Testing the Circuit

zipper1
Originally uploaded by galaxygoo1

In a soft circuit, a zipper can function as a switch. How cool is that?! There's been some really interesting work done with them.

Starting my own experiments with them, I cut up an old pair of jeans for its brass zipper. The idea is to get the circuit running across the zipper, when it's closed. I used a chain stitch with conductive thread to build the rest of the circuit.

On my first attempt, I couldn't get the led to light up. So, I used my jumper cables to test at various points. This allowed me to pinpoint where the circuit failed. Turns out, the charge wasn't going across the zipper. Something was wrong with the connection between the conductive thread and the teeth on one side of the zipper.

The tricky part, is to get the conductive thread in contact with the zipper teeth without obstructing the zipper. The threads keep getting caught. So, I switched to 2-ply thread, hoping it would be less bulky. This did help and it works, but it's still finicky. Definitely calls for more trial and error, if I want to make this work reliably.

The biggest take away lesson for me? Jumper cables are fantastic!