Elenco Electronics SCROV-50 User manual

Copyright © 2008 by Elenco®Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced by 753305
any means; electronic, photocopying, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

-1-
Basic Troubleshooting 1
Parts List 2
How to Use It 3
AboutYour Snap
Circuits®Parts 4, 5
How It Works 6, 7
General Operating
Instructions 7
DO’s and DON’Ts of
Building Circuits 8
Advanced
Troubleshooting 9
Project Listings 10
Projects #1-63 11-43
Other Snap Circuits®
Products 44
Bonus Projects B1 & B2 45
Parts Map 46
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - Never connect Snap Circuits®to
the electrical outlets in your home in any way!
Table of Contents
1. Most circuit problems are due to incorrect assembly, always
double-check that your circuit exactly matches the drawing for it.
2. Be sure that parts with positive/negative markings are positioned
as per the drawing.
3. Be sure that all connections are securely snapped.
4.
Try replacing the batteries in the Rover body and remote control unit.
5. Keep the wheels clean and free of lint, thread, or dirt.
6. If the disc launcher jams, turn the circuit off and remove all discs.
Elenco®Electronics is not responsible for parts damaged due to
incorrect wiring.
Basic Troubleshooting
Note: If you suspect you have damaged parts, you can follow the
Advanced Troubleshooting procedure on page 9 to determine which
ones need replacing.
BATTERIES:
• Use only 1.5V AA type in the Rover body and 9V in the remote control (not
included).
• Insert batteries with correct polarity.
• Non-rechargeable batteries should not be recharged. Rechargable batteries
should only be charged under adult supervision, and should not be recharged
while in the product.
• Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc), or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium)
batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Remove batteries when they are used up.
• Do not short circuit the battery terminals.
• Never throw batteries in a fire or attempt to open its outer casing.
• Batteries are harmful if swallowed, so keep away from small children.
WARNING: Always check your wiring before turning on a circuit.
Never leave a circuit unattended while the batteries are installed.
Never connect additional batteries or any other power sources to
your circuits.
Warning to Snap Circuits®Owners: Do not use parts from other Snap Circuits®sets
with this kit. Deluxe Snap Rover®uses higher voltage which could damage those parts.
Page 44 and our website www.snapcircuits.net has approved circuits that you can use.
!
A NOTE ABOUT THE FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates use of the radio frequency
spectrum in the United States to prevent products from interfering with each other.
Deluxe Snap Rover®has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. Deluxe Snap Rover®
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
Deluxe Snap Rover®does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning Deluxe Snap Rover®off and on, try to correct the interference by:
1. Moving Deluxe Snap Rover®away from the receiver.
2. Contacting Elenco®Electronics for help by calling [phone], or e-mail us at
[email protected].
FCC regulations for your Deluxe Snap Rover®require you to accept any interference from
authorized sources and that you shut down if you are causing interference with other
authorized products.
You should never modify the electrical circuit components inside your Deluxe Receiver (RX2)
or Remote Control transmitter as this may cause malfunctions or violate FCC regulations for
this product.
WARNING FOR DISC LAUNCHER (DL) - Moving parts. Keep your face and eyes away
from the front of the disc launcher and from flying discs.Do not place anything into the disc
launcher except the foam discs.Do not reach inside the disc launcher during operation.Do
not launch discs at people, animals, or objects. Eye protection is recommended.
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small
parts. Not for children under 3 years. Conforms to
ASTM F963-96A
!

Important: If any parts are missing or damaged, DO NOT RETURN TO RETAILER. Call toll-free [phone] or e-mail us at:
[e-mail]. Customer Service • 150 Carpenter Ave. • Wheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.
-2-
Parts List (Colors and styles may vary) Symbols and Numbers
You may order additional / replacement parts at our website: www.snapcircuits.net
Qty. ID Name Symbol Part # Qty. ID Name Symbol Part #
51-Snap Wire 6SC01 110KΩResistor 6SCR4
11 2-Snap Wire 6SC02 1100KΩResistor 6SCR5
13-Snap Wire 6SC03 1Rover Body 6SCRB
14-Snap Wire 6SC04 1Deluxe Receiver IC 6SCRX2
16-Snap Wire 6SC06 1Slide Switch 6SCS1
1Base Grid
(11.0” x 7.7”) 6SCBG 1Press Switch 6SCS2
11μF Capacitor 6SCC7 1Remote Control Unit 6SCTX1
1100μF Capacitor
(non-polarized) 6SCC4N 1Antenna for Remote
Control 6SCTX1A
1White LED 6SCD4 1
Sound & Recording IC 6SCU9
1Disc Launcher 6SCDL 1
1Jumper Wire (Red)
Jumper Wire (Black) 6SCJ1
6SCJ2
15 Foam Discs 6SCDISC 1
1Jumper Wire (Orange)
Jumper Wire (Yellow) 6SCJ3A
6SCJ3B
1100ΩResistor 6SCR1 1
1Jumper Wire (Green)
Jumper Wire (Purple) 6SCJ3C
6SCJ3D
11KΩResistor 6SCR2 1
1Jumper Wire (Gray)
Jumper Wire (White) 6SCJ3E
6SCJ3F
6
3
2
1
4
C7
C4N
D4
DL
R1
R2
Note: Colors may vary
and are interchangeable.
R4
R5
RX2
U9
S1
S2

-3-
Install six “AA” batteries (not included) into the bottom of the Rover
body and one 9V battery (not included) into the remote control unit.
Install the antenna into the remote control unit by screwing it in.
The Deluxe Snap Rover®Kit uses building blocks with snaps to
build the different electrical and electronic circuits in the projects.
Each block has a function: there are switch blocks, LED blocks,
different length wire blocks, etc.These blocks are in different colors
and have numbers on them so that you can easily identify them.
The circuit you will build is shown in color and numbers, identifying
the blocks that you will use and snap together to form a circuit.
For Example:
This is the switch block which is green and has the marking on it.
This is a wire block which is blue and comes in different wire
lengths.This one has the number , , , , , or on it
depending on the length of the wire connection required.
There is also a 1-snap wire that is used as a spacer or for
interconnection between different layers.
A large clear plastic base grid is included with this kit to keep the
circuit blocks together, it fits on top of the Rover body.You will see
evenly spaced posts that the different blocks snap onto, these keep
your circuit together. The base has rows labeled A-G and columns
labeled 1-10.
Next to each part in every circuit drawing is a small number in
black.This tells you which level the component is placed at. Place
all parts on level 1 first, then all of the parts on level 2, then all of
the parts on level 3, etc.
Jumper wires are used to connect your circuits to the batteries and
motors in the Rover body. Snap them on as shown in the projects.
The colors are interchangeable, so it doesn’t matter which color
you use (however the red and black wires are longer than the rest).
Note: While building the projects, be careful not to accidentally
make a direct electrical connection across the + and – snaps for
the batteries (a “short circuit”), as this may damage and/or quickly
drain the batteries.
How To Use It
2Warning to Snap Circuits®owners: Do not use parts from other
Snap Circuits®sets with this kit unless directed to do so. The Snap
Rover®uses higher voltage which could damage those parts. Page
44 and our website www.snapcircuits.net has approved circuits
that you can use.
34567
S1
Front of Rover
Antenna Remote
control
–

(Part designs are subject to change without notice).
The base grid is a platform for mounting parts and wires. It
functions like the printed circuit boards found in most electronic
products, or like how the walls are used for mounting the electrical
wiring in your home.
The blue snap wires are just wires used to connect other
components, they are used to transport electricity and do not affect
circuit performance.They come in different lengths to allow orderly
arrangement of connections on the base grid.
The red, black, white, orange, yellow, green, gray, and purple
jumper wires make flexible connections for times when using the
snap wires would be difficult. They also are used to make
connections off the base grid. The different colored wires all work
the same way, and are interchangeable.Wires transport electricity
just like pipes are used to transport water.
The batteries (in the Rover body) produce an electrical voltage
using a chemical reaction. This “voltage” can be thought of as
electrical pressure, pushing electrical “current”through a circuit just
like a pump pushes water through pipes.This voltage is much lower
and much safer than that used in your house wiring. Using more
batteries increases the “pressure” and so more electricity flows.
The slide switch (S1) connects (ON) or disconnects (OFF) the
wires in a circuit.When ON it has no effect on circuit performance.
It turns on electricity just like a faucet turns on water from a pipe.
The press switch (S2) connects (pressed) or disconnects (not
pressed) the wires in a circuit, just like the slide switch does.
Resistors, such as the 100Ω(R1), 1KΩ(R2), 10KΩ(R4), and
100KΩ(R5) resistors, “resist” the flow of electricity and are used
to control or limit the electricity in a circuit. Note that “K” means
1000, so R4 is really 10,000Ω. Increasing circuit resistance
reduces the flow of electricity.
The LED (D4) is a light emitting diode, and may be thought of as a
special one-way light bulb. In the “forward” direction (indicated by
the “arrow” in the symbol) electricity flows if the voltage exceeds a
turn-on threshold (about 3V); brightness then increases. A high
current will burn out the LED, so the current must be limited by
other components in the circuit. LEDs block electricity in the
“reverse” direction.
The 1μF (C7) and 100μF (C4N) capacitors are components that
can store electrical pressure (voltage) for periods of time, higher
values have more storage. Because of this storage ability they
block unchanging voltage signals and pass fast changing voltages.
Capacitors are used for filtering and delay circuits.
The Deluxe Receiver (RX2) is a complex module containing a
radio receiver circuit, a specialized radio decoder integrated circuit,
and other supporting components.It includes resistors, capacitors,
inductors, and transistors that are always needed together. This
was done to simplify the connections you need to make, otherwise
this circuitry would not fit on the base grid. A description for this
module is given here for those interested, see Project #1 for a
connection example:
(–)
(+) Deluxe Receiver:
(+) - power from batteries
(–) - power return to batteries
LBUT - left button function (active low)
RBUT - right button function (active low)
L – - left backward motor drive
L+ - left forward motor drive
R – - right backward motor drive
R+ - right forward motor drive
ABC switch - selects radio channel
-4-
AboutYour Snap Circuits®Parts
L–
(+)
(+)
L+
R–
R+
LBUT
RBUT
!Only connect this part as
shown in the projects!
Warning to Snap Circuits®owners: Do not use parts from other Snap Circuits®sets with this kit. The Snap Rover®uses higher
voltage which could damage those parts. Page 44 and our website www.snapcircuits.net has approved circuits that you can use.
!

-5-
AboutYour Snap Circuits®Parts (continued)
The Sound & Recording IC (U9) module contains an integrated
recording circuit, a dual timer integrated circuit for making audio
tones, microphone, speaker, filtering circuitry, and other supporting
components.It includes resistors (adjustable and fixed), capacitors,
transistors and diodes that are needed to make the recordings and
play all the sounds. Recording time is up to 12 seconds. A
description for this module is given here for those interested, see
Project #1 for a connection example and for instructions on how to
use it:
The motors (in the Rover body) convert elecricity into mechanical
motion. Electricity is closely related to magnetism, and an electric
current flowing in a wire has a magnetic field similar to that of a
very, very tiny magnet. Inside the motor is a coil of wire with many
loops wrapped around metal plates. If a large electric current flows
through the loops, it will turn ordinary metal into a magnet. The
motor shell also has a magnet on it. When electricity flows through
the coil, it magnetizes the metal plates and they repel from the
magnet on the motor shell - spinning the shaft. A small gear is on
the end of the shaft and spins with it.
The Disc Launcher (DL) contains two motors. One motor starts
first and spins a cylinder at high speed. Another motor starts a few
seconds later and slowly moves a disc into launch position using
gears and a hook. When the disc enters launch position the
cylinder grabs it and propels it out of the launcher. The motors are
controlled by an integrated circuit along with resistors, capacitors,
and transistors. The same circuit also controls the lights in the
“eyes”. A description for this module is given here for those
interested, see Project #1 for a connection example:
Sound & Recording IC:
(+) - power from batteries
(–) - power return to batteries
REC - recording control
TRG - main tone activation/disable
SP - external speaker control
PLAY - play recording
2TC - modulating tone control
2TT - modulating tone activation/disable
2TO - modulating tone output
CONT - main tone control
Knobs: upper controls modulating tone
lower controls main tone
frequency
Red light: this is a recording indicator
(–)
(+) 2TC
SP
PLAY
2TT
2TO
CONT
REC
TRG
!Only connect this
part as shown in
the projects!
Rover Rear:
(+) - power from batteries
(–) - power return to batteries
L+ - left forward motor drive
L – - left backward motor drive
R+ - right forward motor drive
R – - right backward motor drive
N1, N2 - not used
N1
ROVER REAR
R– L– (+)
N2
R+ L+ (–)
!Only connect this part as
shown in the projects!
Disc Launcher:
(+) - power from
batteries
(–) - power return to
batteries
CONT - control
input (active low)
EXT - external
device control
(active low)
EXT
CONT
(+)
(–)
!Only connect this part as
shown in the projects!

Remote Control Transmitter:
When the levers in the Remote Control Unit are pushed, electrical
contacts are made connecting the 9V battery power to the transmitter,
indicating which commands the user wants sent to the Rover.
Forwards/Backwards commands for each set of wheels and two extra
functions are controlled by different levers or buttons. Each of these use
a different set of electrical contacts which encode a sequence of
electrical pulses;the pulse sequence depends on which command(s) are
being sent. The spacing between the sequences represents which
channel setting (A-B-C) the remote control is on. This allows three units
to use the same operating frequency in the same room at the same time
without interfering with each other. An electrical circuit that is tuned to a
frequency of 27 MHz creates a signal that is sent to the antenna when
the pulses are active. The antenna converts this electrical energy into
radio energy, creating a stream of radio energy bursts, which travel
through the air and are picked up by, and understood by, the radio
receiver in the car. The frequency of 27 MHz was selected for your Rover
with the approval of the FCC (the US government) to minimize radio
interference between this product and all other electrical products.
Radio Receiver:
The Rover antenna collects radio energy and converts it back into
electrical energy. If the Rover is turned on, then the radio receiver in the
Rover is continuously monitoring the radio energy from its antenna. The
receiver is basically a filter which is tuned to amplify any energy around
27 MHz and block energy the antenna picks up outside this region. If the
Remote Control Transmitter is sending commands, then its radio signal
will be picked up by the receiver and converted back into the original
pulse sequence. Decoding circuitry then determines which commands
were sent by examining the pulses in the sequence. Signals are then
sent to motors that drive the wheels to execute the commands, or the
other R/C Receiver outputs to control other functions. Commands sent
to other receivers using a different channel setting (A-B-C) are ignored.
Characteristics of Radio Reception:
Many factors affect the ability of the Rover to receive commands from its
Remote Control Transmitter. A weak battery in the Transmitter will result
in a weaker transmitted signal; if the battery is very weak then the
Transmitter may not function at all. The Transmitter’s ability to convert
electrical energy to radio energy is best when its antenna is fully
extended and degrades as the antenna length is reduced. The same
thing also applies to the Rover antenna’s ability to convert the radio
signal back into electrical energy for the receiver. The Transmitter’s
antenna transmits energy in all directions so as the range between it and
the Rover is increased, less energy is received at the Rover. When
operated with strong batteries and in an open area, the range will be at
least 25 ft. Obstacles such as walls, furniture, and trees will degrade the
radio signal’s ability to travel through air and reduce the operating range,
but will never block it completely. In some cases more radio energy may
travel from the Transmitter to the Rover by going around obstacles than
by going through them. In the Rover, weak batteries will reduce power
to the motor and degrade the receiver’s ability to filter, amplify, and
decode commands from the Transmitter.
Encoding
Circuitry
27 MHz
Signal
Filter/
Amplifier Filter/
Amplifier Decoding Circuitry
L-F
L-B
R-F
R-B
Pulse Sequence,
depends on which
command(s) are being
sent and channel used
Sequence
of Radio
Frequency
Pulses
Pulse Sequence,
depends on which
command(s) were sent
and channel used
128-1
Gear Ratio Left Wheels
Left
Motor
128-1
Gear Ratio Right Wheels
Right
Motor
How It Works
LBUT
RBUT
Control For Two
Other Functions
BLOCK DIAGRAM
HOW IT WORKS
-6-

General Operating Instructions
-7-
Wheel shaft
Motor gear
Spins 128 times
faster than wheels
How It Works (continued)
Rover Drive Mechanism:
The small gear on the Motor drives a larger gear, which drives a
larger gear, which drives two larger gears (one on each side), which
drive larger gears. The last, largest gears are fixed on shafts that are
attached to the front and back wheels, making them move. Note that
interlocking gears spin in opposite directions. Also notice that in the
sets of interlocking gears between the Motor and the gears on the
wheel shafts, the number of “teeth” is increased each time (40-8, 44-
8, 64-44, and 64-20), for 128:1 gear ratio overall. This means the
Motor must rotate 128 times to rotate the wheels once. The reason
for this is that if the Motor were to drive the wheels directly then the
Rover would be so fast that it would be impossible to control. Using
the gears to reduce the speed also makes the wheels move with
much greater force, preventing the Rover from getting stuck in rough
terrain and allowing it to carry heavy loads uphill.
Build the circuit for Project #1.
Set the channel switches on the remote
control unit and Deluxe Receiver module (RX2) to the same setting (A,
B, or C).
Place the Rover on a flat, open area, turn the ON/OFF
switch on the remote control unit and the slide switch (S1) to ON, and
extend the antenna on the Remote Control.
Push both levers forward to make Snap Rover®go forward.
Push both levers backward to go backward.
Push the left lever backward and the right lever forward to turn left.
Push the left lever forward and the right lever backward to turn right.
The buttons on the remote control unit are used to control the disc
launcher, sounds, or other special functions as described in the
projects. The functions of the sound & recording IC (U9) are
described in Project #1.
Never operate Snap Rover®in the street.
Never drive your Rover in rain, snow, mud, sand, dirt, or on a wet
floor, as damage may result.
GEARS
Right control
lever
Left control
lever
Power switch
Power ON indicator LED
Antenna
Channel selector switch
Left function
button Right function button

-8-
After building the circuits given in this booklet, you may wish to experiment
on your own. Use the projects in this booklet as a guide, as many
important design concepts are introduced throughout them. Every circuit
will include a power source (the batteries), a resistance (which might be
a resistor, motor, integrated circuit, etc.), and wiring paths between them
and back. You must be careful not to create “short circuits” (very low-
resistance paths across the batteries, see examples below) as this will
damage components and/or quickly drain your batteries. Only connect the
ICs using configurations given in the projects, incorrectly doing so may
damage them. Elenco®Electronics is not responsible for parts
damaged due to incorrect wiring.
Here are some important guidelines:
ALWAYS use eye protection when experimenting on your own.
ALWAYS include at least one component that will limit the current
through a circuit, such as a resistor, motor, or the disc launcher,
RX2, and U9 modules (which must be connected properly).
ALWAYS use the LED and switches in conjunction with other
components that will limit the current through them. Failure to
do so will create a short circuit and/or damage those parts.
ALWAYS disconnect your batteries immediately and check your wiring if
something appears to be getting hot.
ALWAYS check your wiring before turning on a circuit.
ALWAYS connect the disc launcher, RX2, and U9 modules using
configurations given in the projects or as per the connection
descriptions for the parts.
NEVER connect to an electrical outlet in your home in any way.
NEVER leave a circuit unattended when it is turned on.
For all of the projects given in this book, the parts may be arranged in
different ways without changing the circuit.For example, the order of parts
connected in series or in parallel does not matter — what matters is how
combinations of these sub-circuits are arranged together.
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - Never connect Snap Circuits®to
the electrical outlets in your home in any way!
Examples of SHORT CIRCUITS - NEVER DO THESE!!!
You are encouraged to tell us about new circuits you create. If they are
unique, we will post them with your name and state on our website at
www.snapcircuits.net/kidkreations.htm. Send your suggestions to
Elenco®Electronics.
Elenco®provides a circuit designer so that you can make your own Snap
Circuits®drawings. This Microsoft®Word document can be downloaded
from www.snapcircuits.net/SnapDesigner.doc or through the
www.snapcircuits.net website.
DO’s and DON’Ts of Building Circuits
Placing a jumper
wire directly across
the battery snaps is
a SHORT CIRCUIT.
When the switch (S1) is turned on, this large circuit has a SHORT
CIRCUIT path (as shown by the arrows). The short circuit prevents any
other portions of the circuit from ever working.
!
NEVER
DO!
Warning to Snap Circuits®owners: Do not use parts from
other Snap Circuits®sets with this kit except for the circuits on
page 44. The Snap Rover®uses higher voltage which could
damage those parts. Our website www.snapcircuits.net also
has approved circuits that you can use.
!
!
!
NEVER
DO! NEVER DO!
NEVER
DO!
(+)
(–)
(+)
(–)
!
NEVER
DO!
!
ROVER REAR

-9-
Advanced Troubleshooting (Adult supervision recommended)
Elenco®Electronics is not responsible for parts damaged due to
incorrect wiring.
If you suspect you have damaged parts, you can follow
this procedure to systematically determine which ones
need replacing:
1. Rover body and jumper wires: Flip the Rover body
upside down and make sure the wheel mechanisms
are clean. Install batteries in the Rover body and
connect jumper wires to the Rover rear as shown; two
wheels should move. Replace the orange and gray
jumper wires with each of the other colors to see if any
of the jumpers are damaged. If the wheels don’t move
for any combination of wires, then the Rover body is
damaged.Remove the gray wire; four LEDs on the side
should light.
Now move the jumper wires to test the other two
wheels, if they don’t move then the Rover body is
damaged.Remove the gray wire; four LEDs on the side
should light.
2. Slide switches (S1) and press switch (S2): Build Project #51 (Helpless
Rover) and test each slide switch by making it turn the wheels on/off. Replace
the slide switch with the press switch; it works the same way.
3. Snap wires: Build Project #6 but replace the switch with each of the snap
wires (including the 1-snaps), test them one at a time.
4. White LED (D4) and 100Ω, 1KΩ, 10KΩ, and 100KΩresistors (R1, R2, R4,
R5): Build this mini-circuit and turn on the switch, the LED should be bright or
it is damaged. Replace the 3-snap with each of the resistors (one at a time),
the LED should be bright with R1, slightly dimmer with R2, much dimmer with
R4, and very dim with R5; if not then the resistor is defective.
5. Disc Launcher (DL) module: Build Project #42 (Disc Launcher).The launcher
should start up and launch discs as described. If the launcher is jammed,
turning off the circuit and removing all discs can usually fix it.
6. Sound & Recording IC (U9) and the 1μF and 100μF capapacitors (C7,
C4N): Build Project #62 (Lunar Messenger); the parts should work as
described in it.
7. Remote control unit and Deluxe Receiver (RX2): Build Project #36 (Remote
Control Right Lite) and test that the wheels and white LED (D4) can be
controlled by the remote control unit as described. Be sure you have built the
circuit correctly and have good batteries in both the Rover body and remote
control.Have the A-B-C switches on the remote control and deluxe receiver set
to the same channel, have turned on the remote control turned on and its
antenna extended, and make sure it is not being interfered with by other remote
control transmitters.
Elenco®Electronics, Inc.
150 Carpenter Avenue • Wheeling, IL 60090 U.S.A.
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.elenco.com
You may order additional / replacement parts at:
www.snapcircuits.net
ROVER REAR
ROVER REAR
ROVER REAR

-10-
Project # Description Page #
1 Space Rover 11
2 Sound Disable Rover 12
3 Fun Sounds Rover 13
4 Spooky Sounds Rover 14
5 Simple Sounds 15
6 Not So Simple Sounds 15
7 Space Sounds 16
8 Audio Recorder 16
9 One Sound 17
10 Lighthouse Rover 17
11 Remote Sound 18
12 Remote Sound Switcher 18
13 Parallel Pitch Reducer 19
14 Series Pitch Reducer 19
15 Resistor Row 20
16 Ways to Light a Light 20
17 Nightlite Rover 21
18 Remote Drive Rover 21
19 Tone Flicker 22
20 Clicker Flicker 22
21 Volume Control 22
22 Electronic Metronome 23
23 Flickering Metronome 23
24 Not So Often Timer 24
25 Stop & Light 24
26 Quad Red Blinker 25
27 Quick-Slow Blinker 25
28 Super Blinker 26
29 Goofy Blinker 26
30 Noisy Flasher 26
31 Simple Flasher 26
32 Car Alarm 27
Project # Description Page #
33 Switched Tone Blinker 27
34 Recording Blinker 28
35 Tri-Switch Blinker 28
36 Remote Control Flasher 29
37 Disc Launcher 29
38 Remote Control Right Lite 30
39 Remote Control Left Lite 30
40 Current Diverter 31
41 Two Tone Flash 31
42 Multi-Tone Rover 32
43 Remote Sound & Light 32
44 Double Launcher 33
45 Remote Control Launcher 33
46 Groovy Launcher 34
47 Martian Monster 34
48 Venus Visitor 35
49 Easy Rover 36
50 2-to-1 Tone 36
51 Jupiter Jumble 37
52 Helpless Rover 37
53 Generator 38
54 Lost Explorer 38
55 Write Your Parts 39
56 The Sound of Water 39
57 Salt Pitch Changer 39
58 Frequency Resistors 40
59 Big Bully 41
60 Little Bully 41
61 Electricity Station 42
62 Audio-Visual Morse Code 42
63 Lunar Messenger 43
Project Listings

-11-
Snap Circuits®:The Snap Circuits®Kit
uses electronic blocks that snap onto a
clear plastic base grid to build different
circuits. These blocks have different colors
and numbers on them so that you can
easily identify them.
Preparation: Install six (6) “AA” batteries into
the bottom of the Rover body and one 9V
battery into the remote control unit (batteries
not included). Install the antenna into the
remote control unit by screwing it in.Place the
base grid on the Rover body; you may lock it
into position by turning the hexagonal
alignment posts (shown here), if desired.
Assembly: Build the circuit shown by placing all the parts with a black 1
next to them on the clear plastic base grid first. Then, assemble parts
marked with a 2, and finally the parts marked with a 3. Be sure to place the
D4 (black), RX2 (red), and U9 (orange) parts with their (+) side oriented as
shown. Connect the black colored jumper wire as shown and connect the
other colored jumper wires to the rear of the body as shown (the colors are
interchangeable). Set the channel switches on the remote control unit and
Deluxe Receiver module (RX2) to the same setting (A, B, or C).
Recording & Sounds: Turn on the slide switch (S1). The recorded
message (if any) will play, followed by space sounds. Turn either of the
knobs on the sound & recording IC (U9) to adjust the tone and beat of the
sounds. Push and hold the press switch (S2) and speak into the
microphone on U9 to record a message of up to 12 seconds.The red light
on U9 will be on while you are recording.
Remote Control: Turn on the remote control unit, extend the antenna, and
use the levers to drive the Rover around.Press the left button on the remote
control to play the recorded message (if any).
Launching Discs: Place some of the foam discs into the disc launcher
(DL). Press the right button on the remote control to prepare the launcher;
the eyes flash. The launcher takes a few seconds to get ready, then press
the right button again to fire or hold it down to fire continuously. The
launcher shuts off after a few seconds.If the launcher jams, just remove the
discs to fix it.The white LED (D4) lights up when the launcher is active, so
you can launch discs in the dark.
Project #1
OBJECTIVE: To build a remote control vehicle.
Space Rover
C
h
a
n
n
e
l
s
w
i
t
c
h
o
n
r
e
m
o
t
e
c
o
n
t
r
o
l
u
n
i
t
.
ROVER REAR
+
Microphone
Turn knobs
to adjust sound.
!
WARNING: Moving parts. Keep face and eyes away from
the front of the disc launcher and from flying discs.
Be sure to route the jumper wires
under U9 as shown.

-12-
Modify the Project #1 circuit by adding
a second slide switch (S1) over the
U9 sound and recording IC, using two
1-snaps as shown. The circuit works
the same as before except turning on
the new S1 switch shuts off the space
sounds.
Now your Rover can sneak up on
someone, play your recording, and
launch the discs!
As an option, change the sound into
just a simple tone by removing the 2-
snap wire on the upper-right of U9 (on
level 3).
!
WARNING: Moving parts. Keep face and eyes away from
the front of the disc launcher and from flying discs.
Project #2
OBJECTIVE: To turn off the space sounds when they get
annoying.
Sound Disable Rover
C
h
a
n
n
e
l
s
w
i
t
c
h
o
n
r
e
m
o
t
e
c
o
n
t
r
o
l
u
n
i
t
.
ROVER REAR
Added part to circuit.

-13-
Modify the Project #2 circuit by adding a the 100μF capacitor (C4N) over
the 10K resistor (R4), using a 1-snap as shown. The circuit works the
same as before except that the space sounds sound a little different.Turn
knobs on U9 to change the sound.
Next replace the 10K resistor (R4) with either the 1K resistor (R2) or the
100K resistor (R5), and turn the knobs on U9 to see how the range of
sounds has been changed.
Now replace the 100μF capacitor (C4N) with the 1μF capacitor (C7), and
turn the knobs on U9 to see how the range of sounds has been changed.
Try different combinations of resistor and capacitor values.
Changing the resistor and capacitor values adjusts an electronic delay,
which changes the sound effects in an electrical signal controlling a
speaker (SP).
!
WARNING: Moving parts. Keep face and eyes away from
the front of the disc launcher and from flying discs.
Project #3
OBJECTIVE: To make cute sounds.
Fun Sounds Rover
C
h
a
n
n
e
l
s
w
i
t
c
h
o
n
r
e
m
o
t
e
c
o
n
t
r
o
l
u
n
i
t
.
ROVER REAR
Parts in the circuit:
Parts you can
replace them with:

-14-
Modify the Project #2 circuit by adding a the 100μF capacitor (C4N) over
the 10K resistor (R4), using a 1-snap as shown. The circuit works the
same as before except that the space sounds sound a little different.Turn
knobs on U9 to change the sound.
Next replace the 10K resistor (R4) with either the 1K resistor (R2) or the
100K resistor (R5), and turn the knobs on U9 to see how the range of
sounds has been changed.
Now replace the 100μF capacitor (C4N) with the 1μF capacitor (C7), and
turn the knobs on U9 to see how the range of sounds has been changed.
Try different combinations of resistor and capacitor values.
Changing the resistor and capacitor values adjusts an electronic delay,
which changes the sound effects in an electrical signal controlling a
speaker (SP).
!
WARNING: Moving parts. Keep face and eyes away from
the front of the disc launcher and from flying discs.
Project #4
OBJECTIVE: To turn change the space sounds.
Spooky Sounds Rover
C
h
a
n
n
e
l
s
w
i
t
c
h
o
n
r
e
m
o
t
e
c
o
n
t
r
o
l
u
n
i
t
.
ROVER REAR
Part in the circuit:
Parts you can
replace it with:
Added part to circuit.

-15-
Project #5
OBJECTIVE: To make sounds electronically.
Simple Sounds
OBJECTIVE: To make sounds electronically.
Not So Simple SoundsProject #6
Build the circuit with the base grid
centered on the Rover body, and
connect the jumper wires as shown.
Turn on the slide switch (S1). The
recorded message may play, followed
by a tone. Turn the lower knob on the
sound & recording IC (U9) to adjust
the pitch (frequency) of the tone.
ROVER REAR
Turn knob
to adjust pitch.
Build the circuit with the base grid
centered on the Rover body, and
connect the jumper wires as shown.
Turn on the slide switch (S1). The
recorded message may play, followed
by a tone. Turn the knobs on the
sound & recording IC (U9) to adjust
the sound.
ROVER REAR
Turn knobs
to adjust sound.

-16-
OBJECTIVE: To make exciting sounds.
Space SoundsProject #7
OBJECTIVE: To make an electronic recording and play it back.
Audio RecorderProject #8
Build the circuit with the base grid
centered on the Rover body, and
connect the jumper wires as shown.
Turn on the right slide switch (S1).
Turn the knobs on the sound &
recording IC (U9) to make a variety of
space sounds.
ROVER REAR
Build the circuit with the base grid centered
on the Rover body, and connect the jumper
wires as shown.Turn off the left slide switch
(S1) and turn on the right slide switch.
Turn on the left slide switch and talk into the
microphone to make a recording; turn off
the left switch when finished. The red light
on U9 will be on while you record, it goes
out when you finish or when the memory is
full.Your recording can be up to 12 seconds
long.
Push the press switch (S2) to play your
recording.
ROVER REAR
Push to play
recording
On/Off
Microphone
Keep OFF. Slide
to ON to record
message, then
slide back to OFF.

-17-
Project #9
OBJECTIVE: To make sound for a while.
One Sound
Project #10
OBJECTIVE: To make a rotating light.
Lighthouse Rover
Build the circuit, place the base grid
centered on the Rover body, and
connect the jumper wires as shown.
Place the Snap Rover®in the middle of
a dimly lit room and turn on the slide
switch (S1). The light will shine around
the room as Snap Rover®spins.
ROVER REAR
+
Build the circuit with the base grid centered
on the Rover body, and connect the jumper
wires as shown.TURN THE KNOBS on U9
TO THE LEFT setting. Turn on the slide
switch (S1), the recorded message (if any)
may play.
Push the press switch; a tone is heard for a
few seconds and then shuts off. You can
adjust how long the tone plays for by turning
the upper U9 knob a little to the right. You
can adjust the pitch of the tone by turning
the lower knob on U9 a little to the right.
If the upper U9 knob is set too far to the
right then the sound will seem to stay on
forever. If the lower U9 knob is set too far to
the right then you may not hear any sound.
Turn knobs
to the LEFT
setting.
ROVER REAR
+

-18-
Project #12 Remote Sound Switcher
Project #11
OBJECTIVE: To make sound for a while.
Remote Sound
Build the circuit with the base grid centered on the
Rover body, and connect the jumper wires as shown.
TURNTHE KNOBS on U9 TO THE RIGHT setting.Turn
on the slide switch (S1).
Turn on the remote control unit and extend the antenna.
Push the right button on the remote control; a tone is
heard for a few seconds and then shuts off. You can
adjust how long the tone plays for by turning the upper
U9 knob a little to the left.You can adjust the pitch of the
tone by turning the lower knob on U9 a little to the left.
You can use the right remote control lever to move
Rover in a circle, but the left wheels will not work.
If the upper U9 knob is set too far to the left then the
sound will seem to stay on forever.If the lower U9 knob
is set too far to the left then you may not hear any
sound.
C
h
a
n
n
e
l
s
w
i
t
c
h
o
n
r
e
m
o
t
e
c
o
n
t
r
o
l
u
n
i
t
.
+
ROVER REAR
Turn knobs
to the LEFT
setting.
C
h
a
n
n
e
l
s
w
i
t
c
h
o
n
r
e
m
o
t
e
c
o
n
t
r
o
l
u
n
i
t
.
Build the circuit with the base grid centered
on the Rover body, and connect the jumper
wires as shown. Turn on the remote control
unit and extend the antenna. Turn on the
slide switch (S1), you will hear a tone (a
recording may play first). Turn the lower
knob on U9 to the right for the best effects.
Push the left button on the remote control to
change the sound. If the lower knob on U9
is set to the right then the pitch of the tone
will change, otherwise the tone shut off.
Replace the 10K resistor (R4) with any of
the other resistors (R1, R2, or R5) or
replace the 1μF capacitor (C7) with the
100μF capacitor (C4N) and see how the
sound changes.
OBJECTIVE: To change sounds by remote control.
Turn knobs
to the LEFT
setting.
ROVER REAR

-19-
Project #14 Series Pitch Reducer
Project #13
OBJECTIVE: To show how resistors work.
Parallel Pitch Reducer
OBJECTIVE: To show how resistors work.
ROVER REAR
Build the circuit with the base grid centered on the Rover body,
and connect the jumper wires as shown. Set the upper knob
on the U9 to the middle and the lower knob to the right. Turn
on the top slide switch (S1) to hear a tone (sometimes a
recording will play first).
Turn on the lower slide switch (S1) to hear a lower-pitch tone
or turn it off for a higher-pitch tone.Push the press switch (S2)
to make the sound multi-tone.
The upper U9 knob changes the multi-tone effects and the
lower U9 knob changes the tone pitch.
Option A: replace either resistor (R1 or R4) with the 1K ohm
resistor (R2).
Turning on the switch
places the 100 ohm
resistor (R1) in parallel
with the 10K ohm
resistor (R4), changing
the resistance which
controls the pitch of
the tone.
ROVER REAR
Modify the preceding circuit to match this
one. It works the same way even though
the resistors are arranged differently.
Option A:replace either resistor (R1 or R4)
with the 1K resistor (R2).
Turning off the switch
places the 10K ohm
resistor (R4) in series
with the 100 ohm
resistor (R1), changing
the resistance which
controls the pitch of
the tone.