Fun with Transistors

Transistors are the backbone of modern electronics. In a circuit, they function as either amplifiers or switches. It’s hard to imagine that simple knowledge could help you build a functional gadget, but today the HackMakeMod team is helping you start down that path. We’ll help you understand how an NPN transistor functions as a switch and show you how it can create a light-sensitive or temperature-sensitive warning device.

It is easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged by advanced aspirational project builds when starting your journey in DIY electronics. While your goal may be building a computer or radio, starting with a few smaller DIY projects like this increases the chances you can successfully achieve those goals. Tackling an aspirational build is much easier when you understand how each component works together and have confidence you can get those components integrated into the smaller systems needed to build the project.

Need the parts? You can buy the kit in our store...

Find the schematics here...

Timecode for each section:
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - What we need
2:04 - How a breadboard works
3:05 - Simple Circuit
9:46 - Oscillating Circuit
17:22 - SR Latch
23:09 - Review and wrap up
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#Transistor #NPNTransistor #DIYElectronics #DIY #Make #Electronics #BreadboardCircuit #BreadboardProject

[wchitwood]

5th birthday i got a 101 transistor experimenters kit. When i finally understood how a transistor switches electricity without moving parts, i was totally hooked and became a self taught electrical engineer two decades later. Clept out of most classes for my degree. You can be anything you want if you are dedicated and fully interested in what you love to do. Find what you love and you'll never work a day in your life because it wont feel like work! Inspire someone now and genius will follow.

[StataProfessor]

In my last 30 years, I always wanted to understand transistors, but nobody made it so simple, finally I have learned about transistors. Such a great teacher.

[rishik]

I hope you won't stop uploading these types of videos. I've always been confused why there are so many resistors. You showed me why we need it by intentionally burning one of your LEDs. Thank you. We need people like you to make us understand even the minute details. You are making electronics interesting for everyone.

[mahdi]

this is one of the best detailed videos about electronics . Thanks

[andreelb]

I've had a basic understanding of what a transistor does for a decade and a half. But it was seemingly impossible for me to ever use them in practice, mostly because I would not know which specific one to use for my ideas, but also because of all the obscure little details like pulldown resistors, bias voltages, etc. Having a guide like this that actually shows you how a general purpose transistor can be used in a variety of ways is gold! It's really easy to follow along when the unknowns are already figured out for you!

[AlbertoGoldX]

What a fantastic video! I am an electrical engineer from an Ivy League and let me tell you you man are literally a jewel of a teacher making the topic easy to understand motivating the topic with a fun circuit. Motivate and teach in a playful and special way. Thank you very much for your videos and your time. Most splendid. ❤

[planktonfun]

I have now have a use of my 50 transistors lying around

[PilotMcbride]

Thank you for your channel. Here is my story.
I started my apprenticeship back in the early 1970s and initially worked on relay logic ccts that included mechanical rotary selector switches that were also used in telephone exchanges and various relays, relay logic and control systems. I also worked on plant (still in service at that time that was installed around 1918, but that’s another story 😂)
I was then involved in the project of changing the control network over to predominantly TTL which involved hu feed of control cubicles at a central location and at remote locations, very few ICa and all this off hundreds of A0 size drawings. The design and control engineer committed his final act (ever) when we were about 79% done so I was moved to other work while the authority searched for a replacement. I moved on to a new employer and new field that didn’t directly involve electronics directly which required me to basically ditch electronics and learn new theory. Now retired for several years, I was recently reviewing some old notes I discovered and having once been thoroughly intrigued by solid state wizardry I’m now “roped in again” 😂.
I found your channel and look forward to working through it to relearn long lost knowledge and skills as well as a few of the newer heeby jeeby bits.
Oh, and I forgot, starting in the back end of the 60s, through to the start of the 80s I pirated ham radio, but all the equipment I had was valve, but again, that’s another story 😂.
Thanks for posting my friend, if you lose me, better come find me. 😂
Cheers (73s) 👋👋👋

[janmichael]

I could never wrap my head around electronics, but this was eye-opening, and it all suddenly it all clicked in place. Thank you so much.

[frasermderry]

Very well explained and demonstrated. I'm a retired EE (1973) and found your video quite interesting.
Thanks.

[johnvirgin]

Thanks so much for this. The best description and explanation on YouTube by a long.

[VinojJohnHosan]

I have electronics degree, but I learned the basics perfect about transistors than in college

[patchesdf]

Thank you so much for posting this. This is the very first time I tried making something like this on youtube and it worked. I've been plowing through a bunch of other youtube videos that claimed to be for beginners but they kept skipping over several vital pieces of information needed to complete their projects. Yours was fully comprehensive and very well done :)

[fvgoya]

I'm extremely beginner about electronics. This video is one one the MOST AWESOME and EASY to undrstand about Transistors. I Never saw an explanation a PRACTICAL EXAMPLE like this one. No kidding. This videos is Thank you very much.

[djDeeDizzy]

Please give ore content like this, it was so simple to understand and build with you. THANK YOU

[AusWorkshop]

Great video. I learnt all this as a kid over 35 years ago. Brings back happy memories. I always wanted to invent something and become rich. Here I am all these years later with electronics knowledge that never made me any money. It's a little depressing. These days it's all mass produced microprocessors that are disposable throw away items like toys, junk a few years later when something better is marketed to us.

[FourthElement]

You’re the best teacher of electronics on YouTube

Thank you! This is a very detailed explanation and the speaking pace suitable for non-native English speakers to follow.

[JustMe-dxxl]

10 out of 10 thumbs up for this video. Very clear & concise demonstration & explanation.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[PrestonK]

at 58k & 510K views for this and your soldering vid, please more fundamental tutorials. We need you.