Parts and Tools
Finally, I got most parts and tools I ordered coming. Here are family photos of what I have so far.
Practice 01: Setting up Breadboard
I basically follow the Measuring 1 Video to set up the breadboard. I first wired it with the DC power jack and powered the breadboard with a 12V DC power supply. Then I tried to add in the 3.3V voltage regulator that I have. But either the voltage regulator got super hot, or the multimeter wouldn't read the right number. After 3 or 4 times failing, I realized I might get a different type of voltage regulator. So I went back and checked the datasheet of mine, and I found the ground pin and the output pin on my voltage regulator was opposite to what was shown in the video!! Check the Datasheet!!!
Practice 02: Multimeter Tool
After setting up the multimeter, I first started with measuring the DC power supply. It worked perfectly, as shown in the photo below. I also tried to measure continuity by touching the two ends of a wire and the two ends of a switch. Then I stuck the probes into two random holes of my breadboard, and this helped me understand how the circuit behind the breadboard was built.
However, when I touched the two tips of the probes together, it didn't work as I expected. The number, instead of being less than 0.01, was usually over 500. Did I do something wrong here? (problem solved, press them tightly together)
Practice 03: Circuit with switches
Now the breadboard was set up successfully, I wanted to try adding a LED. I didn't put any resistor, because my voltage regulator was 3.3V and my LED happened to be 3.3V as well. This part went surprisingly well (compare to practice 01). The LED lit up on the first go. I also added a pushbutton switch to the circuit, to see how they would work in the circuit.
Question Section
01. What is the difference between a center-positive power supply and a center-negative power supply? How should we design the circuit according to the polarity?
02. Could you explain more in detail why this LED won't light up? Is it because the current will always take the path with less resistance, so it will go under the breadboard and directly to the resistor?
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