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Hobby Shack
Hobby Shack
What is the best electronics hobby kit on the market today?
I have a nephew (age 13) who has expressed an interest in learning about electronics and computers. I’d like to encourage him in this, so I’m going to buy him an electronics kit for Christmas. I figure I might as well invest in a good quality one, but I don’t know too much about these things myself, the box sets in places like Radio Shack look a little cheap, and I don’t trust the objectivity of product ‘reviews’ on sites like Amazon.com. Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge of which kits/manufacturers are best for a youngster to teach himself about circuits and such?
As an additional caveat, I’d like to hold off on a kit that requires actual soldering, for his mother’s sake if nothing else.
Unfortunately, the days of really good electronics hobby kits are long gone. However kits are still available that can be helpful to help our young peole learn electronics. I suggest that the best gift for someone interested in electronics, but has not yet done much or anything in this area, is the book “Getting Started in Electronics” by Forrest M. Mims III. It costs about $20 and is well-recognized as the best introduction to electronics available today.
You are right in that the Radio Shack kits are rather flimsy, but some youngsters are careful enough with things they like and these kits are o.k. for such kids. The problem remains, however, with getting replacement parts for these kits. Someone who knows enough about electronics, however, will have no problem replacing lost or broken parts.
I would suggest a “Proto Board” (available at many places. An example is: http://www.tequipment.net/GlobalSpecialtiesPB10.html for ounder $20.00). With that proto board you will need a voltage source and some assorted components. It is difficult to come up with a complete list and where to get them, but here are some suggestions with a guess for pricing:
Voltage source – Three “AAA” size batteries with a 3-cell battery holder. Radio Shack Catalog # 270-412, plus batteries. About $4.00 with batteries.
Diodes – 1n4148 or equivalent,4 each. Radio Shack Catalog # 276-1620 for pack of 50 at $2.75.
Resistors – Assorted resistor pack such as Radio Shack Catalog # 271-308. Less than $7.00
Capacitors – Two each ceramic capacitors of value 0.01 mfd and 0.1 mfd, rated anywhere between 4.7V and 100V (about $3.00). Also two each Tantalum or aluminum electrollytic capacitors of value 4.7 mfd and 10 mfd rated at anywhere between 4.7V and 15V. Less than $6.00
Transistors – Two pieces of one of the following: 2N3904 or equivalent. Radio Shack Catalog # 276-2016. Two pieces of 2N3906 or equivalent. Radio Shack Catalog # 276-1604. Less than $4.00
Jumper Wires – This is a good kit at $18.50: http://www.tequipment.net/GlobalSpecialtiesWK-1.html
LEDs – Radio Shack Catalog # 276-1622 provides assorted sizes and colors at $3.00.
Integrated Circuits – One each: 555-type timer (Radio Shack Catalog # 276-1718) at $1.75. One each of the following 74×00, 74×02, 74×04, 74×08, 74×74. Less than $20.00
You will need something to keep the components in. I suggest a compartmentalized plastic box or 3 or 4 pencil boxes.
I believe this custom kit will be better than a readily available kit and you should be able to get all the parts for less than $150. The disadvantage is that you have to find the components, but most are available at Radio Shack. The integrated circuits should be available at electronics suppliers.
Good luck to you and your lucky nephew!
My Ham Shack My Other Hobby
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