Project Kit Type Gifts

[timeconsumer]

I'm looking for some gift ideas in the $100 range that are beginner electronics project kit type thingies. Geared towards someone with basic electronics knowledge (knows the difference between a resistor and a capacitor, can do a little basic soldering and has an iron) but are designed to teach and learn. So things involving Raspberry Pi or Arduino or drones or 3d printers or robotics or any number of cool things like that. Or if you have an idea for a similar gift not involving electronics that's cool too. Just a gift for someone that loves science and technology and learning new things hands-on.

 

[Ralston18]

Not electronic or a kit but Sphereo (or one of the newer models) is fantastic.

(Note: You did not provide an age but since you mentioned soldering I would hope they are at least in their teens.)

Sphereo can be programmed and the coding process is very straightforward. Being used for all sorts of educational activities.

 

[timeconsumer]

Not electronic or a kit but Sphereo (or one of the newer models) is fantastic.

(Note: You did not provide an age but since you mentioned soldering I would hope they are at least in their teens.)

Sphereo can be programmed and the coding process is very straightforward. Being used for all sorts of educational activities.

It's for an adult actually. I'll look into the Sphereo, it seems pretty interesting. Is it more computer science or electrical engineering?

 

[Ralston18]

More computer science - programming actually. However, the programming would be sort of like programming a robot. But you can do some basic physics with respect to motion (time, distance, speed) lesson plans.

You can download a free app to do the programming. My grand-daughter (11) did a bit of that.

Sphereo's can also be touchscreen controlled via an iPad screen (bluetooth connectivity) but that novelty can quickly wear off.

Adults might like to look into hacking it...... some of that has been going on.

Robotics in general is what I would suggest. Maybe some sort of creature/machine with a Raspberry Pi brain remotely programmed via wireless internet to move around and do some things. Such things are showing up in some science/engineering fair projects. "You Tube" it.

Raspberry Pi would provide the most options with respect to future electonic projects. Could control, monitor, react, whatever as needed for any given project.

 

[timeconsumer]

Yeah, was looking at this in regards to Raspberry Pi stuff: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PWYK2V6

 

[Ralston18]

That would be a great starter set. Reviews seem good.

And if the receipient already has other electronic components then even more options are available.

Just "Googled" Raspberry Pi Projects.

One example of many:

http://makezine.com/2013/04/14/47-raspberry-pi-projects-to-inspire-your-next-build/

Now rethinking my wish list - need to go drop a hint or two.....

 

[timeconsumer]

Excellent. I'll let you in on a little secret, this is actually for my own wish list. I'm dropping a few of my own hints. Just looking for a fun side project and learning opportunity into something different and useful. I actually do have a handful of other electronic components from repairing my drone.

 

[Ralston18]

Great - enjoy.

FYI:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2495740,00.asp

Missed the "sale" per se but prices for all versions will probably go down after the holidays... You could buy a couple maybe.