How to Test the Body Contacts for Circuit Bending

Circuit bending is re-wiring an electronic toy or instrument to make different sounds than it is programmed to do. This is done by installing switches, buttons or contacts in the toy that are not a part of the manufactured case. Testing the installed body contacts is important to make sure they work before closing up the casing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Set up your work space for a circuit bending project. The work area should be heat-resistant. If you don't have a heat-resistant work area, consider purchasing a heat-resistant mat. These can be purchased at most hardware and craft stores.

2. Install the various switches and body contacts you are interested in installing onto the toy. There are a variety of switches that can be installed on the toy, dependent only on the empty space available and your imagination. The switches and body contacts would then be wired to the circuit board to create sounds.

3. Make sure there are batteries in the toy and turn it on. If there is an introductory or welcome message with the toy, let it play before you start testing the body contacts.

4. Moisten your finger tips and touch one to the main contact while touching another contact. Each combination of contacts should make a different sound. Test these now by going through the different body contact combinations and flipping the switch back and forth.

5. Re-check the wire connected to the back of the body contact, if it doesn't work, to make sure it is in the hole tightly. If not, you will need to remove the solder and re-install the body contact.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to practice standard safety guidelines and use common sense when working with the various tools involved with circuit bending. This could include a soldering iron, drill and the electronic toy itself.