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What Are the Different Types of Electronic Projects?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Do-it-yourself electronic projects often involve kits and blueprints for creating robotic toys and remote controllers. Some people prefer to build electronics projects from scratch, without the aid of a draft or prototype. By using various components, a robot may be complex or simplistic. Students often take part in electronic projects for science fair assignments, and these may include anything from building an electronic timer to a loudspeaker. Complicated electronics projects for experienced hobbyists may include building a remote-controlled lawnmower or vacuum cleaner.

Electronic projects fall into categories such as fun and entertainment, educational, automotive, or telephone related. Computer-related electronic projects are popular among students studying computer technology. These projects may involve building printer cables or infrared receivers.

Electronics enthusiasts can build a digital stopwatch from scratch.
Electronics enthusiasts can build a digital stopwatch from scratch.

Intermediate electronic projects for students often include building a transistor radio. This type of project is typically built from scratch with various components that may be purchased at an electronics supply store. A radio may also be built from a kit. Children are encouraged to enlist the assistance and supervision of an adult while working on such projects.

Intermediate electronic projects for students can be built using various components purchased at an electronics supply store.
Intermediate electronic projects for students can be built using various components purchased at an electronics supply store.

Building a combination lock is another one of many electronic projects for adults to work on. To build the electronic lock, several components will be needed, including resistors, transistors, and micro switches. Students will require adult supervision for this project, as working with a soldering iron will be necessary. Complete instructions may be found online or in various electronic projects workbooks.

Electronic projects may include kits for creating toy robots.
Electronic projects may include kits for creating toy robots.

Advanced hobbyists may enjoy electronic projects such as building a miniature Light emitting diode (LED) traffic light. Red, amber, and green LEDs are needed to assemble the traffic light. Kits are available for this project, and this helps take the guesswork out for the novice do-it-yourself enthusiast.

A digital stopwatch may be built from scratch or from an electronics kit. Materials used are resistors, x-board, jump wires, and a micro controller. A battery pack will be needed to operate the homemade device. Online tutorials and short videos may help explain how to build these electronic devices at home. Many people also find ideas from downloading electronic books (e-books) online, usually at a minimal cost.

Many people enjoy building remote control planes or helicopters.
Many people enjoy building remote control planes or helicopters.

Science kits are often sold at scientific surplus stores and outlets. These kits are created to be educational, as well as to be fun for adults. Unusual items sold at scientific supply stores may include an electronic lie-detector kit or rain-detector kit. Solar-powered electronic kits are also sold at many scientific supply stores.

Discussion Comments

TreeMan

One of my friends has actually made a nice side hobby thanks to these electronic project kits.

He bought one of the transistor radio kits just as something to do, and he realized that he really liked learning about how all of the different parts worked together. He bought a couple more and improved his skills.

Someone in his family had an old jewelry box or something similar and wanted him to put an AM radio in it. He knew enough to get the job done, and the person loved it.

It turns out there is a niche market for radios hidden in different pieces of furniture. My friend looked into it more, and now he makes extra money by restoring old chests and desks and outfitting them with radios. This was all because he bought an electronic project for fun. Who knew?

jcraig

Now that I know there are kits for some of these projects, I might have to check them out.

I've always liked learning about electricity, but I've never quite been able to grasp what all of the different components do. I think if I was able to find one of these kits, it would be something fun to play with, and I might learn something from it, too.

I have never seen them before, though. Where do you find them, and how much do they cost? If I ever got to the point where I wanted to build my own project, where would you buy all of the individual pieces? Are there online sites that specialize in selling different electronic components?

stl156

@matthewc23 - I got one of those kits for my nephew's birthday last year, and he loves it.

When I was in middle school, we had an annual science fair where we had to present a project. My friend an I showed the difference between a parallel and direct circuit powering a light bulb.

It seems pretty simple to me know, but we were just learning about how electricity worked at the time. It was a fun project to put together, and it got me a little more interested in science.

matthewc23

Wow, I never knew these types of projects existed for adults! When I was a kid, I got an electrical project kit for Christmas one year. It had all of the normal electronic gadgets like transistors, resistors, capacitors, and LED lights.

These things were all connected to individual springs that you could connect together with wires that were included with the kit. It came with a book showing you what terminals to connect for different projects. It also included electrical diagrams for people who were more interested in the inner workings.

I loved playing with it, and even got to the point where I understood it enough to make some of my own projects. It is a great toy for anyone who wants to learn more about electronics or has a child who might be interested in science.

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    • Electronics enthusiasts can build a digital stopwatch from scratch.
      By: Alx
      Electronics enthusiasts can build a digital stopwatch from scratch.
    • Intermediate electronic projects for students can be built using various components purchased at an electronics supply store.
      By: Pumba
      Intermediate electronic projects for students can be built using various components purchased at an electronics supply store.
    • Electronic projects may include kits for creating toy robots.
      By: Elena Kolchina
      Electronic projects may include kits for creating toy robots.
    • Many people enjoy building remote control planes or helicopters.
      By: erwinova
      Many people enjoy building remote control planes or helicopters.
    • Soldering irons are commonly used to fuse wires and electronic components together on circuit boards.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      Soldering irons are commonly used to fuse wires and electronic components together on circuit boards.