Description Circuit Scribe Kits
The Circuit Scribe does exactly what the name promises: it creates circuit diagrams on paper that function directly as circuits. This means you can connect a battery and, for example, a lamp and have a new light source. But that's just the first step, because with the accessories, much more is possible!
Circuit Scribe is a Kickstarter project by a team of doctoral students from the University of Illinois.
How does it work?
The basic function of the Circuit Scribe is as simple as it is ingenious. The rollerball pen, which looks like a regular ballpoint pen, contains conductive silver ink (silver is the element with the highest electrical conductivity). This allows you to draw functional circuits on any regular sheet of paper. This makes the twisted and crumpled cables and banana plugs from physics class look pretty old. By the way, the Circuit Scribe was developed with a focus on education and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Next, of course, you need power. To ensure that all other components of the circuit diagram stay in the right place, the sets (except Lite) include a steel plate that you place under the paper. All of Circuit Scribe's accessories have magnetic feet, so you can firmly set the various parts in place. This also makes it more than easy to change the circuit at any time or discard it altogether. You only need a new sheet of paper. :) To ensure the distances are correct and no interruptions occur in the circuit, all kits except Lite come with a stencil that specifies the various distances of the contacts and allows you to draw perfect round connections. You can best see how it all works in the video on the left.
Of course, you can do more with the Circuit Scribe than just make a lonely light bulb glow. The various kits contain different accessories and give you numerous possibilities for experimentation.
The basic kit with 11 parts contains everything you need for a few different plans and experiments. In addition to the basic equipment, it includes:
- 2 x Bi-LED The Bi-LED lights up either blue or red, depending on the direction of the current. So just turn it around to change the color.
- 1 x On/Off Switch, also SPST switch (Single Pole Single Throw). The switch works like a normal light switch and allows you to turn the circuit on and off.
- 1 x 2-Pin Adapter With this adapter, you can install resistors, capacitors, or even contact sensors. The set includes 5 different strength resistors, 1 photoresistor that reacts to light (the more light falls on it, the lower the electrical resistance), and 2 different capacitors.
- 1 x NPN Transistor, which works as a switch and amplifier.
- 1 x English Manual that explains all the functions.
Additionally, there is a book with detailed explanations and instructions as well as numerous models for circuits. On the additional blank pages, you can record your own circuit diagrams and notes. The book is in English.
You can see all the parts in the photos. You can also buy individual modules to expand your circuits individually. We have the basic entry modules and for advanced users, the expert modules. The pen is also available separately in case you run out of ink at some point (although that takes quite a while and many circuits).
Circuit Scribe allows you to work particularly accurately and clearly without needing heavy tools like pliers or side cutters. need. This is useful when teaching, but it is also appreciated by all geeks who love order in their technology. ;) Unlike unpredictable cables, everything is sorted and also looks good. If you are more of a fan of controlled chaos, you will also like Circuit Scribe, because the pen makes it possible to incorporate the most intricate detours. ;) You don't have to limit yourself to DIN A4.
Even if the professionals roll their eyes now, a note for the worried: the paper will not be heated by the circuit and will not catch fire. :)
