Matrix user forums

Hello,

My son has recently discovered the interesting world of robotics and electronics. After some testing/practicing, he can build his own "flowchart" (for the time being he's playing with switches and LEDs).
Now he wants to put his "theory" in practice, but he doesn't know how to build his LED board. What components should he get? Are there any guidelines on how to (start to) connect the components? I mean: the switches and the LEDs? are there any boards he needs to use? Transistors, resistors, ... ?

Thanks for your advice.

Hi,
It's great that your son has discovered the world of electronics. A pleasant change from the spend the money and push the buttons appliance generation.

As he is new to the hobby probably best to avoid anything that needs soldering (at least for now).

I would suggest that he (you ?) invest in a solderless breadboard and some jumper wires. These can be obtained from many companies specialising in electronics. Just for a starter try Maplin. http://www.maplin.co.uk. I have no business connection with them. However, they have all the stuff that your son needs to get going.

A couple of Maplin codes
AD 12 Solderless Breadboard - BZ15R
Flexible Jumper Wire - FS67X

You will also be able to source the switches, LED's and other components that you require.

Rather than use batteries to power things it might pay to get an adjustable voltage output power supply. It maybe that you have some "Wall Wart" low voltage units (5 to 15v) kicking around, in which case use those.

Hope this helps

regards

Stewart

and here's a plug for some of our (Matrix) kit ....

http://www.matrixtsl.com/product.php?Prod=HP4829

The processor/MCU is included and configured, powered via the USB, just need to add resistors and LEDs etc

Wow this is a nice little proto type board ,
Ideal for starting with things

http://www.matrixtsl.com/product.php?Prod=HP4829

There is this bundle too

http://hobbycomponents.com/home/579-electronics-kit

Steve

LeighM wrote:and here's a plug for some of our (Matrix) kit ....

http://www.matrixtsl.com/product.php?Prod=HP4829

The processor/MCU is included and configured, powered via the USB, just need to add resistors and LEDs etc

Hi,

Great little test panel.
The microcontroller boot loader will hex Public?
18F4550 work-out as well?
Thanks for the answer!