Introduction: Advent Calendar for Geeks

By resistor
About: I like to play with electronics and other fun stuff, modify things to make them more useful or just more funny, putting things together that seem not to fit to make funny stuff. Sharing ideas make the world a …
The "Advent Calendar for Geeks" is a perfect present for your nerdy friends. It has some awesome features like:
  • looks really nerdy
  • you just need to buy the parts, your nerdy friend has the fun making it
  • 24 different switching stats
  • no glue, no soldering
  • all parts are re-usable
  • easy to make
  • including batterie!
Okay, it is a simple counter circuit involving two 7-segment displays and two counter-ICs. Every day of December you can push the button one time to count until December 24th.

Step 1: Parts

Here is what you need:
  • a breadboard
  • 2 7-segment displays, common cathode
  • 2 IC CMOS 4026
  • 2 resistors 10k
  • 2 resistors 330
  • 1 capacitor 47nF
  • 1 momentary push button
  • 1 9V battery
  • 1 battery clip
  • wire
Buy these parts, put them in a gift box and give it to your friend! Let him / her have the fun of making the advent counter!

Step 2: Make It

Stick the parts to the breadboard like shown at the graphic. Wire the second IC and the first display like the other one. At the graphic I just wired one display to make it clear and avoid a messy rat nest.

Step 3: Have Fun

Connect your calendar to the battery. The display should show number 00. At December 1st you can push the button the first time! Push it only one time a day to have pushbutton-fun all along holiday season!

Bonus: At December 24th you can take it apart again and have a some cool parts for later projects. Or you can solder it to a protoboard and save it for next year.

Happy Holiday!