Simply and inexpensively control low-voltage motors or lamps with this month's "Top-Tenner" (beginners) project.

Inexpensive DC motors are often used by model-makers, not only for model locomotives and racing cars but in robots of all kinds. They may also be used for driving non-mobile models made from anything from cardboard to Meccano.

This project controls a small 6V DC motor, but can be used for 12V or higher-voltage DC motors as well. The circuit controls both the speed and the direction of the motor.