Mint Tin (Altoid) Tot Traffic Toy

Mint Tin (Altoid) Tot Traffic Toy. Using LEDs, buzzer, momentary push buttons, battery powered 'traffic' toy. Soldering, wires, heat shrink.

Supplies

Most supplies, besides the mint tin, were purchased from Amazon.

If you can't find any particular item, send a note and I'll post the source I used.

The battery holder is for 3 AAA batteries (4.5 volts).

Step 1: Punch Holes in Tin, for Sound Out

Punch holes in the tin for the buzzer sound to get out.

Step 2: Test and Record Forward Voltages of the LEDs

Test and record forward voltages of The LEDs. This is necessary for determining best resistors to use with 4.5 volt battery source (3 AAA batteries).

Step 3: Measure LED and Switch Diameters

Measure LED and switch diameters for punching holes in tin.

The momentary switches measured 1/4 inch, but I actually had to go a little larger to fit them.

Step 4: Make LED and Switch Holes in Tin

Use a punch for starting place for drilling.

Note, I marked places with a marker first, but decided they weren't in the best place, so I punched differently.

Start with a small drill bit and work your way up.

The tin will bend and flex and there will be metal shards (don't get cut).

Trim the shards as best as possible, push or use a tool to straighten the tin.

Use some sort of reamer to smooth the holes.

The switch holes will mostly be covered by the nut and washer; 1/4 inch was a bit small for these holes.

Step 5: Calculate LED Resistor Size

Use measured forward voltages with an online LED resistor calculator to determine optimal resistor.

The red, yellow and green LEDs were close enough that I used the same resistor for them (150 ohm).

Green is a bit dimmer than the red and yellow.

For the white LED I used a 100 ohm resistor.

Step 6: Solder the LEDs, Wires and Switches

Solder the LEDs, wires and switches.

Use a heat sink (small gator clip) to protect LED and switches when soldering.

The switches will feed to the positive side of the LED.

Cover all solder connections in heat shrink tubing. The mint tin is likely conductive.

NOTE: Remember to put the heat shrink on the wire before you solder both ends.

I like to use clear heat shrink tubing to be able to see the wire color underneath.

Step 7: Solder Resistors and the Rest of Connections

Solder 150 ohm resistor to red, yellow and green LED feed.

Solder 100 ohm resistor to clear LED feed.

Add in the buzzer and connect everything to positive and negative feeds of the battery pack.

Add heat shrink over every connection. The mint tin is likely conductive.

NOTE: Remember to put the heat shrink on the wire before you solder both ends.

TEST before placing in the tin.

Step 8: Place Everything in the Tin

TEST before placing in the tin.

The LEDs were secured in place with lots of hot glue.

Used blue threadlocker on the threads of the momentary switched before securing.

Want to make sure the nuts and washers don't fall off since the audience is a tot.

The battery pack and buzzer are secured in place with hot glue.

The wires are all carefully routed around them.

A bit of hot glue was dripped across the three batteries to help secure them.

I hot glued portions of the lid down, again because the intended use is for a tot.

It can be easily cut open to replace the batteries.

Step 9: The Result

It came out pretty good.

I think grandson will have fun.

Thanks for having a look.

Any questions, feel free to inquire.