The FlowGo Interface
DO96 (4)
Drawing pin and
paper clip switch
A switch is a break in a circuit, which can be joined
whenever you wish. Students can make their own
switches from everyday materials to suit their own
particular needs.
Some examples of the different types of ready-
made switches that can be used are:
Push-to-make switch (momentary)
: - when the
button is pressed, the contacts connect together
allowing the current to flow (Input On): when the button
is not pushed, the contacts are open and no current
flows (Input Off).
Light Sensitive switch
(phototransistor or LDR): –
this switch reacts to brightness. If sufficient light is
shining on the switch, it passes current and the
switch is ON (Input On). When there is not enough
light (e.g. by something being placed in front of the
LDR), the switch will be OFF. This switch is often
used in the construction of a light beam barrier.
Bulb placed within a tube
lined with silver foil.
The Light sensitive switch -
made more sensitive by
placing it within in a tube of
black card
An alarm can be set to go off if the light beam is
interrupted (if Input alters from On to Off)
Tilt switch
: - an encased vessel that contains a moving
body that makes or breaks a contact when tilted. Tilt the
switch up to activated the switch (Input On): tilt it down =
no current (Input Off). Often used on a car park barrier.
©
Data Harvest Group Ltd.
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Summary of Contents for The FlowGo
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