HarveyH42

How about a separate thread for the actual projects, and another for imaginative ways to circumvent the rules.

Anyway, a potentiometer is one component, and should be counted as such. Is an extra resistor going to give the project such a huge advantage? Judging from the tone of this thread, got a hunch this isn't gaining much popularity.

ElectroMaster stated things pretty simple and clearly, why make it such a nightmare. I probably would have put something in about what order project are submitted. First entered, should carry more weight over similar/same later entries.

Glyph

Sorry if i'm making things a nightmare, i just want to make sure i understand the rules before i submit something and end up looking like an idiot because i didn't understand the rules.

The great majority of projects will probably easily fit with the rules clearly and unambiguously. But there are a small set of projects which might use imaginative configurations or components that have alternative intepretations as to their use and function. I'm not trying to circumvent the rules, i want to fit within them. In order to do so, i have to know what they are.

jpanhalt makes a good example with his football example.

Whether a rule is one way or another doesn't really matter, as long as there *IS* a rule that everyone can understand and then adjust their actions accordingly. No one is going to complain about the potentiometer rule as long there *IS* one. I was stirring up discussion over it because there wasn't one and i was uncertain how to label my circuit.

Whatever decision the judges make, i'll abide it, as long as they make a decision.

3v0

Think voltage divider. You can use one pot or two fixed resistors.

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jpanhalt

Are there limits on diodes and inductors? If the inductor or capacitor is an input device, I assume it is not limited. Is that correct? Does the same go for Hall transistors?

John

3v0

Using limited components you must build the most imaginative electronics project. You can use any number and type of interface components (for example LEDs, Relays, Switches, speakers, mics, etc.), however you are limited to maximum of 4 transistors, 10 resistors, and 6 capacitors. You must have a decent amount of text explaining your project, any schematics and also a photo of the completed project.

Interface components provide input or output to your project. The examples given were (LEDs, Relays, Switches, speakers, mics, etc). This list provides the spirit of what an interface component is. I do not see a capacitor or inductor as an input device unless it was part of an input device such as a mic or a speaker. If in doubt ask.

As an interface component you can use a relay to turn on a lamp. You can not use relays to build logic circuits. You can use LED's as as indicators, you can not use them in your circuit as a stand in for other diodes.

I can see the use of Hall effect transistors as interface component. If not they should be counted as a transistor. I have no idea if it even makes sense, but this is a contest about innovation.

Nigel can best answer the question about diodes and inductors. This contest is his idea and he is showing interest, so I will not speculate.

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jpanhalt

Thanks for the clarification, 3V0.

Examples of how a capacitor or inductor could be used as input devices are as various sensors (e.g., volume, pressure, distance, field). Resistors, too, would fall in that category.

I think the distinction of I/O vs. circuit proper is workable, although nothing is perfect. John

Nigel Goodwin

Really it's a matter of common sense, bearing in mind it's going to be judged, and anything which the judges consider are 'bending the rules' is going to result in lower marks.

Remember, the idea is to keep it cheap and simple.

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whiz115

what does that mean?

3v0

It means that LEDs are interface components when they are used as indicators.

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Torben

. . .or as sensors?


Torben

whiz115

and if they're not going to be used as indicators...then what?

3v0

Nigel said to use common sense regarding the rules. That encourages innovation which is good.

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Nigel Goodwin

Any 'problems' can be sorted out between the judges in the private forum.

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Pommie

I think it could be interesting to see what people could come up with as "interface components", maybe this could be a side competition. Does Vf of an LED vary with temperature?

Mike.

shokjok

My innovative circuit uses two relays and five switches, and is within the parts limit set in the rules. I built it 21 years ago, and it still works to this day. I will put it to temperature testing this summer, to determine its coldest allowable operating temperature - going to the Rockies.
Not a simple circuit, and without intellectual property protection.