1.5: Some Notes

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There is a wiring convention used in this book which the reader should be aware of. This book uses 4 colors of wires: red, black, yellow, and green. Red wires are wires which are always expected to carry a positive voltage. Black wires are wires which are always expected to be connected to ground. Yellow wires are used for wires running from the battery towards the output LED. Green wires are used for wires which recycle backwards towards the battery (the use of green wires will become clearer when the latch and counter circuits are implemented). The only reason these colors were chosen is to enhance the readability of the circuits for the text. The standard material for the lab kit only recommends purchasing black wire. The color of the wire is inconsequential to the working of the circuit, though using only black wire means your circuits will appear slightly different from the ones in the text, and be harder to read.

Be careful when doing the labs: The exercises in this book require the reader to strip wire and to use simple logic chips. While a young person could do the exercises in this book, it is intended for an adult audience or at least adult supervision. The parts are small, pointy and sharp, and care should be used when handling them. Clipping and stripping wires can result in small pieces of plastic and metal becoming airborne. The components used in these circuits can become very hot, especially if installed backwards. While there is nothing inherently dangerous in working with the circuits, care should be used. Safety glasses are recommended, and if any chip or part of the circuit become hot, quickly remove the power by disconnecting the battery. Do not touch any hot chips or other components, and wait for chips or other components to cool before handling them.