lectronic Construction

Electronic dice project

In order to record the information about an electronic circuit, you need several different things:

• Schematic diagram (a diagrammatic representation of the circuit)
• PCB layout (A diagram showing where the warts should be placed)
• Parts list (A list of all the parts that go into the circuit)

Schematic diagram

How it works
The LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) and the switch are connected to a microcontroller. A microcontroller is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that runs a program. It is like a small PC. Microcontrollers are found in most electronic devices like calculators, remote controls and mobile phones. The microcontroller has special software that monitors the switch and controls if the LEDs are turned on. While the switch is pressed the software scrolls through the dice numbers very quickly whilst the lights are being flashed. When the button is released the number it is on is displayed.

PCB layout

Parts list

PCB Ref(s)	Description	Quantity
LED1 - LED7	5mm Red LED	7
R5 - R11	200 R resistor	7
SW1	Push to make PCB switch (DTS-6)	1
IC2	12C508 PIC microcontroller Programmed with dice software	1
PL4	PP3 battery clip	1

Operating instructions

• When the button is pressed the edge lights will flash
• When the button is released a number will be selected
• After 15 - 20 seconds the number will be cleared
• A new number can be select by pressing the button again
• A short while after the lights have gone off the dice goes into a power save mode, allowing the batteries to remain connected without being flattened.