Cool electronic kit

[iCe]

I've been building little electronic kits for as long as I can remember (more than 5 minutes ) and I have to say that the one that these guys sell had the greatest level of satisfaction. Even Heathkit's radio's and test equipment didn't make me smile like this one does. If you can handle a soldering iron and you want a cool widget for Christmas that's really easy to assemble, check them out.

Link to a video of the Christmas Tree in action

[C!LLY]

my daughter is in the 4th grade and wants to join the science and robotics club at school, I think she might like something like this as well. She's a nerd in the making.

[iCe]

Nuts and Volts Magazine always carries cool little articles suitable for kids.. no matter how old they are The tree is addicting to watch.

[David_3]

That does look like a fun project. I haven't built anything like that in years. I think my last Heathkit project was close to 30 years ago.

[iCe]

Originally Posted by David_3

That does look like a fun project. I haven't built anything like that in years. I think my last Heathkit project was close to 30 years ago.

I ain't sayin nuthin... come to think of it just knowing what "Heathkit" means will date a guy

NE5U

[kenw]

Heathkit "made" some great stuff. It was very durable and all the "old" engineers I worked with over the years got a start with them.

kits like these are super for kids to get a start (and us old coots to stay sharp...). the sense of accomplishment, the joy of creation and the challenge and satisfaction of tangible success are hard to find in today's instant-gratification world. We desperately need more engineers and here's a good way to spark some interest.

[David_3]

Well you got me thinking, Mike (and that's not easy to do), so I googled up Heathkit, and found my first kit . My father was a HAM radio operator, and thus I spent half my youth helping him string up antennas in the backyard. He got me started on Heathkit projects at the ripe old age of 10. Brings back some good memories.

[C!LLY]

my husband took electrical engineering and computer programing in college....only to end up joining the army infantry (go figure). I would love for my daughter to follow in his footsteps, though she has mentioned a few times that she wants to be a photographer as well. Kids...never knowing what they want.

[r_kasmir]

is that a pic processor on the tree?

[Daniel Bates]

I know what a Heathkit is - never had the pleasure of making one, but I do know what one is.

[iCe]

Originally Posted by r_kasmir

is that a pic processor on the tree?

Yep, on of the F series. He does some pretty cool programming on it too. Indirect addressing / table moves... Homie's got skilz. I priced all the parts and buying the board / chip pre-programmed (only option he has even though he supplies the code) and it's pretty much a wash.

[iCe]

Originally Posted by David_3

Well you got me thinking, Mike (and that's not easy to do), so I googled up Heathkit, and found my first kit . My father was a HAM radio operator, and thus I spent half my youth helping him string up antennas in the backyard. He got me started on Heathkit projects at the ripe old age of 10. Brings back some good memories.

I are a HAM operator. I was a wannabe forever. About two years before they went no-code I sat down and studied my behind off. Mastered CW. And took every single test in one night. I went from 0 to Extra in one evening and then promptly figured out I didn't know squat when it comes to on air operation. But I caught on quick. At one point I was operating mobile CW @ 20WPM in and out copying everything in my head. These days it's probably more like 8 WPM and Lord please don't let me run out of ink. I actually built a Heathkit oscilloscope and a little CW transceiver.

[Chief]

I tried the CW thing but I'm tone deaf and blind in one ear that's why I waited. I do have a heathkit swr meter ( fm). I'm gonna order one of those kits for my grandson, maybe it keep him busy.

OH Bye the way Mike. """ HAPPY THANKSGIVING """

Gordon

[David_3]

Originally Posted by iCe

At one point I was operating mobile CW @ 20WPM in and out copying everything in my head.

Wowzer! That's smokin'.

I was happy when I could do 5WPM. Now I do 0 WPM

[livinthalife]

That is awesome! Gotta invest into a soldering iron for home...or jsut "borrow" one from work.

Plays cool music too ;) JK!!