300-in-1 Electronic Project Lab Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My daughter received this exciting product for her 9th birthday but, the detail and complicated electronics knowledge necessary makes this product aptly suitable for the stated 14 years and older. The spotty directions made it difficult to troubleshoot our work. For instance, the written instructions don't offer a conversion table for the difference in the ceramic capacitors they provide in the kit vs the ones they state are in the kit. Nor do the instructions match the schematics -- Tip: Follow the schematics, not the written instructions when connecting the wires.
We still gave this product high marks because the projects are fun and easy once you comprehend where the holes in the instructions are. Our daughter was delighted when she finished the first project and not only heard the chirping bird but, took it outside to hear that the chirp speeds up in full sun and slows down upon returning inside.
If you have a bright, project-oriented learner on your hands this is a great product for them to create various projects while learning a little bit about electronics. The fact that they just pop the transistors/capacitors/wires into the box and flip the switch makes this a safe gift.
Our daughter was too young to fully handle these projects on her own but, she learned how to read transistors and how to look for the negative side of the capacitors. In a way, this is a great gift for girls because it requires attention to detail and controlled small motor skills much like bead work or similar crafting projects.

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Electronics Kit. Ages: 10 Years & Up. Made by Maxitronix.
These "Electronic Science Labs" will teach you about electronics from A to Z. With these all-in-one labs, you'll learn about electronic parts, how to read schematics, and wiring diagrams. All this while building up to 500 different projects. These kits use two quick and easy hook-up methods: Spring Method: Simply slip pre-cut wires and components into special springs for a safe, secure connection. Breadboard Method: Featured in our advanced kits, this system is used by professionals and engineers. Just plug the components and wires into the special breadboard socket holes. No soldering is required. Everything uses safe battery power - no dangerous AC is required, so it's safe for all ages. Labs come with all components and wires needed to build each project. NO TOOLS ARE REQUIRED. No prior knowledge is needed to assemble and build these exciting projects. Easy-to-read, illustrated, lab-style manuals take you through each electronic experiment step-by-step. All are designed for ages 10 & up, so these are ideal for MIDDLE SCHOOLS and HIGH SCHOOLS.

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Snap Circuits SC-300 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Anyone with even the slightest electronic background will appreciate the value of this toy. As a kid I remember the long frustrating hours of deciphering components from circuit diagrams and soldering them to create projects that were way too much effort. The limited success with these projects, I believe, is the reason I gave up my hobby.
As a parent of a six-year old, I have been trying to introduce him to all facets of science and this is a wonderful tool. He immediately created a circuit - a combination light/fan circuit - in parallel and in serial - and he understood the difference between them. It was just amazing. He always appreciates what we get him, but he fell in love with this toy instantly. He was engrossed for the next hour experimenting with the various components.
There are about 60 components which create a total of 300 projects. Count on there being about 125-150 basic projects (I have not conducted a detail count!) with the remaining coming from tweaks in these 125-150 basic projects. However, I do not want to discount the value of these tweaks...they are designed to teach the value of electronic components and instigate independent thinking. This is definitely a "Learning" Toy. With the limited emphasis on science in our schools, the approx. [item price] is worth the investment.
For people who cannot envision how these snap into place (I couldn't!), the "snap" is from "snap-button". The component is soldered onto a large piece of plastic which have snap-buttons on it. These snap-buttons snap onto a large plastic grid or onto other components. Simple concept - Snap-On and Snap-Off!!
All the components have their respective symbols stamped on them which aids in early familiarization. The pieces are also individually numbered so that there is no confusion in identifying the right component. The Manual is all-color and very easy to follow, however, some might prefer more detailed explanations.
The model I purchased was "Snap Circuit 300 with Computer Interface" an upgrade to the one available here. The interface package includes software and a cable which connects to the "line-in" jack of your PC. The other end of the cable has two alligator-clips which can connect to any two points in your circuit. The software turns your PC into an "oscilloscope" so that you can "see" the electrical activity between any two points in your circuit. I have yet to fully learn and appreciate the value of the oscilloscope.
For teenagers, there is a Snap Circuit 500. I believe it features more components and more complex circuits for about [item price].
WARNING: PLEASE READ UP ON BASIC ELECTRICITY AND EXPLAIN THE PRINCIPLES TO YOUR CHILD. MY SON CONNECTED THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POLES OF THE POWER SUPPLY FOR ONLY 5-7 SECONDS - THE BATTERY HEATED UP AND POPPED INTO HIS HAND. DID NOT BURN, BUT TAUGHT A VALUABLE LESSON - TO ME!! I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO EXPLAIN BASIC ELECTRICITY TO HIM. THOSE 2 AA BATTERIES REALLY HEATED UP!!
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUY ONLY ONE TOY THIS YEAR - YOU JUST FOUND IT!

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This educational kit is loaded with more than 300 projects to build. For example, kids can learn how transistors and capacitors function, and how to make time-delay circuits. In addition, this version includes circuits showing how oscillators and photo sensors work. Projects involve an AM Radio, Burglar Alarm, Radio Announcer and more. Contains over 60 parts. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included.

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