Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Design or acquire your electronic counter circuit. You can design a counter circuit in many different ways, but for even the most basic counters you will need at least an LED display; an integrated circuit for driving the display; a integrated timer circuit, usually a decade counter; miscellaneous resistors, capacitors, wire and finally a power source. If you do not want to design the circuit, there are several online repositories of free circuit diagrams.
Place the stripboard in the printed circuit board holder. Stripbaord is a thin board cover with a grid of small holes. It is onto this stripboard that you will build your counter circuit. Mounting the stripboard onto a PCB holder will stabilize the board and also allow you to work freely with both hands. These holders are sometime called ̶0;helping hands,̶1; and they are sold in most electronics stores.
Install the resistors. These pieces limit the current coming from the power supply so that the other components don̵7;t burn out. Resistors have two wire leads at each end. Insert the leads through the holes in the stripboard. Heat the solder with the soldering iron so that it forms a joint between the component and the copper of the stripboard. Then snip off the excess wire lead with wire cutters.
Install any required diodes. They are shaped like resistors and thus take up a relatively small amount of space on the board. Solder the diodes to the board as in Step One.
Install the integrated circuit sockets. The pins on ICs are very sensitive and would be damaged if soldered directly to the stripboard. By using the sockets to hold the pins in place, the chances of heat damage is reduced and IC replacement is easier. Press the socket into place and solder all pins.
Install the capacitors. These units collect electric current until it reaches a certain level and then discharges it all at once. They generally come in the form of small cylinders or ceramic discs. Solder them to the board as you did the resistors and diodes.
Install the transistors. Transistors work as basic switches. They each have three leads. Solder all three leads to the board.
Install the LED display. Most LED displays have pins on the back that will insert directly into the stripboard. Press the display into the board and solder.
Install the integrated circuits. Simply press the chips into their sockets. Take care not to bend or break any of the pins.
Install the power source. Most circuits call for a 5- or 9-volt source. If your circuit uses 9 volts, then you need only to solder a 9-volt battery clip onto the board. If the circuit requires 5 volts, you will have to purchase or assemble a voltage regulator and an AC adapter.
Plug in and test the electronic counter. If it doesn̵7;t work, check your components to make sure they are inserted properly. Also, look for signs of weak soldering joints such as holes, partially uncovered copper pads or a dull finish on the solder joints. If necessary, desolder and resolder weak joints.