How to Explore the Circuit Board for Circuit Bending

Circuit bending is an unusual and fun hobby that includes re-wiring an electronic toy or instrument to make different sounds than those that are already recorded. This can be done with a few simple tools and some time to explore the circuit board to see which sounds you can create.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Alligator clips
• Electronic toy
• Heat-resistant surface
• Screwdrivers
• Batteries

1. Gather the tools you will need for your circuit bending project and prepare a work area complete with a heat-resistant surface.

2. Dismantle the toy you are bending and pop the circuit board out of its holding area without compromising the wiring. The circuit board will be a large square, often green, board with a number of silver circuits on it and wires connecting it to other components within the casing.

3. Attach one side of the alligator clips to a random contact. Make sure the toy is on and press some of the buttons to make sure it works. If it doesn't, change the batteries and try again. Once the toy is working properly, explore the circuits.

4. Use the other end of the alligator clips to touch to different circuits as you push buttons on the face of the toy. This will give you an idea of where each sound originates. It will also give you a chance to find new and interesting sounds that the toy is not programmed to make. Work around the circuit board to find different sounds.