If you are new to electronics and kit building here is a brief introduction to electronic component identification. If you still need help please email our Support Team.

Resistors

Standard resistors are NOT polarised and can be placed in the PCB any way around.

The most common have four bands. Bands 1 and 2 identify the first two digits, band 3 is the Multiplier and band 4 is the tolerance (normally Gold 5%)

The Multipliers are:

R = x 0

K = x 1,000

M = x 1,000,000

The kit parts list might contain for example, a 4K7 resistor. The K refers to the number multiplier (K = x 1,000). The position of the K between the 4 and 7 identifies the position of the decimal point so we have

4.7 x 1,000 = 4,700 Ohms (with a colour code of Yellow, Violet, Red)

Another example is say 56R. This gives us 56 x 0 = 56 Ohm resistor with colour code Green, Blue, Black.

You will find some five band resistors in our kits and this colour code is likely to be associated with the more precision 1% and 2% types. The work in a similar way to the four band but the first three bands are used to determine the numbers, band 4 is the multiplier and band 5 is the tolerance - see table below for details. Your "garden variety" 5% general purpose types will be four band resistance codes.

Resistor Networks

Many resistor networks have an orientation marked with a dot at the end of one side. This dot must be marks pin 1. This pin is marked on the PCB by a square box at one end of the main box.

Capacitors

Electrolytic Capacitors

Electrolytic capacitors are POLARISED devices which means they must be inserted with the correct polarity. The long leg denotes the POSITIVE lead and on the opposite side of body is a black band with a minus sign.

Ceramic Capacitor Codes

How to read a Ceramic capacitor with Numeric coding.

Multiplier Table (Ceramic)

Common Temperature Coefficient Codes (Ceramic)

Diodes

All diodes are polarised and must be inserted with the correct orientation to avoid damage to the circuit.

Signal &Y Power Diodes

Diodes are polarised and need to be inserted with the band marked at one end of the body (the cathode) to the band marked on the PCB.

Diodes come all all shapes and sizes but the ones used most often in our kits are 1N4148 signal diodes (orange body with blank band) and 1N4004 rectifier diodes (black with silver band). Both are marked on the body with their part number.

Zener Diodes

You may also find Zener diodes. These look similar to the 1N4148s and are easily muddled up! The voltage is marked on the body e.g. a 5.6V Zener will have 5V6 on the body.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are found in many kits. They are normally red in colour but green and yellow are also sometimes used. LEDs are polarised and must be inserted the correct way.

The negative (cathode) lead is indicated in most cases by a "flat" on that side of the body. This flat is also indicated on the PCB legend for orientation purposes. You may also find that the positive (anode) lead is indicated on the board, corresponding to the long leg of the LED.

Transistors

Integrated Circuits

Most Integrated Circuits (ICs) are STATIC SENSITIVE and correct anti-static handling procedures must be observed to avoid damaging them. You might wish to invest in one of the HTS131 Anti-static Wrist Bands that we sell.

Most ICs supplied in our kits are standard DIP Dual Inline Packages.

Unless otherwise instructed ICs should only be inserted once assembly has finished and the board tested (check the voltages present in the IC socket are correct before proceeding). It is important to remove all packing materials including silver foil before inserting the ICs into the IC socket or board. NEVER insert or remove an IC when the board is powered up.

To ensure correct orientation, identify the notch or dot at one end of the body. Pin 1 of the IC is to the left of this marking. Match this to the notch on the board legend and insert the IC, taking care not to bend the legs.

If you need to remove an IC you can use a flat bladed screwdriver. Slide it between the IC socket and the body of the IC and slowly prise it out. Take you time and certainly DO NOT try to pull it out will pliers otherwise you will break legs off.

Miscellaneous

Please see the website http://zeus.cedcc.psu.edu/comp_id_tool.html for help with other components not listed above.