements into a crystal, the crystal starts to conduct in an interesting way.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Two types of conductors</h2>\r\nThe process of deliberately introducing other elements into a crystal is called <i>doping</i>. The element introduced by doping is called a <i>dopant</i>. By carefully controlling the doping process and the dopants that are used, silicon crystals can transform into one of two distinct types of conductors:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>N-type semiconductor: </b>Created when the dopant is an element that has five electrons in its valence layer. Phosphorus is commonly used for this purpose.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The phosphorus atoms join right in the crystal structure of the silicon, each one bonding with four adjacent silicon atoms just like a silicon atom would. Because the phosphorus atom has five electrons in its valence shell, but only four of them are bonded to adjacent atoms, the fifth valence electron is left hanging out with nothing to bond to.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The extra valence electrons in the phosphorous atoms start to behave like the single valence electrons in a regular conductor such as copper. They are free to move about. Because this type of semiconductor has extra electrons, it's called an <i>N-type semiconductor.</i></p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/308916.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"398\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>P-type semiconductor: </b>Happens when the dopant (such as boron) has only three electrons in the valence shell. When a small amount is incorporated into the crystal, the atom is able to bond with four silicon atoms, but since it has only three electrons to offer, a <i>hole</i> is created. The hole behaves like a positive charge, so semiconductors doped in this way are called <i>P-type semiconductors.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Like a positive charge, holes attract electrons. But when an electron moves into a hole, the electron leaves a new hole at its previous location. Thus, in a P-type semiconductor, holes are constantly moving around within the crystal as electrons constantly try to fill them up.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/308917.image2.jpg\" alt=\"image2.jpg\" width=\"398\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhen voltage is applied to either an N-type or a P-type semiconductor, current flows, for the same reason that it flows in a regular conductor: The negative side of the voltage pushes electrons, and the positive side pulls them. The result is that the random electron and hole movement that's always present in a semiconductor becomes organized in one direction, creating measurable electric current.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Semiconductors are made of crystals","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Two types of conductors","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281694,"slug":"electronics-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119822110","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119822114-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119822110-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"8946\">Doug Lowe</b></b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afe5ffc1\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afe6084a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-17T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":180018},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-08-29T23:19:31+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-06-18T21:56:00+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"How a Speaker Works","strippedTitle":"how a speaker works","slug":"how-a-speaker-works","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn a little about how a speaker works. For example, a typical speaker contains two magnets and a cone made of paper or plastic (see the figure).","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The figure shows the front and back of one type of mini-speaker. Speakers usually come with leads attached. The leads are twisted together to keep things neat and tidy. You attach the leads to components in your circuit so that electrical current passes from your circuit into the speaker. The speaker then converts the current into sound.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_223729\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"321\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Speaker.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-223729 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Speaker.jpg\" alt=\"Speaker\" width=\"321\" height=\"144\" /></a> A mini speaker with leads attached.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">A typical speaker contains two magnets and a cone made of paper or plastic (see the following figure). The black material you see in the mini-speaker shown is the paper cone. One of the speaker's magnets is a permanent magnet (meaning that it is always magnetized) and the other is an electromagnet.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_223730\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"437\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Magnets.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-223730 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Magnets.jpg\" alt=\"Magnets\" width=\"437\" height=\"400\" /></a> Speakers have two magnets.[/caption]\r\n\r\nAn <em>electromagnet</em> is just a coil of wire wrapped around a hunk of iron. If no current passes through the coil of wire, the electromagnet is not magnetized. When current passes through the coil of wire, the electromagnet becomes magnetized and gets pulled and then pushed away from the permanent magnet. The cone is attached to the electromagnet, so when the electromagnet moves, the cone vibrates, creating sound (which is just moving air).\r\n\r\nIf you look closely at the back of the speaker, right, you might be able to see that one side of each lead wire is sticking through the back of the black cone. Those wires are connected to the coil inside the speaker. By connecting the other side of the lead wires to your circuit, you control the flow of current through the coil. Depending on what your circuit is doing, current may or may not flow through the coil, and you may or may not hear sound coming from the speaker.","description":"The figure shows the front and back of one type of mini-speaker. Speakers usually come with leads attached. The leads are twisted together to keep things neat and tidy. You attach the leads to components in your circuit so that electrical current passes from your circuit into the speaker. The speaker then converts the current into sound.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_223729\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"321\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Speaker.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-223729 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Speaker.jpg\" alt=\"Speaker\" width=\"321\" height=\"144\" /></a> A mini speaker with leads attached.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">A typical speaker contains two magnets and a cone made of paper or plastic (see the following figure). The black material you see in the mini-speaker shown is the paper cone. One of the speaker's magnets is a permanent magnet (meaning that it is always magnetized) and the other is an electromagnet.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_223730\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"437\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Magnets.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-223730 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/Magnets.jpg\" alt=\"Magnets\" width=\"437\" height=\"400\" /></a> Speakers have two magnets.[/caption]\r\n\r\nAn <em>electromagnet</em> is just a coil of wire wrapped around a hunk of iron. If no current passes through the coil of wire, the electromagnet is not magnetized. When current passes through the coil of wire, the electromagnet becomes magnetized and gets pulled and then pushed away from the permanent magnet. The cone is attached to the electromagnet, so when the electromagnet moves, the cone vibrates, creating sound (which is just moving air).\r\n\r\nIf you look closely at the back of the speaker, right, you might be able to see that one side of each lead wire is sticking through the back of the black cone. Those wires are connected to the coil inside the speaker. By connecting the other side of the lead wires to your circuit, you control the flow of current through the coil. Depending on what your circuit is doing, current may or may not flow through the coil, and you may or may not hear sound coming from the speaker.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":223733,"title":"Probe a Pushbutton Switch","slug":"probe-pushbutton-switch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223733"}},{"articleId":223724,"title":"What Is a Potentiometer?","slug":"what-is-a-potentiometer","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223724"}},{"articleId":223721,"title":"What's an Integrated Circuit?","slug":"whats-integrated-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223721"}},{"articleId":223716,"title":"Check Out a PNP Transistor","slug":"check-pnp-transistor","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223716"}},{"articleId":223712,"title":"What Is a Photoresistor?","slug":"what-is-a-photoresistor","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223712"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281696,"slug":"electronics-for-kids-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119215653","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111921565X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-for-kids-for-dummies-cover-9781119215653-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Electronics For Kids For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9082\">Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a high-tech writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119215653&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac888018\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119215653&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ac888894\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":223728},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:06:37+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-09-14T01:01:40+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:53+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"How Batteries Work","strippedTitle":"how batteries work","slug":"how-batteries-work","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how batteries work and the chemical reaction that enables them to power electronics!","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Have you ever mixed vinegar with baking soda to create a volcano for a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/science/science-fair-projects-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\">science fair project</a>? The bubbling that you see is the result of a chemical reaction. This reaction is very similar to <strong>how batteries work.</strong> The reaction, however, occurs inside a battery, hidden from view by the battery case. This reaction is what creates the electrical energy that the battery supplies to circuits.\r\n\r\nA typical battery, such as a AA or C battery has a case or container. Molded to the inside of the case is a <em>cathode</em> mix, which is ground manganese dioxide and conductors carrying a naturally-occurring electrical charge. A <em>separator</em> comes next. This paper keeps the cathode from coming into contact with the anode, which carries the negative charge. The <em>anode</em> and the <em>electrolyte</em> (potassium hydroxide) are inside each battery. A pin, typically made of brass, forms the negative current collector and is in the center of the battery case.\r\n\r\nEach battery has a cell that contains three components: two electrodes and an electrolyte between them. The <em>electrolyte</em> is a potassium hydroxide solution in water. The electrolyte is the medium for the movement of ions within the cell and carries the iconic current inside the battery.\r\n\r\nThe positive and negative terminals of a battery are connected to two different types of metal plates, known as <i>electrodes,</i> which are immersed in chemicals inside the battery. The chemicals react with the metals, causing excess electrons to build up on the negative electrode (the metal plate connected to the negative battery terminal) and producing a shortage of electrons on the positive electrode (the metal plate connected to the positive battery terminal).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"how batteries work\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/506513.image0.jpg\" alt=\"how batteries work\" width=\"408\" height=\"400\" />\r\n\r\nFlashlight or smaller batteries, usually labeled A, AA, C, or D have the terminals built into the ends of the batteries. That's why the battery compartment of your flashlight has a + and a - sign, making it easier for you to install your batteries the correct direction. Larger batteries, like those in a car, have terminals that extend out from the battery. (They generally look like large screw tops.)\r\n\r\nThe difference in the number of electrons between the positive and negative terminals creates the force known as <i>voltage.</i> This force wants to even out the teams, so to speak, by pushing the excess electrons from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. But the chemicals inside the battery act like a roadblock and prevent the electrons from traveling between the electrodes. If there's an alternate path that allows the electrons to travel freely from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, the force (voltage) will succeed in pushing the electrons along that path.\r\n\r\nWhen you connect a battery to a circuit, you provide that alternate path for the electrons to follow. So the excess electrons flow out of the battery via the negative terminal, through the circuit, and back into the battery via the positive terminal. That flow of electrons is the electric current that delivers energy to your circuit.\r\n\r\nWhen the electrodes are connected via a circuit, for example, the terminals inside a flashlight or those in your vehicle, the chemicals in the electrolyte start reacting.\r\n\r\nAs electrons flow through a circuit, the chemicals inside the battery continue to react with the metals, excess electrons keep building up on the negative electrode, and electrons keep flowing to try to even things up — as long as there's a complete path for the current. If you keep the battery connected in a circuit for a long time, eventually all the chemicals inside the battery are used up and the battery dies (it no longer supplies electrical energy).\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">The electrolyte oxides the anode's powered zinc. The cathode's manganese dioxide/carbon mix reacts with the oxidized zinc to produce electricity. Interaction between the zinc and the electrolyte produces gradually slow the cell's action and lowers its voltage.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">The collector is a brass pin in the middle of the cell that conducts electricity to the outside circuit.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">Note that the two electrodes in every battery are made from two different materials, both of which must be electrical conductors. One of the materials gives electrons and the other receives them, which makes the current flow.</p>\r\n ","description":"Have you ever mixed vinegar with baking soda to create a volcano for a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/education/science/science-fair-projects-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\">science fair project</a>? The bubbling that you see is the result of a chemical reaction. This reaction is very similar to <strong>how batteries work.</strong> The reaction, however, occurs inside a battery, hidden from view by the battery case. This reaction is what creates the electrical energy that the battery supplies to circuits.\r\n\r\nA typical battery, such as a AA or C battery has a case or container. Molded to the inside of the case is a <em>cathode</em> mix, which is ground manganese dioxide and conductors carrying a naturally-occurring electrical charge. A <em>separator</em> comes next. This paper keeps the cathode from coming into contact with the anode, which carries the negative charge. The <em>anode</em> and the <em>electrolyte</em> (potassium hydroxide) are inside each battery. A pin, typically made of brass, forms the negative current collector and is in the center of the battery case.\r\n\r\nEach battery has a cell that contains three components: two electrodes and an electrolyte between them. The <em>electrolyte</em> is a potassium hydroxide solution in water. The electrolyte is the medium for the movement of ions within the cell and carries the iconic current inside the battery.\r\n\r\nThe positive and negative terminals of a battery are connected to two different types of metal plates, known as <i>electrodes,</i> which are immersed in chemicals inside the battery. The chemicals react with the metals, causing excess electrons to build up on the negative electrode (the metal plate connected to the negative battery terminal) and producing a shortage of electrons on the positive electrode (the metal plate connected to the positive battery terminal).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone\" title=\"how batteries work\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/506513.image0.jpg\" alt=\"how batteries work\" width=\"408\" height=\"400\" />\r\n\r\nFlashlight or smaller batteries, usually labeled A, AA, C, or D have the terminals built into the ends of the batteries. That's why the battery compartment of your flashlight has a + and a - sign, making it easier for you to install your batteries the correct direction. Larger batteries, like those in a car, have terminals that extend out from the battery. (They generally look like large screw tops.)\r\n\r\nThe difference in the number of electrons between the positive and negative terminals creates the force known as <i>voltage.</i> This force wants to even out the teams, so to speak, by pushing the excess electrons from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. But the chemicals inside the battery act like a roadblock and prevent the electrons from traveling between the electrodes. If there's an alternate path that allows the electrons to travel freely from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, the force (voltage) will succeed in pushing the electrons along that path.\r\n\r\nWhen you connect a battery to a circuit, you provide that alternate path for the electrons to follow. So the excess electrons flow out of the battery via the negative terminal, through the circuit, and back into the battery via the positive terminal. That flow of electrons is the electric current that delivers energy to your circuit.\r\n\r\nWhen the electrodes are connected via a circuit, for example, the terminals inside a flashlight or those in your vehicle, the chemicals in the electrolyte start reacting.\r\n\r\nAs electrons flow through a circuit, the chemicals inside the battery continue to react with the metals, excess electrons keep building up on the negative electrode, and electrons keep flowing to try to even things up — as long as there's a complete path for the current. If you keep the battery connected in a circuit for a long time, eventually all the chemicals inside the battery are used up and the battery dies (it no longer supplies electrical energy).\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">The electrolyte oxides the anode's powered zinc. The cathode's manganese dioxide/carbon mix reacts with the oxidized zinc to produce electricity. Interaction between the zinc and the electrolyte produces gradually slow the cell's action and lowers its voltage.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">The collector is a brass pin in the middle of the cell that conducts electricity to the outside circuit.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">Note that the two electrodes in every battery are made from two different materials, both of which must be electrical conductors. One of the materials gives electrons and the other receives them, which makes the current flow.</p>\r\n ","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":223733,"title":"Probe a Pushbutton Switch","slug":"probe-pushbutton-switch","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223733"}},{"articleId":223728,"title":"How a Speaker Works","slug":"how-a-speaker-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223728"}},{"articleId":223724,"title":"What Is a Potentiometer?","slug":"what-is-a-potentiometer","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223724"}},{"articleId":223721,"title":"What's an Integrated Circuit?","slug":"whats-integrated-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223721"}},{"articleId":223716,"title":"Check Out a PNP Transistor","slug":"check-pnp-transistor","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/223716"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281696,"slug":"electronics-for-kids-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119215653","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111921565X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111921565X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-for-kids-for-dummies-cover-9781119215653-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Electronics For Kids For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9082\">Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a high-tech writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9082,"name":"Cathleen Shamieh","slug":"cathleen-shamieh","description":" <p><b>Cathleen Shamieh</b> is an electrical engineer and a writer with extensive engineering and consulting experience in the fields of medical electronics, speech processing, and telecommunications. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9082"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119215653&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b492e271\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119215653&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b492e86b\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":138048},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2017-05-09T03:47:54+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-05-09T03:47:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:45+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","strippedTitle":"how to assemble a color organ circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"After you have gathered all the materials you'll need to build a color organ, you're ready to assemble the project. See What You Need to Build a Color Organ Cir","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"After you have gathered all the materials you'll need to build a color organ, you're ready to assemble the project. See <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/programming/electronics/need-build-color-organ-circuit/\">What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit</a>. You'll need the following tools:\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Soldering iron, preferably with both 20 and 40 W settings</li>\r\n\t<li>Solder\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Use thicker solder for the line-voltage wires and thin solder for assembling the MK110 kit.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>Magnifying goggles</li>\r\n\t<li>Phillips screwdriver</li>\r\n\t<li>Small flat-edge jewelers screwdriver</li>\r\n\t<li>Wire cutters</li>\r\n\t<li>Wire strippers</li>\r\n\t<li>Pliers</li>\r\n\t<li>Hobby vise</li>\r\n\t<li>Drill with 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and 3/4-inch bits</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHere are the steps for constructing a color organ:\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><strong>Assemble the Velleman MK110 kit.\r\n\r\n</strong>The kit comes with simple but accurate instructions. Basically, you just mount and solder all the components onto the circuit board. Pay special attention to the color codes for the resistors and the orientation of the diode.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239443\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-velleman.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239443 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-velleman.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-velleman\" width=\"535\" height=\"357\" /></a> The assembled Velleman MK110 kit.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">It's best to mount the circuit board in a good hobby vise and use an alligator clip or masking tape to hold the components in place while soldering.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Drill all the mounting holes in the project box except the hole for the sensitivity control on the left side of the box.\r\n\r\n</strong>The figure shows the orientation of the approximate location of the mounting holes.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239432\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-mounting-holes.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239432 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-mounting-holes.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-mounting-holes\" width=\"535\" height=\"317\" /></a> Drill the holes as indicated in this diagram.[/caption]\r\n\r\nUse the assembled circuit board to determine the exact drilling locations for the four holes that will mount the circuit board. The position of the other holes isn't critical, with the exception of the hole for the potentiometer knob. Don't drill that hole until Step 4.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the four standoffs in the four MK110 circuit board mounting holes.\r\n\r\n</strong>Use four of the machine screws that came with the standoffs.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Drill the hole for the circuit board's potentiometer.\r\n</strong>\r\nSet the circuit board on top of the four standoffs to determine the exact location for this hole.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Insert the two rubber grommets into the two 3/8-inch holes.\r\n</strong>\r\nThe grommets are difficult to squeeze into the hole, but work at it and you'll get them in. If necessary, use the small edge of a flat screwdriver to push the rubber edges into the holes.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">In the steps that follow, you assemble all the parts into a box. Use the following figure as a guide for the proper placement of each of the parts.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239420\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-box.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239420 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-box.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-box\" width=\"535\" height=\"389\" /></a> How the parts go together inside a project box.[/caption]\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut the extension cord.\r\n\r\n</strong>First cut the outlet end of the extension cord, leaving about 12 inches of wire attached to the outlet. Then cut the plug end, leaving about 3 or 4 feet of wire attached to the plug. You'll have a few feet of wire left over; set this wire aside for later.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Push the power cords through the grommets and tie a knot inside the box.\r\n\r\n</strong>It will be a tight squeeze, but the cords will fit. Pull about a foot of the cord with the plug attached through the hole nearest the switch. Then, tie it in a knot, cinch the knot down tight, and pull the plug so that the knot is snug against the grommet. The knot acts as a strain relief.\r\n\r\nRepeat the same process with the cord that's attached to the outlet, passing it through the other grommet, tying a tight knot, and pulling the knot up against the grommet.\r\n\r\nWhen both power cords are in place, separate the two wires of each cord inside the project box and strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each wire.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut two</strong> 1-1/2<strong>-inch lengths of extension cord wire and solder them to the switch terminals.\r\n</strong>\r\nYou'll need to strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires. Put your soldering iron on its High setting and use thick solder. Set the switch aside when the solder sets.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut two 1-1/2-inch lengths of extension cord wire and solder them to the terminals on the fuse holder.\r\n</strong>\r\nAgain, you'll need to strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires and solder with high heat.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut two 2-1/2-inch lengths of the hookup wire and strip 3/8 inch of insulation from the ends.</strong></li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Solder one of the hookup wires to the center terminal of the RCA-style phono jack and the other wire to the ground terminal.\r\n</strong>\r\nAt this point, you're done with the soldering iron, so you can turn it off.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the RCA-style phono jack in the</strong><strong> 1/4-inch hole in the project box.\r\n</strong>\r\nTo mount the jack, you'll first have to remove the nut, the ground terminal, and the lock washer from the jack. Then, pass the wire connected to the center terminal of the phono jack through the 1/4-inch hole, and then insert the threaded end of the phono jack into the hole. Slip the lock washer, the ground terminal, and the nut over the wire connected to the center terminal, and then thread them onto the threaded part of the jack. Tighten with needle-nose pliers.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">In the next few steps, you attach wires to the MK110 circuit card. Do not mount the circuit board to the standoffs quite yet. You'll have an easier time connecting the wires if the circuit board is loose. After the wires are all connected, you mount the board.</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect the separated wires of the cord that's attached to the outlet to the two terminals marked <em>Load</em> on the back of the MK110 circuit board.\r\n</strong>\r\nUse a small, flat screwdriver to tighten the terminals. Make sure the wires are securely connected.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect one of the wires attached to the fuse holder to one of the Mains terminals at the back of the MK110 circuit board.</strong></li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect one of the extension cord wires that's attached to the plug to the other Mains terminal at the back of the MK110 circuit board.</strong></li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect the two hook-up wires from the phono jack to the input terminals at the front of the MK110 circuit board.\r\n</strong>\r\nThe input terminals are labeled <em>LS</em> on the board. You'll need a very small flat-blade screwdriver to tighten these terminals.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the MK110 circuit board on the standoffs.\r\n\r\n</strong>To mount the board, you'll need to tilt it a bit to slide the shaft of the potentiometer through the 5/16-inch hole. Once the shaft is through, set the board down on the standoffs and secure it with the remaining four machine screws that came with the standoffs.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Use the 3/8-inch 4-40 machine screw and nut to mount the fuse holder.</strong>\r\n\r\nSlide the machine screw through the 5/32-inch hole in the bottom of the project box. Then pass the machine screw through the hole in the center of the fuse holder and attach the nut. Tighten with a screwdriver.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the switch.\r\n</strong>\r\nTo mount the switch, first remove the plastic nut on the threaded end of the switch. Then, pass the wires and the threaded end of the switch through the 3/4-inch hole in the side of the project box. Finally, slip the nut over the wires and tighten it onto the switch.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect the switch to the power cord and the fuse.\r\n</strong>\r\nUse one of the screw-on wire connectors to connect one of the switch wires to the unconnected wire on the fuse holder. Then, use the other wire connector to connect the other switch wire to the unconnected wire that leads to the power plug.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Insert the fuse in the fuse holder.\r\n</strong>\r\nGuess what — you're almost done! The figure shows the project with all the parts assembled.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239425\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-finished.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239425 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-finished.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-finished\" width=\"535\" height=\"357\" /></a> The color organ is almost finished.[/caption]</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Attach the knob to the potentiometer shaft protruding from the box.\r\n\r\n</strong>Use a small, flat screwdriver to tighten the set screw on the knob.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Place the lid over the project box and secure it with the provided screws.\r\n</strong>\r\nNow you really are done!</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"After you have gathered all the materials you'll need to build a color organ, you're ready to assemble the project. See <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/programming/electronics/need-build-color-organ-circuit/\">What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit</a>. You'll need the following tools:\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Soldering iron, preferably with both 20 and 40 W settings</li>\r\n\t<li>Solder\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Use thicker solder for the line-voltage wires and thin solder for assembling the MK110 kit.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li>Magnifying goggles</li>\r\n\t<li>Phillips screwdriver</li>\r\n\t<li>Small flat-edge jewelers screwdriver</li>\r\n\t<li>Wire cutters</li>\r\n\t<li>Wire strippers</li>\r\n\t<li>Pliers</li>\r\n\t<li>Hobby vise</li>\r\n\t<li>Drill with 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and 3/4-inch bits</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nHere are the steps for constructing a color organ:\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><strong>Assemble the Velleman MK110 kit.\r\n\r\n</strong>The kit comes with simple but accurate instructions. Basically, you just mount and solder all the components onto the circuit board. Pay special attention to the color codes for the resistors and the orientation of the diode.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239443\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-velleman.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239443 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-velleman.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-velleman\" width=\"535\" height=\"357\" /></a> The assembled Velleman MK110 kit.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">It's best to mount the circuit board in a good hobby vise and use an alligator clip or masking tape to hold the components in place while soldering.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Drill all the mounting holes in the project box except the hole for the sensitivity control on the left side of the box.\r\n\r\n</strong>The figure shows the orientation of the approximate location of the mounting holes.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239432\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-mounting-holes.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239432 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-mounting-holes.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-mounting-holes\" width=\"535\" height=\"317\" /></a> Drill the holes as indicated in this diagram.[/caption]\r\n\r\nUse the assembled circuit board to determine the exact drilling locations for the four holes that will mount the circuit board. The position of the other holes isn't critical, with the exception of the hole for the potentiometer knob. Don't drill that hole until Step 4.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the four standoffs in the four MK110 circuit board mounting holes.\r\n\r\n</strong>Use four of the machine screws that came with the standoffs.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Drill the hole for the circuit board's potentiometer.\r\n</strong>\r\nSet the circuit board on top of the four standoffs to determine the exact location for this hole.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Insert the two rubber grommets into the two 3/8-inch holes.\r\n</strong>\r\nThe grommets are difficult to squeeze into the hole, but work at it and you'll get them in. If necessary, use the small edge of a flat screwdriver to push the rubber edges into the holes.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">In the steps that follow, you assemble all the parts into a box. Use the following figure as a guide for the proper placement of each of the parts.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239420\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-box.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239420 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-box.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-box\" width=\"535\" height=\"389\" /></a> How the parts go together inside a project box.[/caption]\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut the extension cord.\r\n\r\n</strong>First cut the outlet end of the extension cord, leaving about 12 inches of wire attached to the outlet. Then cut the plug end, leaving about 3 or 4 feet of wire attached to the plug. You'll have a few feet of wire left over; set this wire aside for later.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Push the power cords through the grommets and tie a knot inside the box.\r\n\r\n</strong>It will be a tight squeeze, but the cords will fit. Pull about a foot of the cord with the plug attached through the hole nearest the switch. Then, tie it in a knot, cinch the knot down tight, and pull the plug so that the knot is snug against the grommet. The knot acts as a strain relief.\r\n\r\nRepeat the same process with the cord that's attached to the outlet, passing it through the other grommet, tying a tight knot, and pulling the knot up against the grommet.\r\n\r\nWhen both power cords are in place, separate the two wires of each cord inside the project box and strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each wire.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut two</strong> 1-1/2<strong>-inch lengths of extension cord wire and solder them to the switch terminals.\r\n</strong>\r\nYou'll need to strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires. Put your soldering iron on its High setting and use thick solder. Set the switch aside when the solder sets.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut two 1-1/2-inch lengths of extension cord wire and solder them to the terminals on the fuse holder.\r\n</strong>\r\nAgain, you'll need to strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires and solder with high heat.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cut two 2-1/2-inch lengths of the hookup wire and strip 3/8 inch of insulation from the ends.</strong></li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Solder one of the hookup wires to the center terminal of the RCA-style phono jack and the other wire to the ground terminal.\r\n</strong>\r\nAt this point, you're done with the soldering iron, so you can turn it off.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the RCA-style phono jack in the</strong><strong> 1/4-inch hole in the project box.\r\n</strong>\r\nTo mount the jack, you'll first have to remove the nut, the ground terminal, and the lock washer from the jack. Then, pass the wire connected to the center terminal of the phono jack through the 1/4-inch hole, and then insert the threaded end of the phono jack into the hole. Slip the lock washer, the ground terminal, and the nut over the wire connected to the center terminal, and then thread them onto the threaded part of the jack. Tighten with needle-nose pliers.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">In the next few steps, you attach wires to the MK110 circuit card. Do not mount the circuit board to the standoffs quite yet. You'll have an easier time connecting the wires if the circuit board is loose. After the wires are all connected, you mount the board.</p>\r\n\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect the separated wires of the cord that's attached to the outlet to the two terminals marked <em>Load</em> on the back of the MK110 circuit board.\r\n</strong>\r\nUse a small, flat screwdriver to tighten the terminals. Make sure the wires are securely connected.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect one of the wires attached to the fuse holder to one of the Mains terminals at the back of the MK110 circuit board.</strong></li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect one of the extension cord wires that's attached to the plug to the other Mains terminal at the back of the MK110 circuit board.</strong></li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect the two hook-up wires from the phono jack to the input terminals at the front of the MK110 circuit board.\r\n</strong>\r\nThe input terminals are labeled <em>LS</em> on the board. You'll need a very small flat-blade screwdriver to tighten these terminals.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the MK110 circuit board on the standoffs.\r\n\r\n</strong>To mount the board, you'll need to tilt it a bit to slide the shaft of the potentiometer through the 5/16-inch hole. Once the shaft is through, set the board down on the standoffs and secure it with the remaining four machine screws that came with the standoffs.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Use the 3/8-inch 4-40 machine screw and nut to mount the fuse holder.</strong>\r\n\r\nSlide the machine screw through the 5/32-inch hole in the bottom of the project box. Then pass the machine screw through the hole in the center of the fuse holder and attach the nut. Tighten with a screwdriver.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Mount the switch.\r\n</strong>\r\nTo mount the switch, first remove the plastic nut on the threaded end of the switch. Then, pass the wires and the threaded end of the switch through the 3/4-inch hole in the side of the project box. Finally, slip the nut over the wires and tighten it onto the switch.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Connect the switch to the power cord and the fuse.\r\n</strong>\r\nUse one of the screw-on wire connectors to connect one of the switch wires to the unconnected wire on the fuse holder. Then, use the other wire connector to connect the other switch wire to the unconnected wire that leads to the power plug.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Insert the fuse in the fuse holder.\r\n</strong>\r\nGuess what — you're almost done! The figure shows the project with all the parts assembled.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239425\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-finished.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239425 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-finished.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-finished\" width=\"535\" height=\"357\" /></a> The color organ is almost finished.[/caption]</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Attach the knob to the potentiometer shaft protruding from the box.\r\n\r\n</strong>Use a small, flat screwdriver to tighten the set screw on the knob.</li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Place the lid over the project box and secure it with the provided screws.\r\n</strong>\r\nNow you really are done!</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281694,"slug":"electronics-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119822110","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119822114-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119822110-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"8946\">Doug Lowe</b></b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. 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He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b058f312\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b058f901\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":239510},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2017-05-09T03:29:54+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-05-09T03:29:54+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:45+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","strippedTitle":"what you need to build a color organ circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Other than the Velleman kit itself, most of the materials you need to build a color organ circuit can be purchased at your local RadioShack store or any other s","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Other than the Velleman kit itself, most of the materials you need to build a color organ circuit can be purchased at your local RadioShack store or any other supplier of electronic components. The table lists all the materials you'll need.\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\"><strong>Quantity</strong></td>\r\n<td width=\"591\"><strong>Description</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Velleman MK110 Simple Onee Channel Light Organ kit</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">2-x-3-x-6-inch project box (RadioShack part 2701805)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">20 mm PC board standoffs (package of 4, RadioShack part 2760195)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">RCA-style phono jack (RadioShack part 2740346)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">3/4-inch control knob (RadioShack part 274415)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Chassis-type fuse holder for 1-1/4-x-1/4-inch fuses (RadioShack part 2700739)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">1 A, 250 V, fast-acting 1-1/4-x-1/4-inch fuse (RadioShack part 2701005)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">3/8-inch 4-40 machine screw and nut (for mounting the fuse holder)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">SPST rocker switch (RadioShack part 2750694)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">2</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">3/8-inch grommets (RadioShack part 6403025)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">2</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Screw-on wire connectors (RadioShack part 6403057)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">5 inches</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">20-gauge stranded hook-up wire</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Indoor extension cord</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>","description":"Other than the Velleman kit itself, most of the materials you need to build a color organ circuit can be purchased at your local RadioShack store or any other supplier of electronic components. The table lists all the materials you'll need.\r\n<table>\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\"><strong>Quantity</strong></td>\r\n<td width=\"591\"><strong>Description</strong></td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Velleman MK110 Simple Onee Channel Light Organ kit</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">2-x-3-x-6-inch project box (RadioShack part 2701805)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">20 mm PC board standoffs (package of 4, RadioShack part 2760195)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">RCA-style phono jack (RadioShack part 2740346)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">3/4-inch control knob (RadioShack part 274415)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Chassis-type fuse holder for 1-1/4-x-1/4-inch fuses (RadioShack part 2700739)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">1 A, 250 V, fast-acting 1-1/4-x-1/4-inch fuse (RadioShack part 2701005)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">3/8-inch 4-40 machine screw and nut (for mounting the fuse holder)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">SPST rocker switch (RadioShack part 2750694)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">2</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">3/8-inch grommets (RadioShack part 6403025)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">2</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Screw-on wire connectors (RadioShack part 6403057)</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">5 inches</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">20-gauge stranded hook-up wire</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"165\">1</td>\r\n<td width=\"591\">Indoor extension cord</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281694,"slug":"electronics-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119822110","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119822114-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119822110-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"8946\">Doug Lowe</b></b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. 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He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0578795\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0578cfc\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":239507},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2017-05-09T03:26:25+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-05-09T03:26:25+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:45+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"How a Color Organ Works","strippedTitle":"how a color organ works","slug":"color-organ-works","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"There are several different ways to design a color organ circuit. Most of them rely on a special type of electronic component called a triac, which is essential","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"There are several different ways to design a color organ circuit. Most of them rely on a special type of electronic component called a <em>triac,</em> which is essentially a transistor that's designed to work with alternating current.\r\n\r\nIt has three terminals. Two are anodes, called A1 and A2, and the third is a gate. A voltage at the gate — either positive or negative — allows the anodes to conduct. The anodes are connected to the line load, and the gate voltage is derived from the audio input.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">The audio input isn't connected directly to the triac gate, however. Instead, most color organs use one of two techniques to isolate the audio input from the line-voltage side of the circuit. One method is to use a transformer. The other is to use an optoisolator, which is a single component that consists of an infrared LED and a photodiode or other light-sensitive semiconductor. Voltage on the LED causes the LED to emit light, which is detected by the photodiode and passed on to the output circuit.</p>\r\nThe Velleman MK110 kit uses an optoisolator triac, in which the photosensitive semiconductor is actually a triac whose gate is stimulated by light rather than by voltage. The optoisolator is an integrated circuit in a 6-pin DIP package.\r\n\r\nThe figure shows a simplified schematic diagram for the circuit used by the Velleman MK110 kit. As you can see, the audio input is applied to the LED side of the optoisolator, controlled by a potentiometer, which lets you adjust the sensitivity of the circuit. The output from the optoisolator is applied to the gate of the triac, whose anodes are connected across the line voltage circuit. Thus, the volume of the audio input directly controls the voltage of the output circuit.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239422\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-color-organ.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239422 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-color-organ.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-color-organ\" width=\"535\" height=\"110\" /></a> The schematic diagram for the color organ circuit.[/caption]","description":"There are several different ways to design a color organ circuit. Most of them rely on a special type of electronic component called a <em>triac,</em> which is essentially a transistor that's designed to work with alternating current.\r\n\r\nIt has three terminals. Two are anodes, called A1 and A2, and the third is a gate. A voltage at the gate — either positive or negative — allows the anodes to conduct. The anodes are connected to the line load, and the gate voltage is derived from the audio input.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tech\">The audio input isn't connected directly to the triac gate, however. Instead, most color organs use one of two techniques to isolate the audio input from the line-voltage side of the circuit. One method is to use a transformer. The other is to use an optoisolator, which is a single component that consists of an infrared LED and a photodiode or other light-sensitive semiconductor. Voltage on the LED causes the LED to emit light, which is detected by the photodiode and passed on to the output circuit.</p>\r\nThe Velleman MK110 kit uses an optoisolator triac, in which the photosensitive semiconductor is actually a triac whose gate is stimulated by light rather than by voltage. The optoisolator is an integrated circuit in a 6-pin DIP package.\r\n\r\nThe figure shows a simplified schematic diagram for the circuit used by the Velleman MK110 kit. As you can see, the audio input is applied to the LED side of the optoisolator, controlled by a potentiometer, which lets you adjust the sensitivity of the circuit. The output from the optoisolator is applied to the gate of the triac, whose anodes are connected across the line voltage circuit. Thus, the volume of the audio input directly controls the voltage of the output circuit.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_239422\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"535\"]<a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-color-organ.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-239422 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/electronics-color-organ.jpg\" alt=\"electronics-color-organ\" width=\"535\" height=\"110\" /></a> The schematic diagram for the color organ circuit.[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239501,"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239501"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281694,"slug":"electronics-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119822110","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119822114-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119822110-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"8946\">Doug Lowe</b></b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0560987\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;general-electronics&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119822110&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0560f21\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":239504},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2017-05-09T03:22:22+00:00","modifiedTime":"2017-05-09T03:22:22+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:45+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"General Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"},"slug":"general-electronics","categoryId":33571}],"title":"What is a Color Organ Circuit?","strippedTitle":"what is a color organ circuit?","slug":"color-organ-circuit","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Simply put, a color organ converts the volume of an audio input into an output voltage that gets higher as the sound source gets louder. If you connect a light ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Simply put, a <em>color organ</em> converts the volume of an audio input into an output voltage that gets higher as the sound source gets louder. If you connect a light to the output, the light will glow brighter when the audio input is louder and dimmer when the input is quieter.\r\n\r\nOne of the great things about Disneyland is that sometimes the long line you have to wait in to go on a particular ride is almost as good as the ride itself. One of the best examples of this is the famous <em>Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.</em> Just outside of an ancient temple, you pass by a rickety steam-powered generator that is barely running.\r\n\r\nThe clickity-clickity sound of the generator alternately grows louder and softer as the generator sputters and threatens. Once inside the temple, you pass through narrow tunnels and creepy caverns that are lit overhead by lights that appear to be powered by the rickety generator. The lights flicker and dim, then grow brighter for a moment, then flicker and dim again in sync with the laboring generator.\r\n\r\nA color organ is an electronic circuit you can use to create this creepy lighting effect, including lighting the narrow passageways in haunted house (or tomb) at Halloween or to create a thunderstorm in your front yard to add the right ambiance to your haunted Halloween graveyard. And the same circuit creates a spooky red heartbeat in the chest of a plastic skeleton that stands watch over the scene.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">This circuit requires that you work with line-level voltages (120 VAC), so it's potentially dangerous. The circuit is designed with safeguards, but you must be careful to not bypass them. You should inspect any color organ project every time you use it to make sure none of the wiring has come loose or frayed, and you must never work on a circuit while it's plugged in.</p>","description":"Simply put, a <em>color organ</em> converts the volume of an audio input into an output voltage that gets higher as the sound source gets louder. If you connect a light to the output, the light will glow brighter when the audio input is louder and dimmer when the input is quieter.\r\n\r\nOne of the great things about Disneyland is that sometimes the long line you have to wait in to go on a particular ride is almost as good as the ride itself. One of the best examples of this is the famous <em>Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.</em> Just outside of an ancient temple, you pass by a rickety steam-powered generator that is barely running.\r\n\r\nThe clickity-clickity sound of the generator alternately grows louder and softer as the generator sputters and threatens. Once inside the temple, you pass through narrow tunnels and creepy caverns that are lit overhead by lights that appear to be powered by the rickety generator. The lights flicker and dim, then grow brighter for a moment, then flicker and dim again in sync with the laboring generator.\r\n\r\nA color organ is an electronic circuit you can use to create this creepy lighting effect, including lighting the narrow passageways in haunted house (or tomb) at Halloween or to create a thunderstorm in your front yard to add the right ambiance to your haunted Halloween graveyard. And the same circuit creates a spooky red heartbeat in the chest of a plastic skeleton that stands watch over the scene.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">This circuit requires that you work with line-level voltages (120 VAC), so it's potentially dangerous. The circuit is designed with safeguards, but you must be careful to not bypass them. You should inspect any color organ project every time you use it to make sure none of the wiring has come loose or frayed, and you must never work on a circuit while it's plugged in.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":8946,"name":"Doug Lowe","slug":"doug-lowe","description":" <p><b>Doug Lowe</b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. He's covered everything from Microsoft Office to creating web pages to technologies such as Java and ASP.NET, and has written several editions of both <i>PowerPoint For Dummies</i> and <i>Networking For Dummies.</i></p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/8946"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33571,"title":"General Electronics","slug":"general-electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33571"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":239510,"title":"How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"assemble-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239510"}},{"articleId":239507,"title":"What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"need-build-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239507"}},{"articleId":239504,"title":"How a Color Organ Works","slug":"color-organ-works","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239504"}},{"articleId":239497,"title":"How to Use a Color Organ Circuit","slug":"use-color-organ-circuit","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239497"}},{"articleId":239494,"title":"Introducing the ShowTime PC Controller","slug":"introducing-showtime-pc-controller","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/239494"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281694,"slug":"electronics-all-in-one-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119822110","categoryList":["technology","electronics","general-electronics"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119822114-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119822114/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/9781119822110-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Electronics All-in-One For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b><b data-author-id=\"8946\">Doug Lowe</b></b> is the bestselling author of more than 40 <i>For Dummies</i> books. 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General Electronics Articles

Wearable tech includes some of the most cutting-edge gadgets on the market. We've got a bunch of articles on what you can expect to see when you turn on one of these for the first time.

Articles From General Electronics

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136 results
136 results
General Electronics Electronics All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-24-2022

As you design and build with electronic circuits, you’ll invariably find yourself scratching your head trying to remember what color stripes are on a 470 Ω resistor or what pin on a 555 timer integrated circuit (IC) is the trigger input. Never fear! This handy Cheat Sheet will help you remember such mundane details so you can get on with the fun stuff.

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General Electronics Electronics For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 12-15-2021

Electronics is more than just schematics and circuits. By using various components, such as resistors and capacitors, electronics allows you to bend electric current to your will to create an infinite variety of gizmos and gadgets. In exploring electronics, use this handy reference for working with Ohm’s, Joule’s, and Kirchhoff’s Laws; making important calculations; determining the values of resistors and capacitors according to the codes that appear on their casings; and using a 555 timer and other integrated circuits (ICs).

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General Electronics Closed, Open, and Short Circuits

Article / Updated 09-17-2021

You need a closed path, or closed circuit, to get electric current to flow. If there's a break anywhere in the path, you have an open circuit, and the current stops flowing — and the metal atoms in the wire quickly settle down to a peaceful, electrically neutral existence. A closed circuit allows current to flow, but an open circuit leaves electrons stranded. Picture a gallon of water flowing through an open pipe. The water will flow for a short time but then stop when all the water exits the pipe. If you pump water through a closed pipe system, the water will continue to flow as long as you keep forcing it to move. Open circuits by design Open circuits are often created by design. For instance, a simple light switch opens and closes the circuit that connects a light to a power source. When you build a circuit, it's a good idea to disconnect the battery or other power source when the circuit is not in use. Technically, that's creating an open circuit. A flashlight that is off is an open circuit. In the flashlight shown here, the flat black button in the lower left controls the switch inside. The switch is nothing more than two flexible pieces of metal in close proximity to each other. With the black button slid all the way to the right, the switch is in an open position and the flashlight is off. A switch in the open position disconnects the light bulb from the battery, creating an open circuit. Turning the flashlight on by sliding the black button to the left pushes the two pieces of metal together — or closes the switch — and completes the circuit so that current can flow. Closing the switch completes the conductive path in this flashlight, allowing electrons to flow. Open circuits by accident Sometimes open circuits are created by accident. You forget to connect a battery, for instance, or there's a break in a wire somewhere in your circuit. When you build a circuit using a solderless breadboard, you may mistakenly plug one side of a component into the wrong hole in the breadboard, leaving that component unconnected and creating an open circuit. Accidental open circuits are usually harmless but can be the source of much frustration when you're trying to figure out why your circuit isn't working the way you think it should. Short circuits take the wrong path Short circuits are another matter entirely. A short circuit is a direct connection between two points in a circuit that aren't supposed to be directly connected, such as the two terminals of a power supply. Electric current takes the path of least resistance, so in a short circuit, the current will bypass other parallel paths and travel through the direct connection. (Think of the current as being lazy and taking the path through which it doesn't have to do much work.) In a short circuit, current may be diverted from the path you intended it to flow through. If you short out a power supply, you send large amounts of electrical energy from one side of the power supply to the other. With nothing in the circuit to limit the current and absorb the electrical energy, heat builds up quickly in the wire and in the power supply. A short circuit can melt the insulation around a wire and may cause a fire, an explosion, or a release of harmful chemicals from certain power supplies, such as a rechargeable battery or a car battery.

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General Electronics Electronics Basics: What Is a Semiconductor?

Article / Updated 09-17-2021

Semiconductors are used extensively in electronic circuits. As its name implies, a semiconductor is a material that conducts current, but only partly. The conductivity of a semiconductor is somewhere between that of an insulator, which has almost no conductivity, and a conductor, which has almost full conductivity. Most semiconductors are crystals made of certain materials, most commonly silicon. To understand how semiconductors work, you must first understand a little about how electrons are organized in an atom. The electrons in an atom are organized in layers. These layers are called shells. The outermost shell is called the valence shell. The electrons in this shell are the ones that form bonds with neighboring atoms. Such bonds are called covalent bonds. Most conductors have just one electron in the valence shell. Semiconductors, on the other hand, typically have four electrons in their valence shell. Semiconductors are made of crystals If all the neighboring atoms are of the same type, it's possible for all the valence electrons to bind with valence electrons from other atoms. When that happens, the atoms arrange themselves into structures called crystals. Semiconductors are made out of such crystals, usually silicon crystals. Here, each circle represents a silicon atom, and the lines between the atoms represent the shared electrons. Each of the four valence electrons in each silicon atom is shared with one neighboring silicon atom. Thus, each silicon atom is bonded with four other silicon atoms. Pure silicon crystals are not all that useful electronically. But if you introduce small amounts of other elements into a crystal, the crystal starts to conduct in an interesting way. Two types of conductors The process of deliberately introducing other elements into a crystal is called doping. The element introduced by doping is called a dopant. By carefully controlling the doping process and the dopants that are used, silicon crystals can transform into one of two distinct types of conductors: N-type semiconductor: Created when the dopant is an element that has five electrons in its valence layer. Phosphorus is commonly used for this purpose. The phosphorus atoms join right in the crystal structure of the silicon, each one bonding with four adjacent silicon atoms just like a silicon atom would. Because the phosphorus atom has five electrons in its valence shell, but only four of them are bonded to adjacent atoms, the fifth valence electron is left hanging out with nothing to bond to. The extra valence electrons in the phosphorous atoms start to behave like the single valence electrons in a regular conductor such as copper. They are free to move about. Because this type of semiconductor has extra electrons, it's called an N-type semiconductor. P-type semiconductor: Happens when the dopant (such as boron) has only three electrons in the valence shell. When a small amount is incorporated into the crystal, the atom is able to bond with four silicon atoms, but since it has only three electrons to offer, a hole is created. The hole behaves like a positive charge, so semiconductors doped in this way are called P-type semiconductors. Like a positive charge, holes attract electrons. But when an electron moves into a hole, the electron leaves a new hole at its previous location. Thus, in a P-type semiconductor, holes are constantly moving around within the crystal as electrons constantly try to fill them up. When voltage is applied to either an N-type or a P-type semiconductor, current flows, for the same reason that it flows in a regular conductor: The negative side of the voltage pushes electrons, and the positive side pulls them. The result is that the random electron and hole movement that's always present in a semiconductor becomes organized in one direction, creating measurable electric current.

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General Electronics How a Speaker Works

Article / Updated 06-18-2020

The figure shows the front and back of one type of mini-speaker. Speakers usually come with leads attached. The leads are twisted together to keep things neat and tidy. You attach the leads to components in your circuit so that electrical current passes from your circuit into the speaker. The speaker then converts the current into sound. A typical speaker contains two magnets and a cone made of paper or plastic (see the following figure). The black material you see in the mini-speaker shown is the paper cone. One of the speaker's magnets is a permanent magnet (meaning that it is always magnetized) and the other is an electromagnet. An electromagnet is just a coil of wire wrapped around a hunk of iron. If no current passes through the coil of wire, the electromagnet is not magnetized. When current passes through the coil of wire, the electromagnet becomes magnetized and gets pulled and then pushed away from the permanent magnet. The cone is attached to the electromagnet, so when the electromagnet moves, the cone vibrates, creating sound (which is just moving air). If you look closely at the back of the speaker, right, you might be able to see that one side of each lead wire is sticking through the back of the black cone. Those wires are connected to the coil inside the speaker. By connecting the other side of the lead wires to your circuit, you control the flow of current through the coil. Depending on what your circuit is doing, current may or may not flow through the coil, and you may or may not hear sound coming from the speaker.

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General Electronics How Batteries Work

Article / Updated 09-14-2017

Have you ever mixed vinegar with baking soda to create a volcano for a science fair project? The bubbling that you see is the result of a chemical reaction. This reaction is very similar to how batteries work. The reaction, however, occurs inside a battery, hidden from view by the battery case. This reaction is what creates the electrical energy that the battery supplies to circuits. A typical battery, such as a AA or C battery has a case or container. Molded to the inside of the case is a cathode mix, which is ground manganese dioxide and conductors carrying a naturally-occurring electrical charge. A separator comes next. This paper keeps the cathode from coming into contact with the anode, which carries the negative charge. The anode and the electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) are inside each battery. A pin, typically made of brass, forms the negative current collector and is in the center of the battery case. Each battery has a cell that contains three components: two electrodes and an electrolyte between them. The electrolyte is a potassium hydroxide solution in water. The electrolyte is the medium for the movement of ions within the cell and carries the iconic current inside the battery. The positive and negative terminals of a battery are connected to two different types of metal plates, known as electrodes, which are immersed in chemicals inside the battery. The chemicals react with the metals, causing excess electrons to build up on the negative electrode (the metal plate connected to the negative battery terminal) and producing a shortage of electrons on the positive electrode (the metal plate connected to the positive battery terminal). Flashlight or smaller batteries, usually labeled A, AA, C, or D have the terminals built into the ends of the batteries. That's why the battery compartment of your flashlight has a + and a - sign, making it easier for you to install your batteries the correct direction. Larger batteries, like those in a car, have terminals that extend out from the battery. (They generally look like large screw tops.) The difference in the number of electrons between the positive and negative terminals creates the force known as voltage. This force wants to even out the teams, so to speak, by pushing the excess electrons from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. But the chemicals inside the battery act like a roadblock and prevent the electrons from traveling between the electrodes. If there's an alternate path that allows the electrons to travel freely from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, the force (voltage) will succeed in pushing the electrons along that path. When you connect a battery to a circuit, you provide that alternate path for the electrons to follow. So the excess electrons flow out of the battery via the negative terminal, through the circuit, and back into the battery via the positive terminal. That flow of electrons is the electric current that delivers energy to your circuit. When the electrodes are connected via a circuit, for example, the terminals inside a flashlight or those in your vehicle, the chemicals in the electrolyte start reacting. As electrons flow through a circuit, the chemicals inside the battery continue to react with the metals, excess electrons keep building up on the negative electrode, and electrons keep flowing to try to even things up — as long as there's a complete path for the current. If you keep the battery connected in a circuit for a long time, eventually all the chemicals inside the battery are used up and the battery dies (it no longer supplies electrical energy). The electrolyte oxides the anode's powered zinc. The cathode's manganese dioxide/carbon mix reacts with the oxidized zinc to produce electricity. Interaction between the zinc and the electrolyte produces gradually slow the cell's action and lowers its voltage. The collector is a brass pin in the middle of the cell that conducts electricity to the outside circuit. Note that the two electrodes in every battery are made from two different materials, both of which must be electrical conductors. One of the materials gives electrons and the other receives them, which makes the current flow.

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General Electronics How to Assemble a Color Organ Circuit

Article / Updated 05-09-2017

After you have gathered all the materials you'll need to build a color organ, you're ready to assemble the project. See What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit. You'll need the following tools: Soldering iron, preferably with both 20 and 40 W settings Solder Use thicker solder for the line-voltage wires and thin solder for assembling the MK110 kit. Magnifying goggles Phillips screwdriver Small flat-edge jewelers screwdriver Wire cutters Wire strippers Pliers Hobby vise Drill with 1/8-inch, 5/32-inch, 1/4-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, and 3/4-inch bits Here are the steps for constructing a color organ: Assemble the Velleman MK110 kit. The kit comes with simple but accurate instructions. Basically, you just mount and solder all the components onto the circuit board. Pay special attention to the color codes for the resistors and the orientation of the diode. It's best to mount the circuit board in a good hobby vise and use an alligator clip or masking tape to hold the components in place while soldering. Drill all the mounting holes in the project box except the hole for the sensitivity control on the left side of the box. The figure shows the orientation of the approximate location of the mounting holes. Use the assembled circuit board to determine the exact drilling locations for the four holes that will mount the circuit board. The position of the other holes isn't critical, with the exception of the hole for the potentiometer knob. Don't drill that hole until Step 4. Mount the four standoffs in the four MK110 circuit board mounting holes. Use four of the machine screws that came with the standoffs. Drill the hole for the circuit board's potentiometer. Set the circuit board on top of the four standoffs to determine the exact location for this hole. Insert the two rubber grommets into the two 3/8-inch holes. The grommets are difficult to squeeze into the hole, but work at it and you'll get them in. If necessary, use the small edge of a flat screwdriver to push the rubber edges into the holes. In the steps that follow, you assemble all the parts into a box. Use the following figure as a guide for the proper placement of each of the parts. Cut the extension cord. First cut the outlet end of the extension cord, leaving about 12 inches of wire attached to the outlet. Then cut the plug end, leaving about 3 or 4 feet of wire attached to the plug. You'll have a few feet of wire left over; set this wire aside for later. Push the power cords through the grommets and tie a knot inside the box. It will be a tight squeeze, but the cords will fit. Pull about a foot of the cord with the plug attached through the hole nearest the switch. Then, tie it in a knot, cinch the knot down tight, and pull the plug so that the knot is snug against the grommet. The knot acts as a strain relief. Repeat the same process with the cord that's attached to the outlet, passing it through the other grommet, tying a tight knot, and pulling the knot up against the grommet. When both power cords are in place, separate the two wires of each cord inside the project box and strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each wire. Cut two 1-1/2-inch lengths of extension cord wire and solder them to the switch terminals. You'll need to strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires. Put your soldering iron on its High setting and use thick solder. Set the switch aside when the solder sets. Cut two 1-1/2-inch lengths of extension cord wire and solder them to the terminals on the fuse holder. Again, you'll need to strip about 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of both wires and solder with high heat. Cut two 2-1/2-inch lengths of the hookup wire and strip 3/8 inch of insulation from the ends. Solder one of the hookup wires to the center terminal of the RCA-style phono jack and the other wire to the ground terminal. At this point, you're done with the soldering iron, so you can turn it off. Mount the RCA-style phono jack in the 1/4-inch hole in the project box. To mount the jack, you'll first have to remove the nut, the ground terminal, and the lock washer from the jack. Then, pass the wire connected to the center terminal of the phono jack through the 1/4-inch hole, and then insert the threaded end of the phono jack into the hole. Slip the lock washer, the ground terminal, and the nut over the wire connected to the center terminal, and then thread them onto the threaded part of the jack. Tighten with needle-nose pliers. In the next few steps, you attach wires to the MK110 circuit card. Do not mount the circuit board to the standoffs quite yet. You'll have an easier time connecting the wires if the circuit board is loose. After the wires are all connected, you mount the board. Connect the separated wires of the cord that's attached to the outlet to the two terminals marked Load on the back of the MK110 circuit board. Use a small, flat screwdriver to tighten the terminals. Make sure the wires are securely connected. Connect one of the wires attached to the fuse holder to one of the Mains terminals at the back of the MK110 circuit board. Connect one of the extension cord wires that's attached to the plug to the other Mains terminal at the back of the MK110 circuit board. Connect the two hook-up wires from the phono jack to the input terminals at the front of the MK110 circuit board. The input terminals are labeled LS on the board. You'll need a very small flat-blade screwdriver to tighten these terminals. Mount the MK110 circuit board on the standoffs. To mount the board, you'll need to tilt it a bit to slide the shaft of the potentiometer through the 5/16-inch hole. Once the shaft is through, set the board down on the standoffs and secure it with the remaining four machine screws that came with the standoffs. Use the 3/8-inch 4-40 machine screw and nut to mount the fuse holder. Slide the machine screw through the 5/32-inch hole in the bottom of the project box. Then pass the machine screw through the hole in the center of the fuse holder and attach the nut. Tighten with a screwdriver. Mount the switch. To mount the switch, first remove the plastic nut on the threaded end of the switch. Then, pass the wires and the threaded end of the switch through the 3/4-inch hole in the side of the project box. Finally, slip the nut over the wires and tighten it onto the switch. Connect the switch to the power cord and the fuse. Use one of the screw-on wire connectors to connect one of the switch wires to the unconnected wire on the fuse holder. Then, use the other wire connector to connect the other switch wire to the unconnected wire that leads to the power plug. Insert the fuse in the fuse holder. Guess what — you're almost done! The figure shows the project with all the parts assembled. Attach the knob to the potentiometer shaft protruding from the box. Use a small, flat screwdriver to tighten the set screw on the knob. Place the lid over the project box and secure it with the provided screws. Now you really are done!

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General Electronics What You Need to Build a Color Organ Circuit

Article / Updated 05-09-2017

Other than the Velleman kit itself, most of the materials you need to build a color organ circuit can be purchased at your local RadioShack store or any other supplier of electronic components. The table lists all the materials you'll need. Quantity Description 1 Velleman MK110 Simple Onee Channel Light Organ kit 1 2-x-3-x-6-inch project box (RadioShack part 2701805) 1 20 mm PC board standoffs (package of 4, RadioShack part 2760195) 1 RCA-style phono jack (RadioShack part 2740346) 1 3/4-inch control knob (RadioShack part 274415) 1 Chassis-type fuse holder for 1-1/4-x-1/4-inch fuses (RadioShack part 2700739) 1 1 A, 250 V, fast-acting 1-1/4-x-1/4-inch fuse (RadioShack part 2701005) 1 3/8-inch 4-40 machine screw and nut (for mounting the fuse holder) 1 SPST rocker switch (RadioShack part 2750694) 2 3/8-inch grommets (RadioShack part 6403025) 2 Screw-on wire connectors (RadioShack part 6403057) 5 inches 20-gauge stranded hook-up wire 1 Indoor extension cord

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General Electronics How a Color Organ Works

Article / Updated 05-09-2017

There are several different ways to design a color organ circuit. Most of them rely on a special type of electronic component called a triac, which is essentially a transistor that's designed to work with alternating current. It has three terminals. Two are anodes, called A1 and A2, and the third is a gate. A voltage at the gate — either positive or negative — allows the anodes to conduct. The anodes are connected to the line load, and the gate voltage is derived from the audio input. The audio input isn't connected directly to the triac gate, however. Instead, most color organs use one of two techniques to isolate the audio input from the line-voltage side of the circuit. One method is to use a transformer. The other is to use an optoisolator, which is a single component that consists of an infrared LED and a photodiode or other light-sensitive semiconductor. Voltage on the LED causes the LED to emit light, which is detected by the photodiode and passed on to the output circuit. The Velleman MK110 kit uses an optoisolator triac, in which the photosensitive semiconductor is actually a triac whose gate is stimulated by light rather than by voltage. The optoisolator is an integrated circuit in a 6-pin DIP package. The figure shows a simplified schematic diagram for the circuit used by the Velleman MK110 kit. As you can see, the audio input is applied to the LED side of the optoisolator, controlled by a potentiometer, which lets you adjust the sensitivity of the circuit. The output from the optoisolator is applied to the gate of the triac, whose anodes are connected across the line voltage circuit. Thus, the volume of the audio input directly controls the voltage of the output circuit.

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General Electronics What is a Color Organ Circuit?

Article / Updated 05-09-2017

Simply put, a color organ converts the volume of an audio input into an output voltage that gets higher as the sound source gets louder. If you connect a light to the output, the light will glow brighter when the audio input is louder and dimmer when the input is quieter. One of the great things about Disneyland is that sometimes the long line you have to wait in to go on a particular ride is almost as good as the ride itself. One of the best examples of this is the famous Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Just outside of an ancient temple, you pass by a rickety steam-powered generator that is barely running. The clickity-clickity sound of the generator alternately grows louder and softer as the generator sputters and threatens. Once inside the temple, you pass through narrow tunnels and creepy caverns that are lit overhead by lights that appear to be powered by the rickety generator. The lights flicker and dim, then grow brighter for a moment, then flicker and dim again in sync with the laboring generator. A color organ is an electronic circuit you can use to create this creepy lighting effect, including lighting the narrow passageways in haunted house (or tomb) at Halloween or to create a thunderstorm in your front yard to add the right ambiance to your haunted Halloween graveyard. And the same circuit creates a spooky red heartbeat in the chest of a plastic skeleton that stands watch over the scene. This circuit requires that you work with line-level voltages (120 VAC), so it's potentially dangerous. The circuit is designed with safeguards, but you must be careful to not bypass them. You should inspect any color organ project every time you use it to make sure none of the wiring has come loose or frayed, and you must never work on a circuit while it's plugged in.

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