Importance of Wattage Difference

[Megasundato]

Hello, me again with another rookie question. lol

I've almost completed all of the circuits for my robot; however, I noticed that the parts list required all of my resistors to be 1/4 watts, but the majority of resistors I've applied are 1/2 watts.

I'm kind of pressed for time right now so I'm probably not going to start over unless it's of absolute necessity to do so. I just need to ask a few questions.

What would be the effects of the wattage difference? I'm ok if it's something trivial such as faster or slower movements, but I definitely won't want to damage the BS2 stamp.

What would be the effects of connecting a 1/4 resistor and a 1/2 resistor?

As I said, I don't mind if it's just trivial problems, but if it might damage it or if it would just not work, I would need to change it.

If it helps, here is the link to the schematics I'm using


http://www.reconnsworld.com/bs2sonar.html


Thanks for your help

 

[DragonPetter]

If the design requires 1/4 watt resistors, and you use 1/2 watt resistors, everything should work the same, and your build should actually be more robust in temperature extremes.

The watt rating mainly serves to define how much power the resistor can dissipate before it burns up. Your only problem would be if the design asks for a higher watt resistor and you put a lower watt in its place, then the resistor is at risk to burning up.

Performance shouldn't make a difference if all else is equal.

 

[skeptic2]

They will take up a little more space on your circuit board than 1/4 watt resistors. Check to make sure there is enough space on your circuit board for them. Will they fit in the holes? Are there other components nearby that they may interfere with or that will interfere with them?

 

[Megasundato]

Great. thanks for the help.

 

[Megasundato]

no, I got a lot of spare room. thanks though.