Physical Computing Class 1: Power setup

Everything we do in this class will use electricity, so before we can do anything, we have to get setup with the electricity we need. Our first circuit will be used for labs and projects throughout the rest of the semester. The more reliable our power setup the more stable our circuit, and the less we are likely to experience strange bugs and other problems down the line.

For this circuit we will need the following parts, available either in the shop or at the computer book store:

  • 12 Volt power adapter
  • Breadboard
  • Power (or 9Volt) connector
  • Switch
  • 7805 voltage regulator (diagram, data sheet)
  • 220 Ohm resistor (why 220 Ohms?)
  • An LED
  • A box to put it all in

Enlarge Diagram