Aaron made a great little kit for anyone who’d like to make their own 9V USB charger that will charge just about any gadget that uses USB, all inside, you guessed it, an Altoids tin. It’s pretty simple to construct one of these, but Aaron put everything together in kit form if you’re not a hardcore Maker yet. For $8.50 it’s a good deal, and it’s always good to support a Maker who’s turning their ideas in to little businesses. Link.
Michael is looking for more advanced electronics kits…“I love building electronics kits, but I have run into a slight problem: there aren’t many out there past the “solder these 20 things” level. I’d love a complicated kit (too bad Heath Kits no longer exists). I would love an article on complex kits you can buy (maybe highlight a few in each price range). The last kit I bought that I really loved was an RGB LED Blinky from Ramsey Kits. You assemble a little tiny SMT circuit board (that was challenging, quite fun) and the one LED (which is 3 in one) glows all different colors. Very cool to show off.” Link. Any suggestions?
We posted about “Learning to use LEDs and Transistors” from Iguana labs awhile back, but it’s worth noting that their main tutorial section has a ton of HOW TOs to check out. From basic concepts, to a complete temperature sensor project. All around good resource to bookmark if you’re getting started in electronics. Link.
Wonderful way to learn about computing – these ought to be on the back of cereal boxes. CARDIAC (cardboard illustrative aid to computation) illustrates the operation of a computer without actually being a computer. It is a very practical aid to understanding computers and computer programming. [via] Link. We have a ton of great Maker-like kits on Make 04 too.
Excellent resource – A small collection of electronic circuits for the hobbyist or student. Site includes over 100 circuit diagrams, links to related sites, commercial kits and projects, newsgroups and educational areas. Most of the circuits can be built with common components available from Radio Shack or salvaged from scrap electronic equipment. Most all of the circuits have been built and tested and believed to perform as described, however possible mistakes may be found. Link.
$3,000, but it’s tempting…E Ink’s Active Matrix Electronic Paper Display (EPD) Prototyping Kit is designed for product designers, engineers and technologists who want hands-on access to a high-resolution paper-like display. The kit includes a production sample of a 6″ SVGA (800 X 600) active matrix display made using E Ink Imaging Film, along with all of the hardware and software necessary to produce a fully functional portable device. The prototyping kit is based around the Gumstix single-board computer, which combines a 400 MHz Intel XScaleรยฎ PXA255 processor with a Bluetooth transceiver, USB, a serial port and an MMC card reader. For mobile prototyping, the kit also includes two Li-ion batteries with a total capacity of over 4000 mW-h, and an integrated battery charger. [via] Link.
You thought Mr. Coffee was convenient? Well, make some counter space for Mr. Beer. This ingenious easy-to-use kit gives you everything you need to brew your own tasty suds. It’s the most advanced and widely acclaimed home brewing product on the market. And it’s the simplest. [