Last-minute gift ideas for engineers

Element14, an Avnet community, recently released its annual Engineer and Maker’s Wish List . This list is created for engineers by engineers.

Here you go!

For the workbench:

• All-Purpose Bit Set: This all-purpose kit has everything needed for quick repairs at home or on the go at a repair cafe or hackspace.
• Multicomp Pro 150-W Soldering Station: Often needed for repairing electronics, this soldering station could even be used this season to fix broken ornaments.
• Bench Vise: Perfect for an engineer who could use another set of hands, this bench vise also includes an anvil.

Embedded processing power:

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B with 4-GB RAM: The latest and fastest Raspberry Pi to date, with the same footprint and connectivity as its predecessors. The on-board Wi-Fi and Bluetooth seal the deal, especially with the updated processor, USB 3, and Gigabit Ethernet.
• Portable 3D-Printing Pen: Perfect for creating small models, repairing larger 3D prints, or even repairing small plastic devices.
• BeagleBone AI: Great for engineers looking to push their programming knowledge, it includes a fully open-source, documented processor, board, schematics, and the ability to embed it in your design from source or scratch.

Tools of the trade:

• Assorted Tool Kit: For the maker or engineer just starting out, this 153-piece set features the everyday essentials that a maker needs.
• BeagleBone Robotics Cape: This add-on cape expands the BeagleBone’s capabilities to control the motors needed for robotics and drones.
• PiFace Control and Display: The PiFace add-on board for the Raspberry Pi is an ideal way to interface with heavy-hitting hardware.

Element14 also has several giveaways open through Dec. 30. Check them out at element14 Engineer and Maker’s Wish List 2019.