(Part designs are subject to change without notice).
The
base grid
functions like the printed circuit boards found
in most electronic products. It is a platform for mounting
parts and wire blocks (though the wires are usually “printed”
on the board).
The blue
wire blocks
are just wires used to connect other
components, they are used to transport electricity and do
not affect circuit performance.
The
batteries (91)
produce an electrical voltage using a
chemical reaction. This “voltage” can be thought of as electrical
pressure, pushing electrical “current” through a circuit. This
voltage is much lower and much safer than that used in your
house wiring. Using more batteries increases the “pressure”
and so more electricity flows.
The
switch (62)
connects (ON) or disconnects (OFF) the
wires in a circuit.
The
press switch (61)
connects (pressed) or disconnects
(not pressed) the wires in a circuit, just like the slide switch
does.
The
LED (69)
is a light emitting diode inside the heart, and
may be thought of as a special one-way light bulb. In the
“forward” direction (indicated by the “arrow” in the symbol)
electricity flows if the voltage exceeds a turn-on threshold
(about 1.5V); brightness then increases. LEDs block
electricity in the “reverse” direction.
The
bi-directional LED (71)
is like the others but has red
and blue LEDs connected in opposite directions.
The
colorful LED (72)
slowly changes colors (red-green-
blue) when connected to a power source.
The
4.5V lamp (76)
contains a special wire (filament) that
glows bright when a large electric current passes through
it. Voltages above the bulb’s rating can burn out the wire.
The
alarm (78)
converts electricity into sound by making
mechanical vibrations. These vibrations create variations in
air pressure which travel across the room. You “hear” sound
when your ears feel these air pressure variations.
A
reed switch (83)
is an electrical switch operated by an
applied magnetic field. When exposed to a magnetic field,
the switch closes (ON). When the magnetic field is removed
the switch opens (OFF).
A
fiber optic tree (40)
is used with the LED to enhance
the light effects.
The
motor (95)
converts electricity into mechanical motion.
Electricity is closely related to magnetism, and an electric
current flowing in a wire has a magnetic field similar to that
of a very, very tiny magnet. Inside the motor are three coils
of wire with many loops. If a large electric current flows
through the loops, the magnetic effects become
concentrated enough to move the coils. The motor has a
magnet inside, so as the electricity moves the coils to align
them with the permanent magnet, the shaft spins.
About Your E-Blox
®
Circuit Builder
TM
Parts
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