The Ultimate Kit Guide

Community Quality: 5

(5=Most community) How much of a community is there around the kit? Are there builder groups, online forums, circles, and meetups? Is the kit used in class- rooms or after-school programs? Do the kit makers or builders have a presence at events like Maker Faire?

Learn to Solder Merit Badge

Learn to Solder Skill Badge

Make Kit Reviews

Learn to Solder Skill Badge

$3

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Reviewed: November 12th, 2011

Thousands of people mastered soldering for the first time at this year’s Maker Faire events in the Maker Shed’s “Learn to Solder” tents, with the helpful coaching of Mitch Altman, Jimmie Rodgers, and dozens of other hackerspace volunteers. Participants left the Maker Shed with smiles on their faces, new skills, increased confidence, and a cool […]

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Thingamagoop 2

Thingamagoop 2

Make Kit Reviews

Thingamagoop 2

$75-$160

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Reviewed: November 9th, 2011

Analog voltage-controlled oscillators (AVOs) make a variety of intriguing hums, beeps, buzzes, and loops, controlled by buttons, knobs, and sensors. These are fantastic group projects because once the soldering irons are all put down, you get an excellent payoff: you can have an impromptu concert. Bleep Labs, run by Austin, Texas, circuit bender and kit […]

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Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

Make Kit Reviews

Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0

$280

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Reviewed: October 25th, 2011

This latest version of Lego’s popular Mindstorms robotics kit includes a new 3-in-1 color and light sensor with LEDs; a new ball shooter; and tank treads. On the software side, an image editor now lets you convert your own images to fit the LCD display, and a sound editor records and converts sound clips, to play […]

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