I'm wanting to make an inexpensive child's toy that is small (6" x 6") and battery operated. It should have two connector (?) input points on opposite sides of the toy that you are able to plug in to. Not sure what type...just something that would initiate the toy to beep. The goal is that when you plug the connector in one side, it begins to beep loudly and then will stop beeping when you plug in the other connector on the opposite side. Then, if you pull out one connector, it beeps until either both connectors are disconnected or both are connected. Any ideas on this?

 

Hello,

Have a look at the section "The Exclusive-OR gate" on this page of the eBook:
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_4/chpt_3/4.html

Bertus

 

Something like an Exclusive OR CD4030 gate, the Yellow led will only light when either S1 or S2 is pressed, not both closed or both opened.

 

Interesting project!

Here is a compact IC that contains a single XOR gate. All you'll need is one. I've also included a link to the datasheet.

Datasheet

 

In the box is a 9V battery and buzzer/horn.

Wire them in series to parallel 1/4" phone jacks. (stereo?)

Use two shorted phone plugs that initiate buzzer when plugged in.

Now the tricky part:

Each plug mechanically opens switch to the other jack when inserted.

Either alone will buzz.
Both plugged in will open both circuits.

I don't have a jack to play with.
So I don't know how the built in switch works. Or if I can find one with isolated switch.

Either way, a micro or leaf switch wouldn't be too difficult

 

Found this.

"D" will work.
Use tip and ground for jumper.
Use unconnected (to plug) ring for breaking opposite side.

 

Still checking for errors.
This one jumpers Common and ring in plug.
Leave tip unconnected in plug.
Tip is just used to open switch.

 

This isn't limited to a jack and plug. The same thing will work with two switches inside each port.

That way you could make a custom shaped wooden plug that activated switches inside.