[BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks] add project (#128)

Author: tardate

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/DuplexTuningCapacitor/README.md

@@ -1,16 +1,16 @@
-# #468 BreadboardBling/DuplexTuningCapacitor
+# #468 Breadboard Bling: Duplex Tuning Capacitor
 
 Making a breadboard-compatible variable capacitor for radio circuits.
 
 ![Build](./assets/DuplexTuningCapacitor_build.jpg?raw=true)
 
 ## Notes
 
-Duplex tuning capacitors aka radio or AM variable capcitors contain two sets of capacitor plates ganged together, with fine tuning adjustment screws for each capacitor.
-Total capacitance is typically under 300pF, but mulitple arrangements are possible as either a single or dual variable capacitor.
+Duplex tuning capacitors aka radio or AM variable capacitors contain two sets of capacitor plates ganged together, with fine tuning adjustment screws for each capacitor.
+Total capacitance is typically under 300pF, but multiple arrangements are possible as either a single or dual variable capacitor.
 
 These components are typically used for radio tuning, and while building radio circuits on a breadboard can be a hairy proposition
-due to all the stray capcitance, a solid mounting for use on a breadboard can minimise the evils.
+due to all the stray capacitance, a solid mounting for use on a breadboard can minimise the evils.
 
 the specific part I'm using is a [duplex 223p 60pf/140pf 2.1mm Hole Shaft Radio Variable Capacitor](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5-Sets-Duplex-223p-60pf-140pf-2-1mm-Hole-Shaft-Radio-Variable-Capacitor-Knob-Screw-s484/32578566833.html) from a seller on aliexpress.
 
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ For my specific part (without trim), I've measured the capacitance range at arou
 * Co: 17pF to 75pF
 * or combined, from 35pF to 235pF
 
-[![TuningCapacitor_schematic](./assets/TuningCapacitor_schematic.jpg?raw=true)](https://www.mikroe.com/ebooks/radio-receivers-from-crystal-set-to-stereo/other-components)
+[![DuplexTuningCapacitor_schematic](./assets/DuplexTuningCapacitor_schematic.png?raw=true)](https://www.mikroe.com/ebooks/radio-receivers-from-crystal-set-to-stereo/other-components)
 
 ## Construction
 

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/LM386AudioAmp/.catalog_metadata

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
     "id": "#469",
     "name": "LM386 Audio Amp",
-    "description": "A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatbile mounting",
+    "description": "A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatible mounting",
     "categories": "Breadboard Bling, Audio, OpAmp",
     "relative_path": "Electronics101/BreadboardBling/LM386AudioAmp",
     "updated_at": "2019-04-15T12:24:50Z",

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/LM386AudioAmp/README.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-# #469 LM386 Audio Amp
+# #469 Breadboard Bling: LM386 Audio Amp
 
-A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatbile mounting.
+A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatible mounting.
 
 ![Build](./assets/LM386AudioAmp_build.jpg?raw=true)
 
@@ -9,13 +9,12 @@ A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compa
 Often I'll want to monitor an audio signal as part of a breadboard circuit.
 One could plug into an external amplifier, or build an amplifier circuit on the breadboard.
 
-Since I do this quite often, I decided to put a standard LM386 audio circuit on to some perfboard,
+Since I do this quite often, I decided to put a standard LM386 audio circuit on to some perf-board,
 with pins arranged so that it can be plugged directly into a breadboard.
 
-
 ## Circuit Design
 
-The circuit is based on examples that are documented in the "Typcial Applications" section of the datasheet.
+The circuit is based on examples that are documented in the "Typical Applications" section of the datasheet.
 
 Specifically, I have chosen to include:
 

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/PotModules/README.md

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# #453 BreadboardBling/PotModules
+# #453 Breadboard Bling: Pot Modules
 
 Making some breadboard-compatible potentiometers and covering some basics of terminology, Ohm's Law and voltage dividers.
 
@@ -11,31 +11,28 @@ A simple little project to make breadboard prototyping just a little more effici
 I'll often want to throw a potentiometer on a breadboard, usually to provide an adjustable voltage reference
 somewhere between ground and the positive power rail. But it can be a bit of a pain:
 
-* standard components with the 5.5mm shaft can be forced into a breadboard, but it is a tight fit and is probably dmaging the breadboard recepticles
+* standard components with the 5.5mm shaft can be forced into a breadboard, but it is a tight fit and is probably damaging the breadboard receptacles
 * trim pots can plug into a breadboard, but the connection is often insecure (they are liable to pop themselves out)
 
-So I finally had enough of this and decided to mount some pots on some protoboard with pins that plug snuggly into a breadboard.
-
+So I finally had enough of this and decided to mount some pots on some protoboard with pins that plug snugly into a breadboard.
 
 ### Terminology
 
-
 * **potentiometer**: the familiar three-terminal component with an adjustable contact (the wiper) that forms a voltage divider. Variants:
-  * Linear potentiometers: with a slider
-  * Trimpots/trimmer pots:
+    * Linear potentiometers: with a slider
+    * Trimpots/trimmer pots:
 * **variable resistor** aka **rheostat**: a two terminal component with adjustable resistance between the terminals
 
 In most applications these days, the role of variable resistor or rheostat is usually filled by using only two terminals of a potentiometer
 
-
 ### Construction
 
 I built two modules (10kΩ, 100kΩ linear type B).
 
 They are mounted on a 5 hole * 5 hole piece of protoboard.
 Pins on the board are configured to connect by default:
 
-* the end terminals of the potentiometer are seated on the power rails of a bradboard
+* the end terminals of the potentiometer are seated on the power rails of a breadboard
 * wiper plugs into a row on the breadboard
 
 Some knobs attached for extra bling.
@@ -49,15 +46,13 @@ The circuit demonstrates the modules being used in both roles:
 * as a rheostat to vary the resistance and therefore current supplied to an LED
 * as a potentiometer voltage divider to control the gate voltage of an n-channel MOSFET to provide low-side switching of an LED
 
-
 ![Breadboard](./assets/PotModules_bb.jpg?raw=true)
 
 ![Schematic](./assets/PotModules_schematic.jpg?raw=true)
 
 ![Build](./assets/PotModules_build.jpg?raw=true)
 
-
-### Experiements in Basic Electronics
+### Experiments in Basic Electronics
 
 Potentiometers are one of the first components that students of basic electronics may encounter,
 and they are particularly useful for exploring and understanding fundamental concepts such as
@@ -79,14 +74,13 @@ A simple experiment to demonstrate the reliability of Ohm's Law:
 
 * connect a voltage across a potentiometer in rheostat mode set to roughly mid-point
 * measure with a multimeter:
-  * voltage across the rheostat
-  * current through the rheostat
-  * resistance of the rheostat at this particular setting (take it out of circuit to make this measurement)
+    * voltage across the rheostat
+    * current through the rheostat
+    * resistance of the rheostat at this particular setting (take it out of circuit to make this measurement)
 * substituting any two of these measurements in the equation `V = IR` should yield the third term close to the measured value
 * repeat with the rheostat adjusted to other positions
 * but be careful of short circuit condition - for this reason, a good idea to have another resistor in series with the rheostat
 
-
 #### The Voltage Divider
 
 Two resistors in series (R1, R2) form a voltage divider.
@@ -96,19 +90,18 @@ The voltage at the join between R1 and R2 is given by the equation:
 
 This equation is actually derived from Ohm's Law.
 
-A potentiometer is in effect a voltage divider in a single package, with the wiper tapping the connection of the upper and lower resistaances (R1, R2 respectively).
+A potentiometer is in effect a voltage divider in a single package, with the wiper tapping the connection of the upper and lower resistances (R1, R2 respectively).
 
 A simple experiment to demonstrate the reliability of the Voltage Divider equation:
 
 * connect a voltage across a potentiometer. measure this voltage
 * with the wiper at various positions, measure with a multimeter:
-  * the voltage at the wiper
-  * the resistance between wiper and terminal connected to the positive voltage (R1)
-  * the resistance between wiper and terminal connected to the negative voltage (R2)
-  * take the potentiometer  out of circuit to make the resistance measurements
+    * the voltage at the wiper
+    * the resistance between wiper and terminal connected to the positive voltage (R1)
+    * the resistance between wiper and terminal connected to the negative voltage (R2)
+    * take the potentiometer  out of circuit to make the resistance measurements
 * substituting any two of these measurements in the equation `V = R2 / (R1 + R2)` should yield the third term close to the measured value
 
-
 ## Credits and References
 
 * [Potentiometer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentiometer)

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/SingleShotTrigger/README.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-# #565 Single-Shot Trigger
+# #565 Breadboard Bling: Single-Shot Trigger
 
 A debounced single-shot pulse generator with inverted amd non-inverted output designed for use on a breadboard.
 
 ![Build](./assets/SingleShotTrigger_build.jpg?raw=true)
 
 ## Notes
 
-This little module is for those breadboard occassions where when one needs a debounced pulse - or possibly an inverted pulse for active low logic.
+This little module is for those breadboard occasions where when one needs a debounced pulse - or possibly an inverted pulse for active low logic.
 
 It uses a 555 timer in monostable mode to debounced a pushbutton, emitting a pulse of trigger a pulse of at least
 [22ms](https://visual555.tardate.com/?mode=monostable&r1=20&c=1) (R1=20k and C1=1uF).
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ A CD4049 is used to buffer and invert the outputs (inverted amd non-inverted) so
 
 ## Construction
 
-First testing the circiut on a breadboard:
+First testing the circuit on a breadboard:
 
 ![Breadboard](./assets/SingleShotTrigger_bb.jpg?raw=true)
 
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ First testing the circiut on a breadboard:
 
 ## Making it a "Breadboard Bling" Module
 
-I went for dead-bug stlye on a small piece of protoboard in order to keep the module small (I don't have SMD versions of these chips on hand).
+I went for dead-bug style on a small piece of protoboard in order to keep the module small (I don't have SMD versions of these chips on hand).
 
 ![SingleShotTrigger_module](./assets/SingleShotTrigger_module.jpg?raw=true)
 

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks/.catalog_metadata

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+{
+    "id": "#594",
+    "name": "Terminal Blocks",
+    "description": "Making some breadboard-compatible terminal blocks for securely connecting random wired devices in circuit.",
+    "categories": "Breadboard Bling, Connectors",
+    "relative_path": "Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks",
+    "updated_at": "2025-02-26T08:07:00Z",
+    "created_at": "2025-02-26T08:07:00Z"
+}

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+# #594 Breadboard Bling: Terminal Blocks
+
+Making some breadboard-compatible terminal blocks for securely connecting random wired devices in circuit.
+
+![Build](./assets/TerminalBlocks_build.jpg?raw=true)
+
+## Notes
+
+When quickly building a circuit on a breadboard, there's often a component that just has unterminated wires.
+
+At first, one  may just try and poke the wires into the breadboard.
+If the wires are un-tinned, this will usually result in completely fraying the ends.
+So the soldering iron gets pulled out to tin the wires.
+
+When the wires inevitably fall out at a crucial juncture in an experiment, it's time to solder some kind of connector to the wires. Maybe just some 2.54mm pitch pins that can be plugged into the breadboard.
+
+And then the wires eventually break at the connector due to metal fatigue..
+
+Bottom line, a real hassle!
+
+### Terminal Blocks to the Rescue
+
+Terminal blocks are modular, insulated connectors used to securely join or terminate multiple wires in circuits, providing a reliable and organized method for managing electrical connections. They consist of a housing made of insulating material (such as plastic or ceramic) and metal terminals (often brass or copper) that conduct electricity and clamp wires in place using screws, spring clamps, or push-in mechanisms. Terminal blocks are widely used in industrial control panels, power distribution systems, and electronic devices to simplify wiring, enable easy maintenance, and ensure safe connections. They come in various types, including barrier strips, feed-through blocks, and ground terminals, and can accommodate different wire sizes, voltages, and current ratings. Their modular design allows for flexibility in circuit design and troubleshooting, making them essential components in both electrical and electronic systems.
+
+There are a wide range of terminal blocks available for industrial applications. For more information, see for example:
+
+* <https://switchesplus.com.au/Exploring-Terminal-Blocks-All-you-need-to-know~61572>
+* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_connector#Screw_terminals>
+
+### PCB Mounted Terminal Blocks with Screw Connectors
+
+The most common type of terminal blocks one may see in the electronic hobbyist arena is the screw-connector, with pins for through-hole PCB mounting.
+
+* e.g. this box set of 2, 3 and 4 terminal units: [50 Pcs/BOX Pitch 5.0mm Straight Pin 2P 3P Screw PCB Terminal Block Connector 10A 300V 24-18AWG](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005595075178.html)
+
+[![1005005595075178](./assets/1005005595075178.jpg)](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005595075178.html)
+
+### PCB Mounted Terminal Blocks with Screwless Connectors
+
+Perhaps more convenient are screwless connectors
+
+* e.g. [10Pcs 2.54mm Pitch KF141V KF141R Push-in Spring Screwless Terminal Block Straight/Bent Foot 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10P PCB Connector](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002381186641.html)
+
+[![1005002381186641](./assets/1005002381186641.jpg)](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002381186641.html)
+
+### Building a Breadboard Module
+
+I don't have any screwless terminal blocks, which would be ideal, so for now I've just put some 2-pin and 3-pin screwed terminal blocks on protoboard with pin connectors to make them breadboard-mountable.
+
+![Build](./assets/TerminalBlocks_build.jpg?raw=true)
+
+These work just fine, and are useful for adding various devices to a breadboard circuit, for example a voltmeter module:
+
+![TerminalBlocks_bb_test](./assets/TerminalBlocks_bb_test.jpg?raw=true)
+
+## Credits and References
+
+* [50 Pcs/BOX Pitch 5.0mm Straight Pin 2P 3P Screw PCB Terminal Block Connector 10A 300V 24-18AWG](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005595075178.html)
+* [10Pcs 2.54mm Pitch KF141V KF141R Push-in Spring Screwless Terminal Block Straight/Bent Foot 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10P PCB Connector](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002381186641.html)

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks/assets/1005002381186641.jpg

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# 657 Little Electronic Art Projects
+# 658 Little Electronic Art Projects
 
 > Latest addition:sparkles: [Inverter-based Push Button Latch](./Electronics101/CD4069/PushButtonLatch) - A latching pushbutton circuit using a CMOS inverter (CD4069)
 

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks/assets/1005005595075178.jpg

@@ -639,6 +639,16 @@
         "created_at": "2021-08-15T13:42:05Z",
         "original_relative_path": "Electronics101/TemperatureSensors/LM35"
     },
+    {
+        "id": "#594",
+        "name": "Terminal Blocks",
+        "description": "Making some breadboard-compatible terminal blocks for securely connecting random wired devices in circuit.",
+        "categories": "Breadboard Bling, Connectors",
+        "relative_path": "electronics101/breadboardbling/terminalblocks",
+        "updated_at": "2025-02-26T08:07:00Z",
+        "created_at": "2025-02-26T08:07:00Z",
+        "original_relative_path": "Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks"
+    },
     {
         "id": "#593",
         "name": "74HC14 Inverter Voltage Multiplier",
@@ -1882,7 +1892,7 @@
     {
         "id": "#469",
         "name": "LM386 Audio Amp",
-        "description": "A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatbile mounting",
+        "description": "A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatible mounting",
         "categories": "Breadboard Bling, Audio, OpAmp",
         "relative_path": "electronics101/breadboardbling/lm386audioamp",
         "updated_at": "2019-04-15T12:24:50Z",

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks/assets/TerminalBlocks_bb_test.jpg

@@ -598,6 +598,15 @@
             "Arduino"
         ]
     },
+    "/electronics101/breadboardbling/terminalblocks/": {
+        "id": 594,
+        "title": "Terminal Blocks",
+        "summary": "Making some breadboard-compatible terminal blocks for securely connecting random wired devices in circuit.",
+        "tags": [
+            "Breadboard Bling",
+            "Connectors"
+        ]
+    },
     "/electronics101/74hc14/voltagemultiplier/": {
         "id": 593,
         "title": "74HC14 Inverter Voltage Multiplier",
@@ -1753,7 +1762,7 @@
     "/electronics101/breadboardbling/lm386audioamp/": {
         "id": 469,
         "title": "LM386 Audio Amp",
-        "summary": "A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatbile mounting",
+        "summary": "A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatible mounting",
         "tags": [
             "Breadboard Bling",
             "Audio",

Electronics101/BreadboardBling/TerminalBlocks/assets/TerminalBlocks_build.jpg

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
   <id>https://leap.tardate.com/</id>
   <icon>https://leap.tardate.com/catalog/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png</icon>
   <logo>https://leap.tardate.com/catalog/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png</logo>
-  <updated>2025-02-25T09:40:00Z</updated>
+  <updated>2025-02-26T08:07:00Z</updated>
   <author>
     <name>Paul Gallagher</name>
     <email>[email protected]</email>
@@ -740,6 +740,17 @@
     <category term="LCD"/>
     <category term="Arduino"/>
   </entry>
+  <entry>
+    <id>https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/terminalblocks/</id>
+    <link href="https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/terminalblocks/"/>
+    <g:image_link>https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/terminalblocks/assets/terminalblocks_build.jpg</g:image_link>
+    <updated>2025-02-26T08:07:00Z</updated>
+    <title>#594 Terminal Blocks</title>
+    <summary>Making some breadboard-compatible terminal blocks for securely connecting random wired devices in circuit.</summary>
+    <content type="html">&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;Making some breadboard-compatible terminal blocks for securely connecting random wired devices in circuit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/terminalblocks/assets/terminalblocks_build.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content>
+    <category term="Breadboard Bling"/>
+    <category term="Connectors"/>
+  </entry>
   <entry>
     <id>https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/74hc14/voltagemultiplier/</id>
     <link href="https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/74hc14/voltagemultiplier/"/>
@@ -2146,8 +2157,8 @@
     <g:image_link>https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/lm386audioamp/assets/lm386audioamp_build.jpg</g:image_link>
     <updated>2019-04-15T12:24:50Z</updated>
     <title>#469 LM386 Audio Amp</title>
-    <summary>A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatbile mounting</summary>
-    <content type="html">&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatbile mounting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/lm386audioamp/assets/lm386audioamp_build.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content>
+    <summary>A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatible mounting</summary>
+    <content type="html">&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;A basic LM386 audio amplifier with volume and gain control on a breadboard-compatible mounting&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://leap.tardate.com/electronics101/breadboardbling/lm386audioamp/assets/lm386audioamp_build.jpg&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content>
     <category term="Breadboard Bling"/>
     <category term="Audio"/>
     <category term="OpAmp"/>