The soldered circuit

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To the right is the finished Solar CD Two LED circuit: the components are labeled to match the schematic. The soldered circuit looks a little different than the schematic, but the connections are the same...and it is the connections that matter.

Here is how to make the jump from the schematic to the finished circuit: test the layout on the breadboard until you are sure you have the right parts connected together, and the circuit works. Then stick the components, a couple at a time, on to a little piece of circuit board: the circuit board in the photo is less than 2 inches square.

Stick the component leads (legs) through the holes, trim the leads so they are just long enough to touch where they need to connect. Then, using a multi-armed clamping device to hold the parts in place, carefully solder the leads together.

Anybody doesn't really know how to solder: anybody just pretends! There are many sites on the Internet with decent soldering information and photos. Or, better yet, get a friend to show you how.

Soldering can be fun! Anybody can learn with a little practice and some spare components. Use small diameter rosin core solder and a 10 to 20 watt soldering iron. The clumps of solder are supposed to be shiny and bright, otherwise the connections might not be good. Be careful not to apply too much heat to the components, or they may be damaged.

If you don't get a good connection, you can go back and reheat the solder and "flick" it off the leads and start over. Practice, practice!

Anybody learned that you don't have to use as much solder as the circuit to the left shows. It is so much fun playing with hot molten metal that it is easy to get carried away! Just be careful not to set anything on fire...unintentionally.

The photo on the right shows the circuit board with the batteries and the Solar CD hooked up. The LEDs are not attached yet: they will be added later by using little twist-on electrical connectors (like the orange ones attaching the Solar CD).

Everything but the LEDs fit inside the clear plastic container at the top of the photo. The Solar CD goes in first with the solar cells facing the bottom of the container, then the piece of Styrofoam goes in, then the batteries and circuit board, then the lid goes on.

The container protects the Solar CD, batteries and circuit board from dust and mayhem. The LEDs can be located anywhere on the light: just run the wires from the LEDs through a small hole in the lid of the container and attach with twist-on connectors.

Be sure to test your soldered circuits at home: it is much easier to make repairs in the comfort of your own livingroom than on the playa. Besides, you will have *better* things to do on the playa.

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