If you are reading this article, then you are probably one of the many people who has always been interested in electronics and you would like to build with them, but you’re just not sure how to get started. It can be a little daunting looking at the world of electronics.

You can’t see the electricity and if you get your wires crossed things can break. But let me assure you, with a little bit of guidance, you can build electronic circuits just like the next guy or girl. In fact, you can try RIGHT NOW, without any chance of breaking something, by using our online circuit simulator!

Simulator Example

Right here in this simulator, you are seeing the circuit that lights up an LED (light-emitting diode). An LED and a resistor are connected in series from 5 volts to ground (0 volts). Now, give it a try!

You can edit anything in this simulation by right-clicking it and clicking edit. Try changing the values of the resistors (the zig-zag lines) or change the voltage source to a different voltage (+5V to +10V, or try a negative number). Watch how the flow of current changes. What happens if you turn around an LED? What happens if you put two LEDs in series? Also, take a look at the other example circuits under the “Circuits” tab.

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For a more detailed explanation of using LEDs in a circuit, go read our article What are LEDs and How Do I Use Them?

More Tutorials and Simulations

I hope now that I’ve piqued your interest and that you are itching to learn more about the amazing world of electronics. We have more circuit tutorials waiting for you on our website. Go check them out! When you’re ready for more than just simulations, head over to our shop and try it for real! http://nightshade.net/shop