Artronics: key

Thursday, January 1, 2015

How to make a Name Tag

Name Tag

Here's how to make a cool Name Tag using Seven segment displays (SSD). Earlier, we had made a key chain using a SSD which you can view here. A similar method is used to connect the SSD's in parallel to a cell and use them to make a short Name Tag. I have used red SSD's but different colors are available in market and you can select one of your choices.

Difficulty level : Easy

Things you will need :
1. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
2. Seven Segment Displays(SSD) x 3
2. 3v Cell
3. 3v Cell holder
4. A switch
5. Soldering equipment
6. M seal/Hot glue

Pin Diagram :

#Steps :

Step 1 : Cut a general purpose PCB of appropriate size.

Step 2 : Insert a SSD in the PCB. Make sure you don't damage the pins while doing so.

Step 3 : Insert the second and third SSD neatly besides each other. Again make sure the pins don't bend.

Step 4 : Solder all the SSD's as shown. Do not over heat the SSD's while soldering to avoid damage. Only solder the pins which you want to use.

Step 5 : Take a 3volt Battery holder and place it firmly in the PCB and solder it.

Step 6 : Add a switch in series with the cell and SSD's and solder it.

Step 7 : Place the battery in the holder and Check if its working. I wanted to display 'SHA' which is one of my friends name and seems like its working perfectly :P

Step 8 : Get Mseal or Hot glue and mix some amount to get the paste and cover the whole area as shown.

Step 9 : Paint as per your favorite color and set to dry. Here i have used black acrylic. Color as per your choice.

Thats it! Done! :) Make any names depending on the letters used. Use it on the showcase or as a nameplate on your door.

"Wishing you all a Happy New Year"

Please SHARE if you like it. Comment if you have any doubts or suggestions to help improve :)

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

How to make a LED blinky Guitar Keychain

Guitar Key chain

Make a cool guitar key-chain which blinks when plugged to a USB or OTG (On The Go) supported phone. I have used a White LED here but you can personalize it with any color.

Difficulty level : Easy

Things you will need :

1. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
2. 1k Ohm resistor X 2
3. LED (Any color)
4. Hot glue gun
5. Acrylic colors
6. IC 555
7. 22uF electrolytic capacitor
8. Small piece of wires
9. Sand paper

Circuit Diagram :

#Steps :

Step 1: Cut a guitar using card paper of your desired shape and size. Use this as a stencil to draw on the PCB.

Step 2 : Draw the guitars on a PCB (Make sure there is enough space for the circuit to fit in).

Step 3 : Cut the guitar shape using a hack-saw. Polish the copper side of the PCB with a sand paper till it becomes shiny.

Step 4 : Draw the circuit on the shiny side as shown in the diagram using a permanent marker.

Step 5 : Etch the PCB till all the copper fades out. Rinse the guitar with water. Remove the marker ink with acetone or nail polish remover.

Step 6 : Drill holes for the components.

Step 7 : Place the components in their respective places and solder them.

Step 8 : Paint the solder side with Texture white and leave to dry.

Step 9 : Scratch the surface a little so that the hot glue adheres properly and then cover the whole component side with hot glue. Make sure it is smooth and looks glossy.