Fireworks Controller

Step 8 Wiring the components: part 2

Before connecting the LEDs, we first have to solder together 24 pairs of the resistors. Remember that for resistors, direction doesn't matter. To make things easier, cut about half the length of of one side of each resistor before you solder them together so the whole assembly takes up less space.

Once all 24 pairs of resistors are soldered together, you can solder them in between the negative side of the LEDs (the shorter lead) and the side of the pushbutton switch attached to the speaker terminal for each channel. We'll be doing both the green and red LEDs in the same step, since they both connect to the same place.

To make things easier when soldering the resistors to the LEDs, where they connect to the pushbutton switch, you can solder the resistors for the red LED to the switch tab, and then solder the green LED resistors to the red LED resistor lead so they are not both attached directly to the small pushbutton switch tab. A diagram is included in the photos below to help clear this up since it is a bit confusing.

Comments

[airsoftjunke]

does it matter what side the resistor is on the LED? also, i would have thought the resistor would go on the positive side if it did matter.

[pastaking]

As a rule, I try to put all my resistors, diodes etc on the negative leg of components. It makes debugging a circuit so much easier.

[systemf92]

no, it does not matter what side of the LED the resistor is on.

[KaydenST]

What kind of resistor are you using? How many ohms. Or just give me the color code.

[systemf92]

As described in "Step 1: Parts" of the instructable, forty-eight 470 ohm resistors are used in this project.

[Arirox]

Hey Guys, I know heeps about electronis and all but idk what side plus and minus are on a led can you please tell me or dosent it matter? please reply

[mad magoo]

Generally, on LEDs with a rim around the bottom of the plastic part, the flat side is negative.

[Arirox]

haha thortso thanks guys

[Schooniedude]

longer side is positive

[pontiacking]

Could you put the negative side of the red and green LED in the cinter and solder one set of resistors to both insted of one set to each LED

[systemf92]

certainly, this will be part of the improvement of the next version of the controller.

[pontiacking]

Have you that of using D B pin connector's like for a PC and having slats for you're speaker terminals.

[systemf92]

i'll also use this in the next version, i certainly find this much easier to set up then having individual wires. thanks.

[Jason Bourne]

i see u read popular science. i guse u were reading the one with the athlete om the front in that new suit

[systemf92]

haha indeed i do, it's a cool magazine.