Wire

Power & connections blocks

Power and connection blocks carry current around the circuit. The Battery Block pushes it, and the wire, corner and junction blocks give it a path, so every loop starts and ends here.

Circuits that use this block

• First buildLight it upBattery, switch and an LED in one loop.
• First buildWhat happens in reverse?The LED is turned round, so it stays dark.
• First buildPress to lightA push button lights the LED only while you hold it.
• First buildOne source, two pathsTwo LEDs in parallel, both with the same brightness.
• First buildWhen components line upTwo LEDs in series. Together they need more than 3 V, so neither lights.
• First buildAND gate: two buttons in seriesBoth buttons must be pressed at the same time.
• First buildOR gate: two buttons in parallelEither button lights the LED.
• Next stepSwitching with a transistorA tiny current through the base turns on the LED.
• Next stepA circuit that craves lightThe LED lights in daylight and turns off when you cover the light sensor.
• Next stepTurn the brightness up or downA potentiometer sets the transistor's base voltage, so it dims the LED.
• Next stepTouch to activateYour finger on the X Junction pads passes a tiny current into the transistor base.
• Next stepCharge it, release itThe left button charges the capacitor (the buzzer blips). The right button lets it discharge through the LED.
• Next stepCapacitor delay-off timerPress the button and the LED stays on for a while after you let go.
• Next stepSpin a motorThe same loop with a DC motor. Rotate the motor to reverse its direction.
• Next stepMagnet-activated switchThe Hall effect switch lights the LED when a magnet comes close.
• ClassicLet's make some musicThe Melody IC drives a passive buzzer. It is faint on its own.
• ClassicMaking a melody louderA transistor amplifies the Melody IC so the passive buzzer rings out.

Other blocks in this family

• Battery Block3 V from two AAA batteries. The longer plate and + side is the positive end.
• L WireTurns the path 90 degrees.
• T JunctionSplits or joins three paths. Use it to put parts in parallel.
• 4 Way JunctionJoins four paths together.
• Overpass JunctionTwo paths cross without touching.
• X Junction (touch pads)Two paths cross. Touching the pads lets a tiny current flow through your finger from one path to the other.