I'm teaching an intro to electronics class to some high-school students this fall. I'm looking for a parts kit that includes a companion book of experiments that can be built with the included parts. So far, I've found the Discover Electronics Kit - 2.0 from Sparkle Labs. It looks like I'll have to buy one just to see what kinds of experiments are in the book. The reviews aren't great and the often-mentioned online component was last updated in 2008 with only 4 lessons online. The company's web site seems very lacking....
The MAKE: Electronics books have some companion parts kits, but the total price of book and kits exceeds my budget, which I'd like to keep around $50.
There's dozens, if not hundreds, of electronics parts kits on the Internet. Many with great reviews and a wide array of parts all for a very good price. But, there's no companion book with projects that use the included parts (and ONLY the included parts). I really don't want to try to make up my own projects to go along with some random parts kit.
So, can anybody recommend a book and parts kit combo that's better than the Sparkle Labs kit and is around $50? I'm NOT looking for an arduino (or other micro-controller) based kit (yet -- that'll be the 2nd semester). I want basic components: resistors, caps, inductors, transistors, diodes, and some intro IC's like the 555 and op-amps. Or, I'd take a kit that's based on an existing book but has a lower cost than the Make: Electronics books and kits that I've found so far. Like, for example, are there any parts kits that would go along with any Forrest Mims books?
Thanks!
-Farren
Advice on a parts kit with a book
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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
- danhalbert
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 12:37 pm
Re: Advice on a parts kit with a book
Have you priced out just buying exactly the needed components in quantity from Digi-Key or Mouser? The most expensive item is probably the multimeter: that you may need to buy from an importer (we also sell several that are not very expensive).
When buying a kit, you are paying for convenience, the storage box, etc.
When buying a kit, you are paying for convenience, the storage box, etc.
- thompsman
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2017 2:57 pm
Re: Advice on a parts kit with a book
I recommend looking into the Microbit .
- kcl1s
- Posts: 1512
- Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2016 12:06 pm
Re: Advice on a parts kit with a book
You should think ahead. When you get an Arduino or Metro https://www.adafruit.com/product/193 starter kit you also get 5 v and 3.3 v supply voltage some parts you can use in your 1st semester and a breadboard. Find a book you like and like Dan suggested order the components you need on Digikey. It may be a little more than $50 but you will be mostly set for your second semester. You could really save the price of a book if you use internet resources. A quick Google brought up this site https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/ It looks like some good content if you don't mind the ads.
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Keith
Fellow hobbyist
Keith
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.