Data Sheet

About Your E-Blox
®
Circuit Blox™ Parts
(Part designs are subject to change without notice).
The base grid (39) 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 ows.
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 eld. When exposed to a magnetic
eld, the switch closes (ON). When the magnetic eld is
removed the switch opens (OFF).
The blue level blocks (100 & 200) are non-conductive
and just used as building blocks.
The LEDs (69 & 70) are light emitting diodes inside
the heart & 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 ows if the voltage
exceeds a turn-on threshold (between 1.8V to 3.3V
typically); 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 (lament)
that glows bright when a large electric current passes
through it. Voltages above the bulb’s rating can burn out
the wire.
The alarm (78) converts electricity into sound by making
mechanical vibrations. These vibrations create variations
in air pressure which travel across the room. You “hear”
sound when your ears feel these air pressure variations.
The maze (37) provides a challenge to test the steadiness
of your hands. See if you can move the hook through the
maze without touching it.
The generator (99) converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
The hand crank (94) is used to provide mechanical
energy to the generator by turning the crank.
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