BUILD CARD · EASY

Slide Switch Color LED

Use a slide switch to control a protected color-changing LED.

Learning goals

Build and check a 10×7 snap-grid circuit from a visual diagram.
A latching switch keeps the protected color LED powered until the switch is opened.

FINAL CIRCUITBOARD 10×7

02 / PARTS CHECK

Parts list

03 / ASSEMBLY

1
Disconnect the battery and clear the base grid before placing any part.
2
Match the final diagram one grid position at a time, placing connecting wires and lower layers first.
3
Check the direction of every LED, diode, transistor, battery, and other terminal-sensitive part.
4
Press every shared snap firmly, check that no wire shorts the battery, then connect power last.

04 / FIELD NOTES

Closing the slide switch completes the circuit.

The resistor protects the color LED from excessive current.

Opening the switch stops current and turns the LED off.

THE IDEAA latching switch keeps the protected color LED powered until the switch is opened.

05 / TEST

What to do: Close the slide switch, observe the color sequence, then open it.
What to expect: The color LED remains powered in the closed position and stops when the path opens.

06 / SAFETY

Use only the recommended battery pack and voltage.
Disconnect the battery before moving or replacing parts.
Stop immediately if a part becomes hot, smells unusual, or behaves unexpectedly.

07 / TROUBLESHOOTING

Compare every part position and connection with the circuit diagram.
Check that every snap connection is firm and the batteries still have power.
Confirm polarized parts such as LEDs, diodes, and transistors face the correct direction.

08 / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the main idea behind this circuit?

A latching switch keeps the protected color LED powered until the switch is opened.

What should I check first if it does not work?

Compare every part position and connection with the circuit diagram.