Help, my circuit isn't working! I know, it can be very frustrating. Take a deep breath and start double-checking - there is always a reason and you CAN fix it!
If the eyes don't come on:
- Make sure the LEDs are pointing in the right direction. It can be very hard to see which side is the flat side - make sure this is pointing "down", or toward row 2.
- Make sure the transistor is pointing in the right direction. When looked at from above, it should look like a backwards "D". The flat side of the "D" should be on the right.
- Make sure the battery is installed properly, + side up.
- If you're using a separate battery holder (not the blue adafruit board), make sure it's fully pushed into the breadboard.
- Make sure the switch is switched to the ON position.
- Make sure all components are in the right holes.
- Make sure all components are pushed all the way in.
- If you're outside or in a very bright room, it can be hard to block enough light with just your finger on the photocell. Try going into a darker or shady space, or holding it against your body with your hands wrapped around it to keep light out.
If the eyes are always on:
- It's probably that you're in a dark space! Try shining a light directly on the photocell, or try taking the circuit outside. If the lights go off, you're set!
- If the lights still stay on - go through the list above.
Help! I bent a leg on a jumper or component and now can't get it into the hole.
- This happens! First try straightening it out with your fingers. Be gentle with the components (resistors, photocell, transistor), their legs are a little delicate and you should be able to straighten them easily. For the orange jumeprs, be a little more forceful, you can try pinching your fingers together and pulling them down the length of the pin to straighten it.
- If that doesn't work, ask someone to borrow a pair of pliers! This will definitely do the trick.
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