How to Measure Wire for Circuit Bending

Circuit bending is a popular hobby that includes "bending," or short circuiting an electronic toy or instrument so you can utilize the circuit board to create new sounds. You control these sounds by installing additional switches. Before you can start circuit bending, though, you need to know how to measure wire to connect to the circuit board.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electronic toy
• Heat-resistant surface
• Batteries
• Jewelers screwdrivers
• Alligator clips
• Switches
• Wire
• Wire cutters/strippers

1. Decide on the electronic toy you are going to bend and set up your work station. This should include a heat-resistant surface. If you do not have a heat-resistant surface, purchase a heat-resistant mat from a hardware, home improvement or craft store.

2. Gather the other tools you will need. You may need other tools along the way and can determine this as you go.

3. Explore the circuit board using alligator clips. This is done by putting one end of the alligator clip on a circuit, then using one hand to push the buttons on the front of the toy and the other to touch the open end of the alligator clips to different circuits on the board. Once you find some bends you like, it's time to install switches and connect them.

4. Install a switch by referring to instructions in eHow article, "Insert the Switch for Circuit Bending," then decide the bends this switch will be wired to.

5. Measure the wire from the contact on the switch to the circuit you will be connecting the switch to, and cut it about two inches longer. This will give you enough length to strip and solder the ends, without making the wire too long.

6. Connect the wire by following the steps outlined in the eHow article titled, "Strip and Cut Wire For Circuit Bending."