Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Electronics kits for kids

Continuing on the topic of "Introduction to Practical Electronics" course, today we are going to look at some of the electronics (soldering) kits available and suitable for the purpose.

What makes a good beginner electronics kit?
  • easy through-hole soldering
  • includes a variety of components
  • reasonably priced (this is relative; what may be expensive for me may be cheap for you)
  • standalone and all-inclusive: does not require extra parts/components/modules sourced from third parties and does not require loading software;
  • interesting (as opposed to boring) functionality: flashes LEDs, displays something on a screen, makes some sounds etc.
  • relative simplicity of the circuit, so it can be easy to understand and debug if necessary
  • aesthetics of the board (shape, colour, component placement etc.)
  • preferably open source
  • powered by low voltage (battery, USB, power adapter)
  • digital electronics rather than analog (easier to debug, if necessary)
  • practical utility: use it for a utilitarian purpose rather than forget about it once built
  • expandability: can be either integrated as part of a bigger project, or its capabilities and functionality can be extended by adding modules or parts
  • provides extra learning (besides soldering) by displaying information: wave forms, frequencies, binary/hex number representation, musical notes, proverbs etc.
  • satisfaction guaranteed once assembled and working  :)
Here is a list, in no particular order, of beginner kits I found to match some of the above criteria.

1. Elenco AM Radio kit


2. Chinese Radio kits: A, B



3. 6-digit LED Clock kit


4. 4-digit LED Alarm Clock kit


5. 4-digit LED Talking Clock kit



6. Elenco two-tone European Siren kit


7. Retro Classic Game (Tetris, Snake etc.) kit


8. 3D Christmas Tree Flashing LEDs kit


9. Electronic Piano kit


10. Electronic 16 Sound Music Box kit


11. Astable Multi-vibrator Circuit Learn kit


12. Mini Speaker Box Amplifier kit


13. Aviation Band Radio Receiver kit


14. Calculator and Counter with LCD and Keyboard kit


15. "Three Fives" Discreet 555 Timer kit


16. TV-B-Gone kit


17. MintyBoost kit


18. MintySynth kit (now discontinued)


19. Drawdio kit


20. Electronic Hourglass LED kit


21. Round LED Clock kit


22. Signal Generator with XR2206 Adjustable Frequency kit


23. Solder:Time Desk Clock kit


24. Geiger Counter kit(s)


25. Wristwatch LED kit


26. Burglar Electronic Alarm kit


27. Conway's Game of Life kit


28. Music Synthesizer kit


29. Line Following Robot kit


30. Jameco Atari Punk Console kit


31. 555 Forrest Mims Project kit(s)



32. Tesla Coil kit


33. Velleman voice changer kit



34. Various badges (Maker, Day of Geek, Unicorn, and many many others)


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