Before you learn how to make a buzzer, you must know what a buzzer is. The buzzer is an electronic device that makes an audible sound when an external voltage is applied. The outcome of such a buzzer circuit results in a beeping or a buzzing sound. You must have come across a buzzer in different quiz competitions or game shows. Such machines are generally used in the tie-breaker rounds of the game. If you want to know how to make a buzzer circuit, you must first know what does a buzzer do.
The Functionality of a Buzzer
As stated earlier, a buzzer is an electronic device. It has a circuit being carefully designed in it. When the circuit is completed, the electric current flows through it and externally manifests as the buzzing sound. The circuit is connected to a diaphragm present inside the machine. When the voltage is applied to the machine, the diaphragm vibrates frantically, resulting in its sound. In the resting stage, the circuit is broken at the point of application of force. When an external force is enforced to the buzzer, such as pressing the buzzer button, the current passes through the circuit and activates the buzzer.
The buzzer might be continuously active throughout the time the person presses the button. However, it might also have a mechanism to disrupt the circuit after some time automatically. In such a scenario, the buzzer will stop the sound even if the button is pressed for a long time. Such a mechanism will help save energy since the sound is generally required for a few seconds.
What is a Buzzer Circuit?
The electrical circuit present inside a buzzer is called a buzzer circuit. If you wish to make the buzzer circuit at your home, you can use the armature as a key in the circuit. If you pull down the armature, the circuit gets disconnected. As a result, the nail will lose its magnetism field, bringing the armature back to the field again. The armature will move up and again close the circuit. As the circuit is completed, the entire cycle is completed. Such a cycle continues to take place repeatedly, and the buzzer will work.
Creating a Flipper
Creating the flipper is the next step in the process of how to make a buzzer circuit. For this process, you need to have a bare copper wire, which you need to bend. This bent copper wire will act as a flipper. It is so-called since it will flip the circuit from the off position to the on position and vice versa. In most advanced buzzer making kits, such copper-based flippers were included. Otherwise, you have to use your own bare copper wire to make the flippers. Try to attach one end of the wire on the board while the other end on the armature top. You can use a screw for this purpose.
For connecting the buzzer, it is important to connect the red wire to the flipper screw. You will find the red wire connected to the battery holder. After connecting the red wire, connect the other wire attached to the armature to the key. This circuit will enable the electricity to pass through the armature and then enter the key.
Buzzer Test
After you have prepared the buzzer circuit, it is time to check the functionality of the buzzer. For that reason, you need to run the buzzer test. In this test, you need to push the key so that the circuit is connected. If you do not hear any buzzing sound, then you might need to perform some troubleshooting steps. Some of these steps include:
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Ensure that the flipper wire touches the armature when placed in the upward position.
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Also, ensure that the flipper wire does not touch the armature when placed in the downward position.
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Consider all the connections and secure them wherever applicable. Make sure that there are no loose connections.
The above model is a simple description of how to make a buzzer circuit. Although the ones available in the market consider more complex mechanisms, this simple model will enable the students to learn a buzzer in a circuit. The students can follow such a model to make buzzers at home.