Electronics projects are easier than you might think.
Electronics projects involve using electricity and electronic components to create effects such as lights, sounds and motions. Parts and materials are inexpensive for beginners, and you can salvage many from scrap electronics. You only need an understanding of simple electricity and electronic circuitry, input, power source, circuit, output and simple wiring and soldering to build a variety of simple, fun and interesting electronics projects. True beginners can use inexpensive kits instead of building everything from scratch.
Motion-Activated Sound and Light Show
Make two pumpkins into a motion-detection activation zone that sets off a sound and light show. Using electronic circuits, switches, microphone and speaker, make one pumpkin detect motion when something moves near it to activate a light and a recorded message or sound from the second pumpkin. This project incorporates two breadboards to make connections between the pumpkins and the light and sound effects mechanisms, an infrared beam detector for motion detection, an integrated circuit chip to record a message or sound, a speaker to project the sound and an LED light. This beginner's project provides experience making simple electronic circuit connections to activate electronic components.
Wailing Siren
A wailing siren requires a 9-volt battery, soldering tools and materials, ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, resistors, power transistor, switching transistor, small speaker, push-button switch and printed circuit board. Wire the parts to the circuit board and connect them to the battery so that a wailing siren sounds when you push the button. Adapt the siren for different crescendos in sound. You can put together this interesting project with a few parts and simple tools.
Stepper Motor Controller
Build an inexpensive stepper motor controller with a few simple parts, including a printed circuit board, resistor, flip flop, silicon diode, switch and stepper motor. This project results in a controller to move a motor ahead or change direction. Build fun housings around or into the motor for variety. Make a moving stuffed animal, a little monster truck or mobile pencil cup to play with at your desk.
Telephone Hold Button
With several simple parts, you can build a telephone hold button that lets you put calls on hold and indicates a call waiting on the line. Put your call on hold, hang up the phone receiver and pick up the line again at the original phone or on another phone. You'll only need a light-emitting diode (LED), silicon rectifier, carbon resistor, a normally open push-button switch, printed circuit board or phenolic board, silicon-controlled rectifier and soldering tools to build this project.
