MicroTrainer Series and Parallel
This introductory course uses the Microtrainer Series and Parallel Card to teach fundamental electrical concepts. Students will learn how to use a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure voltage, current, and resistance while exploring how electricity behaves in simple series and parallel circuits. The lessons build foundational skills for diagnosing and understanding circuits in more complex systems.
MicroTrainer Series and Parallel
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Identify and describe voltage, current, and resistance.
Correctly select and use multimeter settings for voltage, resistance, and current.
Read and interpret DMM measurements on a pre-built series circuit.
Read and interpret DMM measurements on a pre-built parallel circuit.
Apply Ohm’s Law (V = I × R) to verify circuit behavior.
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Introduction
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Lesson 1: Introduction to the Micortrainer
Become familiar with the Microtrainer card and its components.
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Lesson 2: Back of the Microtrainer
The back of the Microtrainer card is a quick-reference guide showing common electrical symbols and concepts. It includes relay pin diagrams, load and switch symbols, Ohm’s Law, power and ground references, and basic multimeter tips—everything students need to recognize components and understand circuit diagrams.
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Simple Circuits
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Simple Circuit
In this lesson, students will explore the Simple Circuit section on the Microtrainer Series and Parallel Card. This circuit contains a switch, resistor, and LED, and is powered by the board’s 5 V supply. Students will use a digital multimeter (DMM) to observe how voltage behaves in a single-path circuit and learn what each component does when current flows.
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Simple Circuit Voltage Measurements
In this lesson, students will learn how to measure voltage using the Microtrainer Series and Parallel Card. They will use a DMM to test points in a simple circuit, identify DC voltage, place the leads correctly, and observe how voltage changes across components. This builds core skills for diagnosing power and ground issues.
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Simple Circuit Current Measurement
In this lesson, students will learn how to measure current using the Microtrainer Series and Parallel Card. They will use a DMM set to the proper current range, break the circuit to place the meter in series, and observe how current flows through a single path. This helps students understand load behavior and circuit operation.
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Simple Circuit Resistance Measurement
In this lesson, students will learn how to measure resistance using the Microtrainer Series and Parallel Card. They will use a DMM to test switches and resistors, read values in ohms, kilo-ohms, and mega-ohms, identify OL as an open circuit, and understand why power must be removed before measuring. This builds core diagnostic skills.
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Series Circuits
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Series Circuits Introduction
In this lesson, we take a look at how a series circuit works using the Microtrainer Series and Parallel Card. The goal is to help you visualize the flow of current, understand how voltage drops across components, and see how resistors combine when placed in a single path.
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Series Circuit: Voltage Measurements
This video shows how to measure voltage in a series circuit using the Microtrainer. We set up the Fluke meter for DC voltage, check the 5-volt source, and measure voltage before and after the switch, resistor, and LEDs. You’ll see how voltage drops across each load and why the total adds up to the supply.
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Parallel Circuits