Data Sheet

-11-
(Part designs are subject to change without notice).
The base grid functions like the printed circuit boards
found in most electronic products. It is a platform for
mounting parts and wire blocks (though the wires are
usually “printed” on the board).
The blue wire blocks are just wires used to connect
other components, they are used to transport electricity
and do not affect circuit performance. They come in
different lengths to allow orderly arrangement of
connections on the base grid.
The spring wire (9) is two single blocks connected by a
wire used to make unusual connections.
The batteries (91) produce an electrical voltage using a
chemical reaction. This “voltage” can be thought of as
electrical pressure, pushing electrical “current” through
a circuit. This voltage is much lower and much safer than
that used in your house wiring. Using more batteries
increases the “pressure” and so more electricity flows.
The switch (62) connects (ON) or disconnects (OFF) the
wires in a circuit.
The press switch (61) connects (pressed) or
disconnects (not pressed) the wires in a circuit, just like
the switch does.
A reed switch (83) is an electrical switch operated by
an applied magnetic field. When exposed to a magnetic
field, the switch closes (ON). When the magnetic field is
removed the switch opens (OFF).
The blue level blocks (100 & 200) are non-conductive
and just used as building blocks.
T
he touch plate (80) is a type of switch when both
electrodes are touched together using your finger, shorts
the two electrodes and a small amount of current flows,
activating the circuit.
The LED (70) is a light emitting diode inside the star, and
may be thought of as a special one-way light bulb. In the
“forward” direction (indicated by the “arrow” in the
symbol) electricity flows if the voltage exceeds a turn-on
threshold (about 1.5V); brightness then increases. A
high current will burn out the LED, so the current must
be limited by other components in the circuit. LEDs block
electricity in the “reverse” direction.
The 4.5V lamp (76) contains a special wire (filament)
that glows bright when a large electric current passes
through it. Voltages above the bulb’s rating can burn out
the wire.
The motor (95) converts electricity into mechanical
motion. Electricity is closely related to magnetism, and
an electric current flowing in a wire has a magnetic field
similar to that of a very, very tiny magnet. Inside the
motor are three coils of wire with many loops. If a large
electric current flows through the loops, the magnetic
effects become concentrated enough to move the coils.
The motor has a magnet inside, so as the electricity
moves the coils to align them with the permanent
magnet, the shaft spins.
About Your E-Blox
®
Circuit Builder™ Parts
EBX120_Manual_042817 5/17/2017 10:54 AM Page 12