Otis Singleton
Building electronic devices can be a fun and educational activity. With the right tools and knowledge, you can create some pretty cool gadgets. For example, you can make a touch-sensitive lamp, a device that automatically sends your business card via Bluetooth, or even a WiFi-connected plant pot that tells you when to water your plants. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try building a high-impedance earpiece or modifying an old radio to become an iPhone dock. With some basic knowledge of electronics and soldering skills, you can turn your ideas into reality and even learn about the inner workings of electronic devices along the way. So, whether you're a programming whiz or a mechanical master, there's a world of possibilities waiting to be explored in the realm of electronics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of things | 10 |
| Type of things | cool, electric |
| Examples of things | touch-sensitive lamp, device that sends business card over Bluetooth, WiFi-connected plant pot, crystal radio, LED cube |
| Difficulty | varies; some are simple, some are difficult and require new parts |
| Required materials | varies; some can be made from junk parts, others require specific components |
| Skills required | soldering/desoldering, testing components, programming |
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What You'll Learn
Touch-sensitive lamp
Building a touch-sensitive lamp is a cool and simple electronics project that can be done by anyone, even beginners. The first step is to figure out how to sense touch from a finger. This can be done using a ready-built touch sensor module, such as the TTP223, which is cheap and powerful. These modules are available in various form factors, but the most common one is ideal for this project. Before you start, it is recommended that you wire up the circuit on a breadboard to get familiar with the wiring and each component, as you may have restricted space to work with once the lamp assembly begins.
The TTP223 module will need to be in "toggle" mode to work like a switch, so you must add a small solder blob between the two pads labelled "B" on the module. You can then use a 3-pin header and a standard 3-pin female connector to attach the TTP223 to the rest of the circuit. This makes it easy to mount and allows for the removal of the box if needed. When testing the lamp for the first time, plug it into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet, so that if there is a short or incorrect wiring, the breaker will trip instead of giving you a shock.
The final mounting step is to drill a hole in the base of the lamp for the TTP223 module. It is ideal to find a lamp with a large space in its base to hide the electronics. If that is not possible, you will need a project box to store the electronics outside of the lamp. Make sure none of your electronics are shorting out against your lamp or other components. You can slip a large piece of heat shrink over the AC to DC module so that it does not touch the lamp's base.
And there you have it! You've converted a regular lamp into a touch-sensitive lamp. You can now apply the touch control to other things, like a fan or a doorbell.
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Bluetooth business card sender
A Bluetooth business card sender is a simple device that allows you to automatically send your business card to anyone nearby via Bluetooth. This can be a great tool for networking and can enhance your opportunities to connect with potential clients, partners, and colleagues.
To build this device, you will need to purchase a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver module. These modules are commercially available together in a single pen drive-sized box. You can also buy them separately, with the receiver costing around $2 and the transmitter costing around $10. The transmitter and receiver modes can be enabled using a tactile or slide button switch.
Once you have your modules, you can set up your device by connecting the transmitter to your mobile device. You can transfer data from your mobile device to any other mobile device within range. You can also choose between reception and transmission modes, depending on whether you want to send or receive data.
Additionally, you can explore using a digital business card with your Bluetooth transmitter. Digital business cards can be shared via QR codes, Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, social media, URLs, texts, and email signatures. You can also use virtual business card apps, such as Wave, which offer a convenient way to share your digital business card on both mobile and desktop platforms.
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Wi-Fi-connected plant pot
A Wi-Fi-connected plant pot is a great way to ensure your plants are watered regularly and properly. You can build one yourself using a few components, or you can purchase a kit.
If you want to build one from scratch, you will need an old garden planter, a plastic trash can, some adhesive, and a self-watering pot subassembly kit from Adosia. The Adosia kit includes a control board, a water level sensor switch, a water pump, and a moisture sensor.
- Mount the board enclosure base to the velcro placed on the reservoir and connect the wires onto the board.
- Plug in the water level sensor switch (yellow wires) to the top left of the board.
- Plug in the submersible water pump into the left-center channel on the board. You can add a second pump to the right-center channel for more water flow or pressure if needed.
- Place a plastic screen at the bottom of the planter container to prevent soil from draining back into the pot with the recycled water.
- Drill a 3/8" hole into the rim of the garden pot and the water reservoir, ensuring they are vertically aligned.
- Guide the 3/8" tubing through the holes in the pot and reservoir.
- Insert the soil moisture sensor into the soil, ensuring the connector wires are guided back out through the hole.
- Plug the soil moisture sensor into the Adosia WiFi control board, with the blue wire oriented downwards and the black wire towards the top.
- Add the watering ring, ensuring the tiny holes drilled around the bottom are pointing downwards.
- Connect the watering ring to the tubing coming up from the pot reservoir.
- Power up the planter by plugging in the power cord.
- Program the pump to run on a trigger and set the duration of watering.
- Set the water level sensor switch to protect the water pump and send alerts when the reservoir needs refilling.
You can also purchase a ready-made Wi-Fi automatic watering system like the RAINPOINT kit, which includes a water pump, tube, connectors, and instructions. This system allows you to remotely manage watering schedules via an app, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water.
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Homemade LED light
Building your own LED lights is a challenging task and certainly not for everyone. It is time-consuming and requires a good understanding of the process. However, some people enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.
One of the first LEDs was created by Oleg Losev using SiC. He was also the first to correctly theorize how it works. To make your own LED light, you will need to get a wafer of material, which will determine the colour of the LED. For example, Gallium Arsenide Phosphide can be used to make a red LED. You will then need to dope the substance. For instance, an indium dopant can be heated on the surface of the wafer so that it diffuses into the material. You can then add a tiny connection to the top and bottom and apply voltage to power the LED.
When wiring your LED, it is important to consider the voltage and whether you need to use a resistor. LEDs require sufficient voltage to light up, and too much voltage can burn them out. Therefore, it is ideal for the voltage of the LED to match the voltage of the power supply or be slightly less. You can adjust the power supply voltage, change the LED, or use a resistor to handle a higher voltage power supply with a lower voltage LED. For example, you can use a single AA battery with a 1.5V output to light a red 1.7V LED without needing a resistor.
Building your own LED lights can be rewarding, especially if you value price and utility. Homemade LED lights can be cheaper than factory-made lights, which often cost around \$1000 for a 1x1 unit. Additionally, DIY LED lights can be less bulky and easier to manoeuvre than store-bought lights.
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iPhone dock from an old radio
If you have an old radio lying around, you can upcycle it into an iPhone dock. You will need to source some additional materials, such as an old iPod docking station, and tools, such as a Dremel.
First, you need to decide how far forward you want your dock connector to be mounted depth-wise. Mark the centre point of the top of your radio width-wise. Remove everything from the inside of the radio, as the next step will involve making some cuts in the case and then prepping it for primer and paint. Drill out the rivets to remove the tube sockets and create a level surface to mount new internal components. You may want to leave the AM components, potentiometer, and tuning knob inside, as one source does, to keep the dial intact.
Next, cut some pieces of foam to use as insulation behind the speakers on the radio's lower portion. Wire up an LED and secure it under the centre of the dial face, linking it to a toggle switch on the back. You can use a button from an old DMG Gameboy for the power button. Glue some metal and rubber washers around the button and LED for an antique look.
Now, mount the speakers and circuitry. You can use an MDF board for the backplate, using the old one as a template. You may need to sand the edges to smooth it out and make it fit properly. Screw the backing on, plug in your iPhone, and you're done!
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some cool electronic projects you can do at home:
- Build a touch-sensitive lamp
- Make a crystal radio
- Modify an old radio into an iPhone dock
- Assemble and program an 8x8x8 LED cube
- Make lights that dance to music
First, take an inventory of the components you have. Then, brainstorm a project idea that can be built with those components. Doing something with used parts is a great way to learn how things work and improve your soldering and desoldering skills.
There are many resources available online for learning how to build electronic projects, including YouTube channels, subreddits like r/AskElectronics, and websites like build-electronic-circuits.com. You can also purchase eBooks, such as "Getting Started With Electronics."
