This page will have some key concepts to learn before your first project.

If you are familiar with these, you can move onto learning about Connecting the Parts.

If you aren’t familiar, please read up on:

Electronic Circuits

A basic circuit and how electricity flows. Until we’ve created our own content, B.K. Electric has a Basics of Electrical Circuits to get you started.

Normally Closed/NC

The term “Closed” refers to when the connection is “closed” and electricity can flow. The best analogy is that there are no gaps in the wires or circuit. You’ll find that components like the HW-482 Relay Module have a connection labeled “NC” for Normally Closed. This term also applies for switches and buttons. We’ll add links to specific components once those pages get built.

Normally Open/NO

The term “Open” refers to when the connection is “open” and no electricity can flow. The best analogy is that there is a gap in the wire. Think about when you unplug a lamp as a good example. You’ll find that components like the HW-482 Relay Module have a connection labeled “NO” for Normally Opened. This term also applies for switches and buttons. We’ll add links to specific components once those pages get built.

Breadboards

A breadboard is a rectangular plastic board. It has a bunch of tiny holes that are connected in a structured way. These holes allow you to easily insert electronic components and prototype electronic circuits.

The two long columns that run up and down each side are rails and are connected from top to bottom. Each center row has just those 5 or 6 holes connected.

These connections are not permanent, so you can move components around and modify your project with ease. We’ve got a Breadboard page that goes into more details.

As They Relate to Circuits

If you aren’t familiar, take a look at the sciencebuddies.org page on Using a breadboard.

Input

Explanation of what Input is and pointers to Projects that demonstrates the concept.

Output

Explanation of what Input is and pointers to Projects that demonstrates the concept.

Key Coding Concepts

This will include:

  • Some basics on code
    • Variables
    • Structure
  • Logging
  • Debouncing

Now you can go learn about Connecting the Parts.