BUILD CARD · MEDIUM

Motor Sound with LED

A protected LED variation of manual Project 31 that makes motor-current changes visible.

Time
20 min
Age
9+
Pieces
9
Board
10×7
Learning goals
  • Build and check a 10×7 snap-grid circuit from a visual diagram.
  • A speaker and LED provide audible and visual clues about motor current.
FINAL CIRCUITBOARD 10×7
Motor Sound with LED final circuit diagram with labeled electronic components
Motor Sound with LED — final 10×7 snap-grid layout.

02 / PARTS CHECK

Parts list

  • 3-snap wireconnector
  • 2-snap wireconnector
  • 4-snap wireconnector
  • Motoroutput
  • Speakeroutput
  • Slide switchswitch
  • White LEDsemiconductor
  • 100 Ω resistorresistor
  • 3V two-cell battery holderpower

03 / ASSEMBLY

How to build the circuit

  1. 1

    Disconnect the battery and clear the base grid before placing any part.

  2. 2

    Match the final diagram one grid position at a time, placing connecting wires and lower layers first.

  3. 3

    Check the direction of every LED, diode, transistor, battery, and other terminal-sensitive part.

  4. 4

    Press every shared snap firmly, check that no wire shorts the battery, then connect power last.

04 / FIELD NOTES

How it works

The speaker reveals changes in motor current as sound.

The LED gives a visual indication that the circuit is powered.

The resistor limits LED current.

THE IDEAA speaker and LED provide audible and visual clues about motor current.

05 / TEST

Test and expected result

What to do
Run the motor briefly and observe the LED while listening to the speaker.
What to expect
Light and sound provide two indications of motor-current behavior.

06 / SAFETY

Build smart

  • Use only the 3V two-cell battery holder.
  • Never connect the battery terminals directly together.
  • Disconnect the battery before moving any component.
  • Keep fingers and loose objects away from the motor shaft.

07 / TROUBLESHOOTING

If it does not work

  • Press every overlapping snap down firmly.
  • Check the battery direction and replace weak batteries.
  • Compare every component position with the final diagram.

08 / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about this circuit

What is the main idea behind this circuit?

A speaker and LED provide audible and visual clues about motor current.

What should I check first if it does not work?

Press every overlapping snap down firmly.