Electronic Dice Circuit

Kit includes

• CD4107 decade counter IC with socket
• NE555 timer IC with socket
• 7 red LED's
• 5 transistors
• 20 resistors
• 2 capacitors
• Push button
• Printed circuit board (PCB)

Specifications

• Voltage: 4.5 - 5.0 V (power supply not included)
• Size: 74 mm x 35 mm

Note: there may be slight variation in the layout of the PCB, but the components and features will be the same between variants.

Age: 10+

Young children require adult supervision when soldering

Note: requires a soldering iron (not included)

Making the Electronic Dice STEM kit provides an introduction to many scientific principles. Here are some key scientific principles learned from constructing this kit:

Circuitry and Electricity

Learn about the flow of electricity and the function of components in electronics. Understanding the function of individual electronic components is crucial for electronic engineers. The kit introduces LEDs and demonstrates how they provide visual output from a circuit. It demonstrates how transistors act as electronic switches or amplifiers, which they do by controlling the flow of current in a circuit based on the input signal. It covers capacitors which are for storing energy. And it covers resistors which are for controlling current to protect sensitive components. This hands-on experience helps aspiring electronics engineers to recognize these common electronic components.

Soldering Techniques

The mention of "through-hole" components indicates the use of traditional soldering techniques. Participants gain practical experience in soldering, a fundamental skill in electronics. This process involves melting solder to make secure electrical connections. Modern electronic devices use more advanced soldering techniques. However, for those attempting to design their own circuits, traditional soldering skills are essential for prototyping.

Integrated Circuits (ICs)

The kit includes integrated circuits which give insight into the complex electronics that power today's devices. They learn about the role of ICs to process and control aspects of the circuit. This knowledge is foundational for understanding advanced electronic systems.

Button Mechanism

The presence of a button in the kit highlights the concept of control and input. Participants discover how a button can turn components on or off. This provides a basic understanding of manual control in electronics.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Assembling the kit involves working with a printed circuit board. Learners gain insight into PCB design. They can explore the intricacies of the PCB to learn how connections are made. They also learn how parts are strategically arranged on PCBs to ensure devices are small and have low interference.

Practical Problem Solving

Building the electronic dice encourages budding electronics engineers to troubleshoot and problem-solve. They learn to find issues in the circuits and how to fix problems. This promotes a practical approach to solving real challenges in electronics.