Super Simple Circuit questions

[Jacob Johnson]

nvm. I just face-palmed as I realised that would prolly bypass the switch. /)_-
only one option makes any sense.
after the capacitor, but before the wire from the leds. Is that what you meant?

 

[(*steve*)]

No, that's in parallel. Draw it in series. You've also done something odd with the 10M resistor. Check the original diagram you were given.

In your diagram you have two sets of three LEDS. Each set of three LEDs are in series.

edit: it's drawn the way @KMoffett drew it for a reason. Your circuit is much harder to read for someone who understands electronics.

 

[Jacob Johnson]

Yes, I realised that.
So did you mean position A, or B?

(also, I realise I made a mistake in drawing the circuit. it was in pen, so I couldn't erase it. I drew "X"s through the wires that needed to be erased. I'm pretty sure I fixed it right, but if you still see something wrong, could you point it out?)

 

[(*steve*)]

In series with the switch (A), NOT in series with the capacitor (B)

In series with means like holding hands whilst walking side by side. (in parallel is like standing in a queue with your hands on the shoulders of the person in front)

 

[Jacob Johnson]

Like so?

So that the resistor reduces the current from both the capacitor and the leds?

 

[(*steve*)]

No, it just reduces the current through the switch

 

[Jacob Johnson]

No, no, I was saying the current from, not throu- nvm, I'm pretty sure I get it. thanks so much for putting up with my naivety.
I'll try both with and without the modification (my bro has a breadboard I'm gonna test it out on).
Anyway, I should be asleep by now.
Thanks again for the help.

 

[KMoffett]

Oh, as I recall from quite a while age, my circuit was for ~20 seconds. You would have to increase C1 quite a bit for 3 minutes. The added resistor would be important on a larger capacitor.

Ken

 

[BobK]

He meant between the switch and the capacitor, on either side. Not across the switch as in your diagram.

Bob

 

[tedstruk]

don't leave the battery on all the time. Only turn it on when the lights are wanted, and only use enough power to light them for that amount of time.. use your calculator not your head...
then lose the chips and dip. Use dedicated switching times using different caps until you have all the bugs out.

 

[(*steve*)]

That circuit will draw essentially zero power when the LEDs are off.