Cómo usar el Bit de Retardo littleBits (i35) en proyectos temporizados

Quick answer

The littleBits i35 Delay Bit adds a pause between an input and an output in your circuit. Snap it between a trigger (like a button or pulse) and an output (like a light or motor) to create timed sequences. Adjust the onboard potentiometer to set delays from a fraction of a second to several seconds. Use it whenever you need a pause before an action.

If you've ever wanted your littleBits creation to wait a moment before reacting, the i35 Delay Bit is your go-to component. It's a simple but powerful Bit that introduces a pause between an input and an output, letting you build timed sequences without any programming.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to wire the Delay Bit into your circuits, set the delay time, and combine it with other Bits for more complex projects. We'll also cover common mistakes and how to avoid them.

What the i35 Delay Bit Does

The i35 Delay Bit is a timing module that sits between an input and an output. When it receives a signal from an input Bit, it waits for a set amount of time before passing that signal to the next Bit in the chain. You can adjust the delay length using the small potentiometer on the board.

This Bit is part of the littleBits system, which uses magnetic snap-together modules. No soldering or coding is required—just snap and play. The i35 is ideal for projects where you want a sequence of events, like a light that turns on a few seconds after a button press.

• Works with any littleBits input and output Bits.
• Delay range is adjustable via the onboard potentiometer.
• Can be used in series with other Delay Bits for longer pauses.

How to Connect the Delay Bit in Your Circuit

Start by building a simple circuit: power Bit first, then an input Bit (like a button), then the i35 Delay Bit, then an output Bit (like an LED or motor). The order matters—the Delay Bit must come after the input and before the output.

Once snapped together, test the circuit. Press the button and watch the output. You should see a delay before the LED lights up or the motor starts. If the delay is too short or too long, adjust the potentiometer with a small screwdriver.

• Always place the Delay Bit between input and output.
• Use a mounting board to keep your circuit stable.
• Test with a simple LED first to see the delay clearly.

Adjusting the Delay Time

The i35 Delay Bit has a small orange potentiometer that you can turn to change the delay length. Turning it clockwise increases the delay; counterclockwise decreases it. The exact range isn't specified in the product documentation, but you can experiment to find the timing that suits your project.

If you need a longer delay than one Bit provides, you can chain multiple Delay Bits together. Each one adds its own delay, so two Bits will double the pause. This is a great way to create multi-step sequences.

• Use a small flathead screwdriver to adjust the potentiometer gently.
• Chain Delay Bits for longer or multi-stage delays.
• Mark your preferred setting with a dot of nail polish for quick reuse.

Project Ideas for Timed littleBits Circuits

Now that you know how to use the Delay Bit, here are a few project ideas to try. Combine it with a littleBits i2 toggle switch to create an on-off switch that activates after a delay—great for a nightlight that fades on slowly. Or pair it with the littleBits i28 accelerometer to make a motion-triggered alarm that waits a few seconds before sounding.

For more advanced builds, use the IR Transmitter (o18) with a Delay Bit to wirelessly turn on a lamp after a button press. The Delay Bit adds a professional touch to any project that needs a pause.

• Delay + toggle switch = delayed on/off control.
• Delay + accelerometer = motion-activated sequence.
• Delay + IR transmitter = remote control with a pause.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One frequent mistake is placing the Delay Bit before the input. Remember, the signal flows from input to output, so the Delay Bit must come after the input. Another mistake is expecting the Delay Bit to work without power—it needs a powered circuit to function.

Also, be careful not to force the potentiometer past its limits. Turn it gently until you feel resistance. If your circuit doesn't work, check that all Bits are snapped securely and that the power Bit is switched on.

• Double-check the order: power → input → delay → output.
• Ensure the power Bit is on and has a fresh battery.
• Avoid overturning the potentiometer.

Step-by-Step: Build a Timed Circuit with the i35 Delay Bit

1. Gather your Bits: You'll need a power Bit, an input Bit (like a button or toggle switch), the i35 Delay Bit, and an output Bit (like an LED or motor). Checkpoint: Make sure you have all four Bit types before starting.
2. Snap the circuit together: Connect the Bits in order: power → input → i35 Delay Bit → output. The magnetic snaps make it easy, but ensure they are fully connected. Common mistake: Placing the Delay Bit before the input. Always follow the signal flow.
3. Power on and test: Turn on the power Bit. Activate the input (press the button or flip the switch). The output should activate after a short delay. If nothing happens, check that the power Bit is on and the battery is charged.
4. Adjust the delay time: Use a small screwdriver to turn the potentiometer on the i35 Delay Bit. Turn clockwise to increase the delay, counterclockwise to decrease it. Checkpoint: Test the delay after each adjustment to find the perfect timing.
5. Expand your project: Once you're comfortable, add more Bits or chain multiple Delay Bits for longer sequences. Try combining with sensors or other outputs for advanced builds. Next step: Document your settings so you can recreate the timing later.

littleBits Bits That Pair Well with the Delay Bit

• littleBits i2 toggle switch: The toggle switch Bit is a sturdy on-off switch that you can use to activate your creations with a nice, solid click. Try using it after a USB power Bit as an on-off switch for your whole creation. Use it as a manual trigger for your delayed sequence—flip the switch and watch the action happen after the set pause.
• littleBits i28 accelerometer: Use this Bit to control your circuits with movement. The accelerometer senses how quickly you speed it up or slow it down. Snap it to a bargraph on a mounting board. Then give it a wave to visualize your movements. Combine with a Delay Bit to create motion-triggered projects that respond after a short wait, like a fan that starts a few seconds after you wave.
• littleBits o18 IR Transmitter: The IR (infrared) transmitter sends a short pulse of modulated infrared light. You can activate it with a trigger from an input module (like a button). Use it to wirelessly activate the AC switch to turn appliances like a lamp or fan on and off! Add a Delay Bit to turn a simple remote control into a timed remote—press a button and have the lamp turn on after a delay.

The littleBits i35 Delay Bit opens up a world of timed projects, from simple delayed lights to complex sequences. With a few snaps and a twist of the potentiometer, you can add professional timing to any creation. Experiment, and don't be afraid to chain multiple Delay Bits for longer pauses.