The breadboard offers an easy way to build electrical
circuits without soldering. The 2"x3" breadboard provided with
your kit contains an array of holes where wires and components are to
be inserted. The holes in the center portion of the breadboard are identifiable
by row (vertical in the photos) and column (horizontal). There are
two sets of 30 rows numbered by 5's, and each set of rows has 5 columns
labeled A-E and F-J. The 5 holes on each row are electrically connected
to each other (but not across the center channel), so any components inserted
into the same row would be connected just as if they had been soldered.
However, the components can be removed and replaced with other components
at any time, without the hassle of unsoldering and resoldering parts.
On either side of the breadboard are two columns marked by blue and
red lines. The 25 holes in each column are electrically connected, but
the columns aren't electrically connected to each other. The outermost
column marked with the red line at the top will be used for all +9 V connections,
while the outermost column marked with the blue line at the bottom will
used for all ground (negative) connections.
The metal plate included with the breadboard isn't needed for the assembly
instructions below.