Build a Fun Two-Blinking-LED Circuit with C828 Transistors

Build a Fun Two-Blinking-LED Circuit with C828 Transistors

Introduction Want to dive into basic electronics? A two-blinking-LED circuit is a great place to start! This simple yet fun project will help you understand how transistors work in a switching circuit and give you a hands-on introduction to oscillators. Whether you're a beginner or just looking for a quick electronics experiment, this guide will walk you through building your own two-blinking-LED circuit using C828 transistors.

Materials Needed:

  • 2 LEDs (any color)

  • 2 Resistors (330Ω for LEDs, 10kΩ for transistor base)

  • 2 C828 Transistors

  • 2 Capacitors (10µF, 16V or higher)

  • 1 Breadboard

  • 1 9V Battery (or 5V power supply)

  • 1 Battery Clip or Power Source

  • Jumper Wires

Circuit Diagram:

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Place the LEDs and Transistors on the Breadboard

    • Insert the two LEDs onto the breadboard, ensuring that the longer leg (anode) is aligned with the positive rail.

    • Place the C828 transistors so that the collector connects to the LEDs, the emitter goes to ground, and the base connects to a capacitor.

  2. Add Resistors and Capacitors

    • Connect a 330Ω resistor between each LED’s anode and the power rail.

    • Connect 10kΩ resistors between each transistor's base and ground.

    • Insert 10µF capacitors between the base of one transistor and the collector of the other.

  3. Connect the Power Source

    • Attach the positive terminal of the battery (or power supply) to the power rail.

    • Connect the negative terminal to the ground rail.

  4. Testing the Circuit

    • When powered on, the LEDs should blink alternately in a continuous cycle.

How It Works

  • The C828 transistors act as switches, creating an astable multivibrator.

  • The capacitors and resistors determine the switching frequency.

  • When one transistor is on, the other is off, causing the LEDs to blink alternately.

Fun Variations to Try

  • Use different capacitor values to adjust the blinking speed.

  • Experiment with different resistor values to tweak the timing.

  • Add a potentiometer to dynamically control the blink rate.

Conclusion This simple two-blinking-LED circuit is a great way to get started with transistors and oscillators. It’s easy to build, helps you understand switching circuits, and opens the door to more complex projects. Happy tinkering!