Kit Completeness: 4
(5=Most complete) How complete is the kit? Plans only? That rates a 1. Parts bundles and kits rate 2–5, depending on whether it’s just key components, almost every- thing, or absolutely everything you need, including any unusual tools.
Rainbow Cube
The Rainbow Cube is a nerdy but gorgeous accent light consisting of a 4×4×4 cube of red-green-blue LEDs. Depending on how it’s programmed, colors appear to move, pulse, or wash through the cube in all directions, which is fascinating to watch. The LEDs connect to the PCB base via an ingenious structure consisting of thin […]
PumLantern Kit
This kit includes everything needed to build a solar-charged, nighttime-activated, light-pulsing lamp. It charges all day from the SCC3733 solar cell, and “pumms” the four ultra-mega-super-bright LEDs to cast artistic silhouettes against the walls of the stylized cardboard lantern. The LEDs are a random grab of white, blue, red, orange, and green. Basic soldering is […]
Bulbdial Clock
The Bulbdial Clock displays analog time, without any motor, movement, or screen. The 72 LEDs cast shadow hands across its face, with red, green, and blue for hours, minutes, and seconds. It’s a beautiful effect, and the kit is not difficult to assemble, thanks to incredibly well-done instructions.
Soft Circuit Sewing Kit
An introduction to sewing with soft circuits, this fantastic kit teaches you how to augment your garments or needlework with LEDs. There’s a free video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions, and the kit includes everything you need to get started; Jawa doll not included!
LED Video Light
Have you tried taking video using your digital camera but never seem to have enough light? Does your camera have trouble focusing in the dark? LEDs are cheap, and so are resistors, so why not make your own LED Video Light? With this second-generation kit from ProdMod, you’ll transform a simple battery holder into a […]
Mignon Game Console
Although 5×7 pixels aren’t a lot to work with, it’s easy to get lost in Olaf Val’s Mignon Game Kit. This minimalist handheld gaming system is hands-on in more ways than one. The first step is to put it together; second is to hack code for the Atmel ATmega8 microcontroller that powers it; and third, […]
