relaxing kit build: Burglar alarm featuring 556 timer

Today feels like a good day for a nice relaxing kit build.
Today's kit is the "Burglar Alarm with Time Delay NE555 DIY soldering kit" from Universal Solder
universal-solder.ca/burglar-a...
It's a relatively straightforward cet of circuits that are a decent demonstration of a few circuit principles, and builds up into a nice little finished product.
For a better understanding of the oscillator part, here is the book that several generations of hobbyists learned from:
Engineer's Mini Notebook- 555 Timer IC Circuits by Forest Mims
archive.org/details/555-designs
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This isn't the only way to do it.
It's probably not the best way to do it.
But it's how I did it.

[@matambale]

Agree 100% about soldering tip choice. I've been using the 'wrong kind' (fine point conical) for decades now. Once you're used to the flow timing, and it's not "too slow", then whichever tip you use is the right tip.

[@romancharak3675]

I believe I have all the Forrest MIms' books. That is how I started my journey in self-taught electronics. I still refer to those books for circuit ideas. The things we did before the internet !

[@Tekwyzard]

And there was me feeling smug that I've got the 555 timer and the op-amp Mims' books, a much younger me really should have spent more pocket money on more of them before they became rare.

[@lorisrobots]

Great kit build! I am always learning from your analysis of how the circuit works. Thanks!

[@jstro-hobbytech]

I figured out how to make an alarm from one of those vapes you got at the liquor store. It was hilarious

[@canaduino]

Don't miss our Summer Sale. The Burglar Alarm kit is currently 40% off (C$3.57 instead of C$5.95). Cheapest shipping option (domestic only) is only C$3.55.

[@onecircuit-as]

Excellent build. 556 for the win. 👍😀

[@BroughtToYouByDDean]

These types of kits are such a vibe... Just near mindless enjoyment lol

[@Tekwyzard]

I once assumed that the flat on LEDs always indicated the cathode, it took me ages once finding out what on earth was going on with a scratch built circuit the LEDs of which were refusing to cooperate, stupidly I tested everything but the LEDs, because why would they not just work? Voltages were all present and correct, and yeah, on closer scrutiny it turned out that on those particular, perfectly normal looking red LEDs, the anvil and such were reversed, and the flat was the anode. It was a proper head scratcher!! I now test every 3mm led I use with a CR2032 cell, I'm not gonna caught out like that again.

[@kyleallred984]

Ah i feel nice and relaxed.

[@noggin73]

Damn I was foiled by your high security device 🙂

[@frankowalker4662]

You placed the red LED in the LED 1, (red), position, then took it out and placed it in the LED 2 position, (green). LOL. Nice little kit.

[@pileofstuff]

have I mentioned lately that I'm colourblind?

[@frankowalker4662]

@@pileofstuff I'm blaming the beer. 👍

[@Tekwyzard]

@@pileofstuff I knew already from ages ago, but I don't think you have actually, it would certainly explain that mixup. It would probably explain ohmeter testing the resistors too. I can see the colours unless it's the silly new through-hole things, but have never been able to learn them, so it's the multimeter to the rescue every time.

[@SBWings]

Thanks for the relaxing builds! At around the 20:00 mark, you used your CC/CV power supply and you were also able to monitor current draw. I searched through your videos but I was unable to discover where that came from. Was this a kit or did you get it commercially? You inspired me to buy a set of practice kits so I can practice my SMD soldering skills. I've been soldering point-to-point and thru-hole since the early 1970's. I'm learning new skills! Thanks again!

[@pileofstuff]

It's based on a BC3606 module: pileofstuff.ca/r/0o714 I built my own case for it a very long time ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6fZaJeppLuCb9E

[@jyvben1520]

u2 sound chip, was it a bloody sunday ? front door alarm, so not to forget to close it, might need a longer delay, follow up video ?

[@rickhunter1984]

20:00 no dot because it is a 556.

[@Johadart]

Hi Kent, what tip are you using, I’m experimenting with new tips, are you using the t12 tips? Keep up the great work mate.. 🤙🏼🇦🇺 Joe in Australia 🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@pileofstuff]

My go to is the BC-2, though I also use larger and smaller versions of the same shape. ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB10kYmhByWBuNkSmFPq6xguVXa3/5pcs-lot-T12-Soldering-Solder-Iron-Tips-T12-Series-Iron-Tip-For-Hakko-FX-951-STC.jpg

[@Johadart]

@@pileofstuff cool cheers for the info 🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@BroughtToYouByDDean]

Side thought, how fun would it be to host a drunken PCB build race 😆 whoever can drink a preset a amount and then assemble and test their circuit the fastest wins lol 😆 I'm a bad influence

[@shagreobe]

I'm down

[@Johadart]

Sounds like a good challenge.. 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@renxula]

So if the burglar enters and closes the door within 10 seconds, there won't be an alarm. That's not how entry delays are supposed to work 🤔

[@pileofstuff]

True, but remember what this is intended for. It's primarily for learning about circuitry and getting some soldering practice. If it gets deployed as an actual alarm, it'll be on a teenager's bedroom door or something like that. This isn't designed for Fort Knox...

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Tools; Go with what you know. Components; Smallest to largest. U2; Numb. c.1993