300-In-1 Electronic Lab
(280-0270)                 Preparation                Faxback Doc. # 19471

SORTING THE PARTS

To help you easily build the projects, sort the separate parts by part
name, value, etc.  Use several small boxes, or one box with divided
sections (such as an ornament box or a shelf of a hardware box) for each
group of parts.  Label the box or section of box so you can easily find
the part you want.  For example, label a box or section "6.8k Resistors."

TIPS FOR CONNECTIONS

The kit has specially designed spring terminals and easy-to-use breadboard
to make connections easy.  Use the following tips when connecting term-
inals.  You might want to practice connections before you begin a project.

    To connect a wire to spring terminals, bend the spring to one side
    and insert the wires into the opening.

    To insert more than one wire into a spring terminal without
    disconnecting the first wire, bend the spring toward the side with
    the first wire.

    To ensure proper connection, insert only the exposed part of the
    wire (lead) in the spring terminal.  If you insert the wire's
    plastic insulation into the terminal, electrical contact won't occur
    and the circuit won't work.

    To remove wires from a spring terminal, bend the terminal and pull
    the wires from the terminal.

    To Properly insert resistors, capacitors, and diodes into the
    breadboard, keep the pins from touching each other.  Also, you might
    have to bend the pins or pull them apart to reach the contact points
    you need.

After using your kit for a while, some of the exposed wire ends might
break off.  If this happens, just remove 3/8 inch of insulation from the
broken end and twist the strand together.  You can remove the insulation
with a penknife or wire stripper cutter (available from Radio Shack).

INSTALLING BATTERIES

The kit requires six AA batteries.  We recommend Radio Shack Catalog Num-
ber 23-552 for longest life.  Follow these steps to install batteries.

1.  Press down on the battery compartment and slide it off in the
    direction of the arrow.

2.  Install the batteries observing the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked
    inside the compartment.  The + end of a battery is the one with the
    small metal cap.

3.  Replace the compartment's cover.

When you do not plan to use the kit for a week or more, remove the
batteries.  Never leave weak or dead batteries in the kit.  Weak or dead
batteries can leak damaging chemicals, even if they are "leak-proof" type.


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