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:
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2 LEDs (any color)
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2 Resistors (330Ω for LEDs, 10kΩ for transistor base)
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2 C828 Transistors
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2 Capacitors (10µF, 16V or higher)
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1 Breadboard
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1 9V Battery (or 5V power supply)
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1 Battery Clip or Power Source
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Jumper Wires
Circuit Diagram:
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Place the LEDs and Transistors on the Breadboard
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Insert the two LEDs onto the breadboard, ensuring that the longer leg (anode) is aligned with the positive rail.
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Place the C828 transistors so that the collector connects to the LEDs, the emitter goes to ground, and the base connects to a capacitor.
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Add Resistors and Capacitors
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Connect a 330Ω resistor between each LED’s anode and the power rail.
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Connect 10kΩ resistors between each transistor's base and ground.
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Insert 10µF capacitors between the base of one transistor and the collector of the other.
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Connect the Power Source
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Attach the positive terminal of the battery (or power supply) to the power rail.
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Connect the negative terminal to the ground rail.
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Testing the Circuit
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When powered on, the LEDs should blink alternately in a continuous cycle.
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How It Works
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The C828 transistors act as switches, creating an astable multivibrator.
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The capacitors and resistors determine the switching frequency.
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When one transistor is on, the other is off, causing the LEDs to blink alternately.
Fun Variations to Try
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Use different capacitor values to adjust the blinking speed.
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Experiment with different resistor values to tweak the timing.
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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!