this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2026
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[–] FrederikNJS@piefed.zip 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Sure, building your own breadboard computer is much better than playing with some website... However transistors and relays are kind of similar in function, they both gate whether current flows.

If you are already familiar with transistors, then I agree those are a simpler introduction, however most regular people don't know anything about a transistor, and they seem a little bit magical.

A relay however can be grasped by most people just by looking at it in operation. Magnet attracts... Electromagnets only attracts when powered... wire doesn't conduct when not connected... Wire does conduct when connected... Electromagnet can pull or push wire to either connect or disconnect...

If you want the solution for the first task (building a nand gate with relays), you can see my solution here:

spoilerXf2nMW9Tn6nBaAY.png

[–] wonderingwanderer@sopuli.xyz 1 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Okay, without reading the spoiler:

Does the inductor lead function like the switch on the transistor?

And the two relays: default (on) and default (off): is default (on) like the PNP transistor and default (off) like the NPN?

I think with those two bits of information, I can figure it out. But last night I didn't have the patience to figure it out by trial and error.

[–] FrederikNJS@piefed.zip 1 points 16 hours ago (1 children)
[–] wonderingwanderer@sopuli.xyz 2 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

I went through all the units. They were interesting, and I definitely learned a bunch. I probably won't remember it all right away, but I at least have a better idea of the overall picture. It'll be reinforced as I continue my breadboard project, but also supports my theoretical understanding of that project. So I'd say it was worth it.

Imagine my surprise when I got to the end and realized there are multiple paths that branch off from there into new units 😱

It seems the learning shall continue...

[–] FrederikNJS@piefed.zip 2 points 10 hours ago

Good luck with all the learning 😉 sounds like a fun journey!