This class presents a small, easy to solder project that can be used in the community for beginner\'s soldering classes. The idea is to present a short class in basic soldering skills with the end product being a simple circuit built in class that the student can take home.

The iconic lights from the car in the original knight rider series are reproduced in several projects generally available on the internet using a variety of schematics and components. To keep the kit simple and low cost, we settled on a popular design using a 555 timer and a 4017 decade counter.

We intend to make these classes available at a low cost to local schools, clubs and anyone interested in learning the basics of constructing an electronic gadget from basic components.

The basic goals of the class are to:

• reach out to and educate the community,
• inspire a new generation of electronics hackers and engineers,
• and support 10BitWorks financially to keep its doors open to the community.

Before taking the class the student should be proficient in:

• there are no requirements for this class

After the class the student will be able to:

• use a soldering iron
• understand solder bridges and how to fix them
• use continuity tests to verify their soldered projects
• read a schematic containing simple components such as resistors, diodes, capacitors, and ICs
• explain the function of a diode
• explain the function of an Astable 555 timer
• explain the function of a decade counter

Our target price for the class is about $20 per student, which includes the cost of the kit including batteries, a printed guide, and classroom incidentals such as soldering tools and consumables.

It is our intention to recruit sponsors to allow us to provide subsidized classes for schools and organizations in lower income areas in and around the San Antonio area. If you are interested in contributing to this project, please watch our promo video for more info and please spread it around! :)

Firstly, we need to finish up our non-profit paperwork in order to attract donors. Done! We still need to apply for tax-exempt status in Texas. The Texas C-Bar provides pro bono legal assistance to community-based non-profits like us. Local grants then can be applied for at the SA Area Foundation.

Target date for this class is Spring 2012 in time to get members ready for the CMKT 4 circuit-bending workshop Apr 4.

Unless stated before class, all materials will be provided by the instructor.

The instructor will provide the following materials:

• soldering iron
• solder
• desoldering wick or bulb
• the knight-rider project kit as described below

The text manual will include the following content

• Content of this wiki
• Explanation of a 555 timer and the 3 modes of operation
• Project Schematic
• Soldering is Easy web comic (one page version)
• Instructions to solder the knight-rider lights project
• Instructions to verify solder points

The Bill of materials, or BOM, is saved as a project on the mouser electronics on-line store. Refer to AccessID F2697C82BF

*Prices in table good as of June 6, 2011

Fritzing was used at first but we had trouble getting the traces in the final PCB so we\'re trying Eagle now, too.

PCB File [ Fritzing(deprecated) ]

The next step is to design a custom printed circuit board that eliminates the need for jumper wires, simplifying the construction of the project.

The custom PCB will also include a silkscreen component guide and soldermask to further simplify the construction process and beautify the finished product.