5 electronics kits that will spark DIY creativity

You’re a maker, and it’s likely you want to inspire those around you with that DIY spark, too. For the most part, this means finding projects that are easy and engaging, and overall, those that make learning fun. Below are five electronics kits to help you do just that.

MOSS Zombonitron 1600 DIY Robot Bundle ($185)

When first getting involved with robotics, it may be difficult to know where to start. The MOSS Zombonitron kit offers an approach to robot building that doesn’t require any programming out of the box. Included are sensor blocks that allow your creations to react to the environments around them.

More specifically, the sensors allow your creation to react to light and proximity to control movement. Therefore, you get a working robot by putting together a couple of pieces. And, with a smartphone app that connects via Bluetooth, you can do more advanced programming that controls the robot.

For easy building, the pieces snap together using magnetic balls that transfer the power and command signals, making it simple for beginners to assemble.

BOSEbuild Speaker Cube ($150)

If you want to start someone off with a basic project, the BOSEbuild Speaker Cube is an option to give a Bluetooth speaker additional value.

With LED and insert customizations, the speaker can be taken apart and reassembled for a new look. Impressively, the kit allows you to work with the magnet, coil, and paper that make up a speaker. There’s also an iOS app that can walk you through the construction, and allows for the LED color customization.

Maxitronix 300-in-One Electronic Project Lab ($85)

Made to resemble the old-school kits Radio Shack used to sell, the Maxitronix 300-in-One Electronic Project Lab set has everything in the box to make a variety of electronics projects.

Working through these projects will certainly help someone get their feet wet with all of the basic electronic components while walking them through projects applying those concepts. No soldering is required, making it suitable for any engineer-in-training.

Arduino Starter Kit ($70)

Arduino is known as the gateway to more advanced hardware projects. So what better way to help someone start down this path than with the official Arduino beginner’s kit? Included are the parts for 15 basic projects, with a solderless breadboard and a DC motor.

The kit’s equipped with some interesting projects, such as a digital hourglass and a musical instrument called Light in the RAM. Once the basics are completed, there’s plenty more to do with the Arduino.

Squishy Circuit Kits ($60)

The name says it all, and, obviously this kit is marketed towards a younger crowd, or for those of us who are young at heart. So step aside, Play-Doh! Squishy Circuits are the way to go if you plan to introduce a young tinkerer to DIY projects. This kit allows you to make creations out of conducting and insulating clay, and then you can attach wires and LEDs. The future is looking bright.

Source: MakeUseOf