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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Air Hogs RDC Yellow Micro Hovercraft Review

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(More customer reviews)I should have listened to the other reviews because they are completely right.
I bought this as a present and watched it being used for the first time, it was embarrasing that I had given it as a gift.
It just kind of slides slowely along the ground, and thats about it. hmm.
My advice, perhaps a r/c helicopter might be more exciting.
Oh and...it wont charge, I am going to return it.

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Radio Flyer Town and Country Wagon Review

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(More customer reviews)I had a wooden Radio Flyer Town & Country when I was a kid and I was so excited to be able to give my daughter the same model on her first birthday. Our new Town & Country has the same sturdy wooden body and red wooden sides that remove and install with ease that my 30 - year old wagon had. Additionally, our new wagon has great safety features like a no-pinch ball joint and controlled turning radius to prevent tipping. I also love the new longer handle that makes it much easier for me and even my 6' 5" husband to pull this wagon. The handle folds under which makes it really easy to put in the car when we take our Radio Flyer to the zoo or beach. Best of all it's an American classic that isn't just being made like they used to, but actually is being made even better!

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This full-sized luxury model Radio Flyer, has been a best seller for over 30 years. Extra-large body crafted of natural finished hardwood, topped with bright red removable sides of select wood. Features body and sides of select wood, removable stake sides, steel wheels with semi-pneumatic tires and extra-long handle that folds under. Body measures 36" x 16.5" x 9.5".

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Radio Flyer Big Red Classic Atw Review

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(More customer reviews)This wagon was ordered as a Christmas present for our grandson. It arrived on time; however upon inspecting the item, it had several dings and dents that were obviously done at the factory as the paint was not chipped at all. There was no time to return the wagon, so we assembled it and gave it to our grandson in an "as is" condition. Had time allowed, we would have sent it back for replacement. The damage was obviously not caused in shipping. There were 5 dents in the bed of the wagon and in the corners that were painted over in manufacturing. The shipping carton didn't reflect any damage corresponding to these areas.

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Radio Flyer's All-Terrain Wagons (ATWs) are the world's first sports utility wagons. With their sturdy, all-steel construction, brawny air tires, large capacity, and high quality features, ATWs take adventure beyond the driveway and into the great outdoors. ATWs are the perfect companion for adventurous children of all ages who love to blaze trails into the imagination. And for the young at heart, they also make backyard projects fun and easy when used as all-purpose utility carts.
Features:
50% deeper
High sides for extra capacity
Sturdy steel construction
Controlled turning radius that prevents tipping
No-pinch ball joint that keeps fingers safe
Extra-long handle for easy pulling
Real air tires that provide a super-soft, super-quiet ride
Wagon measurements: 36" x 17.5" x 6". Wheel measurements: 10" x 4".

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Snap Circuits Extreme SC-750 Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been an Amazon customer for years, but this is the first time a product stood out enough for me to write a review. I bought this for my 8 yr. old daughter and I figured my 6 yr. old son could use it later.
I was very hesitant, because there aren't a lot of reviews and it's expensive.
Well, we've had it a few days and my daughter has been playing more with "Secrets of the Master Magician: An Apprentice's Manual", which I also bought at the same time (another great gift). My daughter is interested in this and it's easy for her to put things together.
My son is obsessed with it! It's similar (for him) to the Lego creatures he puts together. He needs a little help from time to time, but he can certainly follow the very well laid out diagrams. So far they've created an FM radio, a scifi noise maker, a sound detecting space noise maker thingy, a propeller that spins and flies into the air, a seven segment display, a volt meter connected to the solar cell. After connecting the solar cell, I realized my son thought the solar cell would come on like a computer screen or TV! After explaining it and putting my hand over it; now they both know what a solar cell does.
- There are 5 books of experiments.
- Each project has a nice simple color picture of how to connect all the components.
- All components are clearly marked.
- The diagrams are a top view. Since the connections are layered on top of one another 2 and 3 deep, it takes a little figuring as to what's on top and what's on bottom. It's easy for an adult. It's part of the "puzzle" for the kids. After we put a few together, they both got it.
- The pieces seem sturdy enough and snap together easily
- There is great assortment of parts to create lots and lots of very interesting projects.
- My kids love the projects. I've been very impressed.
- It has a cable that you can connect to the microphone port of a PC sound card. I haven't played with this. There is software, it looks like you can turn your PC into an oscilloscope. Looks interesting. There's a whole book for these projects. I just saw the cover, so it's likely that there's even more to it.
My kids are learning a lot with this. While they are putting things together, I can explain how these different parts work. There are lots of opportunities to take the project and modify it by replacing parts, change a light out for the speaker, etc.
For example, my son put the 7 segment LED together. I wasn't impressed. I was hoping to put together a counter, but it just connects each segment to ground to turn all the segments on. There are 750 projects, so maybe there is a counter project. Regardless, my son was fascinated. He changed all the connections manually to count from 0 to 9. He changed the main power resistor to see it go brighter with a smaller resistor and dimmer with a bigger resistor. Lots of implicit learning going on. I pointed to the microwave display and said, "See, that's how it works!"

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The SC-750 is packed with action, featuring more than 750 experiments including 73 computer-interfaced experiments. Young builders will learn about electromagnets, solar-powered experiments and vibration switches. Projects involve Strobe Lights, Transistor AM Radio, Electromagnetism and Rechargeable Battery. Kit contains over 80 parts. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included.

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Snap Circuits SC-300 Review

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(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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