Component Quality: 5
(5=Highest quality) How nice are the components in terms of materials, design, fit, and other qualities? Well-made circuit boards, computer-cut plastic and metal parts, and other precision components add to the experience.
Edo-Style Clock
I had a great time building the Edo-Style clock kit from Gakken, and was amazed at its accuracy over several months of use. The kit is well designed, durable, and fun. The included picture-based directions are easy to follow, even if you don’t know Japanese, but if you plan to make one, you can also refer […]
IN12 6 Tube Nixie Clock Kit
Nixie tubes, beautiful relics of early computing, display their numerals with a quivery orange glow. Peter J. Jensen makes Nixie tube clock kits, and it was a joy to put one of them together, thanks to the clear step-by-step instructions and parts envelopes labeled with corresponding numbers. Jensen designed the clock and circuit board himself, […]
XS-402 Little Wonder Crystal Radio Kit
Make Kit Reviews
Xtal Set Society, Inc.
XS-402 Little Wonder Crystal Radio Kit
$19
Reviewed: November 1st, 2011
Make Kit Reviews
Xtal Set Society, Inc.
XS-402 Little Wonder Crystal Radio Kit
$19
Reviewed: November 1st, 2011
Many middle-aged DIY enthusiasts have constructed a crystal radio set; it’s such a joy to pull radio signals out of the ether using only the radio signal itself for power. Unlike traditional crystal sets, the XS-402 uses a molded, high frequency choke, eliminating the frustrating coil-winding process, and features large solder pads, great for learning to […]
