Electronics Projects

This is a small sample of the many projects available to members.

PDF files
To view and print PDF files you need an Acrobat Reader which may be downloaded free for Windows, Mac, RISC OS, or UNIX/Linux computers. If you are not sure which type of computer you have it is probably Windows.

A brief description of the each project is given, but for full details click on the title. In addition to the web pages, all projects are available as PDF files to download for convenient printing onto A4 paper.

Other pages contain information about construction of projects, preparation of PCBs, tools required and soldering. You may also wish to see our list of books about electronics which includes a number of project books.

These projects may be used as you wish and the PDF versions may be freely copied for educational purposes. The projects are provided in good faith but no responsibilty is accepted for their accuracy or suitability for any purpose - you use them entirely at your own risk!

Adjustable Timer
This circuit starts timing when switched on. A green LED lights to show that timing is in progress. When the time period is over the green LED turns off, a red LED turns on and a bleeper sounds. The time period is set by a variable resistor and it can be adjusted from 1 to 10 minutes (approximately). It could be used to set a time limit when playing games or as an egg-timer in the kitchen.

Heart-shaped Badge
The badge consists of eight LEDs arranged in the shape of a heart. One LED is lit at a time and this 'chases' round the shape. It would be easy to adapt this project to create other shapes with the eight LEDs.

Simple Electronic 'Lock'
There are six (or more) push switches. To 'unlock' you must press all the correct ones at the same time, but not press any of the cancel switches. Pressing just one cancel switch will prevent the circuit unlocking. When the circuit unlocks it actually just turns on an LED for about one second, but it is intended to be adapted to turn on a relay which could be used to switch on another circuit. Most relays cost about £2 to £3 extra.

Flashing LED
This simple project on stripboard is the first that all Electronics Club members build. It makes a good low-cost project to check your soldering skills.

Light-Sensitive Alarm
The circuit detects a sudden shadow falling on a light-sensor and sounds a bleeper for a short time (adjustable). Normal lighting can be used, but the circuit will work best if a beam of light is arranged to fall on the light-sensor. Breaking this beam will then cause the bleeper to sound.

Christmas Decoration
18 LEDs flash at three different rates and you can use these to create a Christmas decoration of your choice. The circuit is kept simple (and cheap!) by using the 4060B chip which is a counter and oscillator (clock) in one package. The circuit requires a 9V supply, such as a PP3 battery.

Model Railway Signal
This signal is controlled automatically by a passing train fitted with a magnet. It can also be manually set to red or green by pressing the switches. Trains will stop automatically stop at the red signal.

Model Railway Level Crossing Lights
The level crossing warning lights are switched on automatically as a train approaches. First an amber light shows, then two red lights flash until the train has passed the crossing.

Level Crossing Lights PCB (under construction)

Magnum Technologies. Visit : www.magnumprojects.com