BUILD CARD · EASY

Tilt-Activated Lamp

A position-sensitive variation of manual Project 1 using the three-terminal tilt switch.

Time
15 min
Age
8+
Pieces
6
Board
10×7
Learning goals
  • Build and check a 10×7 snap-grid circuit from a visual diagram.
  • Board orientation moves an internal contact that opens or closes the lamp circuit.
FINAL CIRCUITBOARD 10×7
Tilt-Activated Lamp final circuit diagram with labeled electronic components
Tilt-Activated Lamp — final 10×7 snap-grid layout.

02 / PARTS CHECK

Parts list

  • 7-snap wireconnector
  • 3-snap wireconnector
  • 2.5V lamplamp
  • Tilt switchswitch
  • 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

Tilting moves the switch contact between terminals.

One position closes the lamp circuit.

Changing the board angle opens it again.

THE IDEABoard orientation moves an internal contact that opens or closes the lamp circuit.

05 / TEST

Test and expected result

What to do
Slowly tilt the board between two stable angles.
What to expect
The lamp changes state when the internal tilt contact moves.

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.

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?

Board orientation moves an internal contact that opens or closes the lamp circuit.

What should I check first if it does not work?

Press every overlapping snap down firmly.