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10.1

Major VersionM

by Pete Prodoehl

Introduction

Build a paper circuit with an LED, battery, and some Maker Tapeā„¢ that will light up an "On Air" sign made from a single piece of paper.

Video Overview

Featured Document

  1. Print the PDF file on both sides of a single sheet of paper. Prepare all of your tools and supplies. Prepare all of your tools and supplies.
    • Print the PDF file on both sides of a single sheet of paper.

    • Prepare all of your tools and supplies.

  2. Cut your sign around the outer perimeter using the sold black line as a guide. If you prefer, you can use an X-ACTO knife, straight edge ruler, and a cutting mat instead of scissors.
    • Cut your sign around the outer perimeter using the sold black line as a guide.

    • If you prefer, you can use an X-ACTO knife, straight edge ruler, and a cutting mat instead of scissors.

    • Once you've cut out the shape of the sign you can fold along the dotted lines.

    • The dotted line for the battery folds "towards" the dotted line, all other dotted lines fold "away" from the dotted line.

    • If you use an XACTO-knife and straight edge ruler instead of scissors you can use it to score the dotted lines to make folding a bit easier.

  3. Prepare and place the 10mm red LED to its position in the circuit.
    • Prepare and place the 10mm red LED to its position in the circuit.

    • Make sure you've got the longer leg going to positive and the shorter leg going to negative.

    • Bend the legs around so that the LED stands up straight.

  4. Cut three strips of Maker Tape to build the circuit. The tape will hold the LED legs in place and then connect to the battery to complete the circuit. The tape will hold the LED legs in place and then connect to the battery to complete the circuit.
    • Cut three strips of Maker Tape to build the circuit.

    • The tape will hold the LED legs in place and then connect to the battery to complete the circuit.

  5. Add a tape loop using the Maker Tape to secure the battery down to the circuit. Stick the battery in place (negative side down). Fold the "switch" corner down on top of the battery so the positive side of the circuit is complete.
    • Add a tape loop using the Maker Tape to secure the battery down to the circuit.

    • Stick the battery in place (negative side down).

    • Fold the "switch" corner down on top of the battery so the positive side of the circuit is complete.

    • Your LED should light up!

  6. Fold the paper together into a box and tape it shut so it does not unroll. Add a binder clip to turn on the circuit and it should light up.
    • Fold the paper together into a box and tape it shut so it does not unroll.

    • Add a binder clip to turn on the circuit and it should light up.

    • For the best result, turn down the lights and see your new "On Air" sign glow red.

    • If you want a brighter sign you can add a second LED in parallel with the first one.

Finish Line

One other person completed this guide.

Attached Documents

Pete Prodoehl

Member since: 03/04/2020

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280 Guides authored

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