Parts List
Construction Notes
Click here if you're new to constructing stripboard projects.
The terminals are a good set of reference points. To fit them - you may need to enlarge the holes slightly. Then turn the board over and use a felt-tip pen to mark the 19 places where the tracks are to be cut. Before you cut the tracks, use the "actual size" drawing to
Check That The Pattern is Correctly Marked .
Actual Size
When you're satisfied that the pattern is right - cut the tracks. Make sure that the copper is cut all the way through. Sometimes a small strand of copper remains at the side of the cut and this will cause malfunction. Use a magnifying glass - and backlight the board. It only takes the smallest strand of copper to cause a problem. If you don't have the proper track-cutting tool - a 6 to 8 mm drill-bit will do. Just use the drill-bit as a hand tool - there's no need for a drilling machine.
Next make and fit the
Seven Wire Links and the four resistors. For the links - I used bare copper wire on the component side of the board. Telephone cable is suitable - the single stranded variety used indoors to wire telephone sockets. Stretching the core slightly will straighten it - and also allow the insulation to slip off.
Then fit the two diodes - the transistor - the relay - the IC socket - the three capacitors - and the LED. Pay particular attention to the orientation of the diodes. See the
Photograph Of The Prototype. Note that D1 is facing downwards.
Turn the board over and examine the underside carefully. Make sure that there are no unwanted solder links or other connections between the tracks. If you backlight the board during the examination - it makes potential problem areas easier to spot.
When you're satisfied that everything is in order - add the 3 (blue) solder links. These are just small blobs of solder. I've used them to connect adjacent tracks. They're a simple and convenient alternative to wire links.
Finish off by inserting the 4017 into the socket. Make sure that Pin 1 of the IC is in the top left-hand corner. And check that all 16 pins have entered the socket. Sometimes - instead of entering the socket - a pin will curl up under the IC.
You Are Now Ready To Test Your Circuit
