Make: Electronics book, and Component Selection Kit Good Value for Money? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ODE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2014, 03:18:40 am
content: Hi, I'm new to electronics and want to buy a project based learning book and work my way through it.I'm think I'm going to get 'Make: Electronics' as I don't want something too overwhelming for a first book, and despite some review I read about it using slightly non standard schematic layouts it still seems like a good start.Also could some of you weigh in on if the component selection kit -http://www.ebay.com/itm/Make-Electronics-Project-Developement-Kit-Pack-Over-1100-New-Components-/110982687020- for the book is good value for money at £60 / $100?Would it be much cheaper if I bought the components separately?For a bit more info, in the Amazon listing for the same kit it says:'I have made a quick print out of the "official" Make: kits 1 & 2 In comparison, our kit offers most of the parts, with some differences. Looking at kit 1, there are quantity differences, and we do not supply an AC adaptor, or case Looking at kit 2, again, some quantity variations, and the following parts do not get included: numeric keypad, binding posts, headers, logic chips( though we do these seperately), project box, case, mag switch and dc power plugs. However, in our kit there is the addition of all the E12 resistors (kit one just has some sample values), an electric motor, an inductor, Light dependent resistor, button cell and magnet (see throwies on the web), Tantalum capacitors, Many more LED's (some very high brightness), and also the parts for a crystal radio (germanium diode, ceramic earpiece, variable capacitor), 741 op-amp We find that logic chips are becoming less popular, the likes of Arduino making there mark. The other pieces we include that Make: don't, are particularly useful when you start experimenting and get beyond the book. All in all, I think you will be pleased with one of these packs. 'Finally, if possible could you guys give me an idea of how much more I would have to spend to buy these missing components mentioned above?Thanks for your help.

author: Holograph
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2014, 02:33:30 pm
content: Price doesn't look terrible, but not great either. Try getting some of the kits onhttp://futurlec.com/Kits.shtml(assuming you can get the shipping for a good price - I don't live in the UK)There are a lot of components I don't recommend buying on Ebay in general, especially if the seller is from a place like China where fake components are common. Cheap capacitors are awful and there are lots of transistors and ICs with cheap clones out. I can't tell you how many clone 2N3055s I've seen cut open that didn't have anywhere near the rated current capability. I don't generally recommend buying components unless it's from a trustworthy manufacturer AND a trustworthy source. What you linked is probably better than a lot of the stuff on Ebay, but I personally still wouldn't buy it.For alligator clips, I also recommend going a bit higher quality, like Mueller. The cheapies never seem to clip onto things very well in my experience. You can get Muellers fairly cheap on Ebay too. US-made.

author: Holograph
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2014, 02:38:42 pm
content: Managed to double post quite a while after the fact. Whoops! Ignore this.

author: deth502
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2014, 07:59:08 pm
content: this is my std hypocritical reply for a question like this.you are a beginner, your just getting started. now, supposedly these kits were designed to work with the book, so should have everything you need. in that case, yes. spend a few bucks if you have it and let them source the parts for you. get started and get your feet wet. imo, lots of time, a beginner will get frustrated trying to source parts before they have even done ANYTHING and lose interest. getting burned a little buy paying a few $ too much isint that bad to get you going and actualy let you DO SOMETHING!!once you do a ffew projects, learn a bit, and get some working circuits to build your confidence, at that point id say no, by then you should know enough of what you want to be able to source the parts cheaper yourself.and btw, once you do get those first few circuits working to build your confidence and get bitten by the electronics bug, i hope the rest of your projects failthere is no better way to learn how things work than to have to troubleshoot them and find a problem. you will learn much faster having to troubleshoot than you ever will if everything you put together works the first time.

author: ODE
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 18, 2014, 10:08:04 pm
content: Good attitude deth.I bought it!Thanks

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2014, 12:01:13 pm
content: While we are on the subject, thought I would ask for opinions on these:1.myParts Kit from Texas InstrumentsThere is aWikito go with it.2.Analog Parts KitI like the chips on pcb for bread boarding.3.ASLKPRO University KitBetter picsMaybe too much hand holding here.Still on the fence about the analog discovery. Price is getting up near oscilloscopes. Might make a better investment.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2014, 03:54:14 pm
content: That ASLK PRO looks pretty sweet. Check out the manual and see if it's enough to keep you busy.You will need a function gen, scope and dual variable power supply for it however.Breadboard cables are worth nothing by the way. A lot of these kits it seems like you pay for a box and cables.

author: bwat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 06:09:59 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on March 20, 2014, 03:54:14 pmSorry to raise this thread from the dead but this might interest people who are planning on buying such a board. I have an ALSK PRO and I'm not entirely happy. One of the analogue multipliers was inserted upside down, and one of the caps which should have been 0.001uF was in fact 0.01uF. The nature of the board construction means these can be fixed by the customer which is fine if you have the time and spare components. Anyway, the message I want to send is:Check your board's components before you power up for the first time!Edit no.1: I want to say that I don't consider the board to be a bad purchase. The printed materials look good but the contents are a wee bit beyond my capabilities right now. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into it soon.Edit no.2: Deleted stuff that I realised was wrong after seeing an old email from the manufacturer.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 25, 2014, 07:08:50 pm
content: Quote from: nowlan on March 20, 2014, 12:01:13 pmThe Analog Discovery kit is great if you can get it for $99 student price, I wouldn't pay the full amount though. I got mine for $99 during a Newark "Engineer's Month" special a couple of years ago. If you're not a student, maybe you know one who could "help out". Also, I registered for an EdX class last year and anyone who took that course could get one for the $99 price.