Shell Hardware Workshop 001: Blinky Circuits
On March 31st, 2016, Dan Bogachek led the first of five hardware workshops at UMD’s Startup Shell. They reviewed key concepts, including current, voltage, and Ohm’s Law to give participants a better understanding of electric circuits. Likewise, they explained the purpose of various important parts, such as resistors, to allow even those with no prior experience to feel comfortable using such materials. Those present also had the opportunity to receive guidance during the hands-on learning portion of the workshop, where they got to personally create blinky circuits.
Due to technical difficulties we do not have a video for this workshop. However, if you would like to learn more or try the circuits for yourself, you can check out the slides that serve as a guide! Even if you are a beginner, this workshop is entirely doable. In fact, this, as well as future workshops, were designed for those who have nearly no experience with code or hardware.
To recreate the circuits you will need: one 555 timer, two 100k resistors, one 680 resistor, one LED, one 10 uF capacitor, one 1 uF capacitor, fifteen jumper wires, one breadboard, one 9V battery, one battery clip, and one tactile switch.
The Startup Shell is a student organization at the University of Maryland. This innovative, ambitious group focuses on entrepreneurship and team work. They host a variety of events open to the public. You can find out more about the the Startup Shell and future events here.
