Please Download our "Beginners Electronics Guide" before ordering kits.
"Make: Electronics Learning by Discovery" - O'Reilly
Component kits for this Book by Charles Platt - click HERE
Interested in an on-line electronics course? Click HERE
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My interest in electronics began at age 10 when my father connected a microphone to an old valve radio and carried it upstairs. We could hear him talking to us through the radio loudspeaker! When he was out of the house, I "borrowed" the microphone and connected it to a loudspeaker and a 12 volt AC transformer. The loudspeaker hummed loudly and the hum was modulated when I spoke into the microphone. This was thrilling. I sounded like a Dalek!
I got a couple of large cardboard boxes and constructed my own "Dalek". I crawled inside and thrust a sink plunger out of a hole in the box. Armed with the microphone, speaker, transformer and a long, trailing mains cable, I shuffled up the hallway and frightened my sister. This was power indeed!
After that, there was no turning back. I built crystal radios, transistor radios, bulb flashers (no LEDs in those days), valve radios, transistor tester, electric guitar, guitar amplifier, waa-waa pedal, treble-booster, sustain unit, oscillator circuits for morse code practice and for electric organ notes; burglar alarms for car and house; windscreen wiper delay; headlamp washer timer relay... When my father became bored with his hobby, I took over his project, which was the conversion of an ex-army "indicator unit" into an oscilloscope. Then I built two more oscilloscopes.
It's a truly fascinating hobby and I still get a buzz when a circuit works first time. I'd like to share my hobby with you, so I'll be providing more kit designs in the future. Meanwhile, browse what we have to offer and don't forget to Download our "Beginners Electronics Guide" PDF eBook - it's free!
No-solder kits
You will need tools: long-nose pliers, wire cutters
Clock Mechanism - make a present!
A quartz crystal controlled clock movement kit that is ideal for replacing defective units or for creative clock projects.
M8 threaded spindle for securing to clock face
Red second hand
Hands are secured on tapered shafts with second hand secured within spindle
Supplied complete with hands, fixings and mounting bracket
Designed for clock faces up to 6mm thickness approx.
Can be mounted on a CD crystal case which can be illuminated with LEDs
Requires 1x AA battery (not included)
Learning Package for Solar Energy
Photovoltaics made easy
Setup without previous knowledge
Completely without soldering
17 components
Solar module
Motor
Pinboard
Operating instructions to download (English)
The learning package teaches in 20 steps the basic knowledge of photovoltaics with practical solar circuits and experiments. A breadboard is included for quick and easy setup of the circuits. You can understand and use the technology of photovoltaics in theory and practice. The sequence of experiments can be conducted completely without soldering.
Experiments: Function of the solar module · Effect of the temperature · Module alignment · Determine polarity · Current and voltage in different illumination strengths · Mirror technology · Store solar energy · Discharge-protection diode in a solar-current system · Direct supply of different consumers with solar current · Use solar current with LEDs and motor · Display of the solar function and much more.
Instructions in the box are in German but we provide a link to English instructions for download. To avoid disappointment, please download these as soon as you receive your order confirmation email, immediately after you place your order, so that you have them to hand when your order arrives. Electronics Learning Kit
A simple breadboard allows fast and easy assembly of the circuits, so that you can manage completely without a soldering iron. 20 interesting projects. The learning packet takes you through the basics of electronics and building your own circuits. Experiments: LED lamp - Comfort sensor - Light sensor - Temperature sensor - Blinker - LED-flashing light - Time switch - Motion detector - and much more. (9v PP3 battery not included. Optional Power Supply not included.)
Instructions in the box are in German but we provide a link to English instructions for download. To avoid disappointment, please download these as soon as you receive your order confirmation email, immediately after you place your order, so that you have them to hand when your order arrives. We recommend also our MULTIMETER, which will enhance the learning process for this kit and those below. You'll find it on the Tools page.
Stereo Amplifier Learning Kit
Learn Electronics by Building Stuff
Ideal Gift. Will keep someone occupied for days but not a cheap kit!
This unique SatCure kit includes downloadable instructions (PDF) with colour pictures that guide you through the building of a Mono Amplifier, Sine-Wave oscillator, White Noise Generator and Stereo Headphone Amplifier - all on one "BredBord". Can be used with iPod etc.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
Then you have the option of soldering the components to perforated copper strip-board (Veroboard®) to build a permanent Stereo Headphone Amplifier (with optional treble boost for the elderly), which can be used to boost your iPod sound or similar.
A great learning experience with something really useful to show for it when completed!
Kit includes: battery clip, wires, earphones, and all parts except those listed below.
You will need tools: long-nose pliers, wire cutters, soldering iron, solder
< PDF instruction booklet free download with kit OR you can buy it separately.
Circuit Layout Board
Our "BredBord" moulded assembly breadboard for laying out electronic circuits quickly and easily without soldering. Ideal for beginner or professional.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
LED flasher kit - flashes a single LED
Components including LED, IC, resistors, capacitor.
Requires "BredBord", wire and 3v battery or power supply.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
LED multivibrator kit - flashes two LEDs
Components including LED, transistor, resistors, capacitors.
Requires "BredBord", wire and 3v battery or power supply.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
LED sequencer kit - flashes 10 LEDs in sequence (see movie below)
Components including LED, IC, resistors, capacitor.
Requires "BredBord", wire and 6v battery or 6 - 12v power supply.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
Makes a siren noise when operated manually or automatically when used with the multivibrator kit below.
Components, including transistors, resistors, capacitors, mini speaker, wires
Requires "BredBord", and 9v battery or 6 - 12v power supply. Also see Multivibrator kit below, which can be used to drive this siren, if desired.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
Multivibrator Kit
Designed to flash LEDs slowly by itself or to drive the siren automatically (above). You can build it on the siren BredBord and use the same 9 volt battery or PSU.
Components, including transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, wires
Requires "BredBord", and 9v battery or 6 - 12v power supply if not used with the siren kit.
(You can re-use "BredBord" for other projects. No need to buy more than one.)
Solar Energy Kit
An introduction to solar energy. The kit comprises:
Eight 500mV 100mA solar cells
Miniature DC motor
Small fan
Plus all tools and cables enabling the user to construct a working kit
Output of 3.2V may be employed to drive a variety of other small components
Twelve page booklet explaining solar energy in considerable detail
Kits which require soldering
Learn To Solder - in 20 Steps
Includes 19 components and 2 circuit boards
This training kit teaches you the necessary basics for successful soldering in 20 simple steps. It shows you how to solder many different types of circuits using practical experiments and you can learn how to work with electronic components at the same time. The fully soldered circuits also have a control test function, which shows you whether you've completed everything correctly.
Experiments: Soldering wires · Soldering simple electrical components · Desoldering components · Soldering sensitive electronic components · Working with matrix boards · Building different LED, transistor and OPV circuits, and much more.
You also need a 9 V battery, soldering iron and solder to get started.
Soldering iron, solder, multimeter and tools can be ordered from our Tools page.
If you are colour-blind you will need a multimeter to check resistor values. You'll find it on the Tools page.
Instructions in the box are in German but we provide a link to English instructions for download. To avoid disappointment, please download these as soon as you receive your order confirmation email, immediately after you place your order, so that you have them to hand when your order arrives.
Retro-Radio Kit with detailed step-by-step instructions!
The Retro-style radio kit comes with everything you need apart from PP3 battery, solder and tools. It allows you to build a simple transistor shortwave radio. This is NOT something that will sit on your sideboard because tuning in stations takes some skill and knob twiddling. Go on a 'wave hunt' like they did 80 years ago! With the nostalgic retro-radio kit, and a good aerial, you can receive transmissions from all over the world. Great fun to build and play with!
Build your own shortwave radio. Complete package with housing, board and all components. Tools and solder available as extras.
Make sure everyone knows that you're in the Christmas spirit with the SatCure 3D Christmas Tree Kit. Customise your tree with a choice of red, green and yellow LEDs.
16 flashing red LEDs
Extra green and yellow LEDs provided
Can be hung on and fed through wires
Low power consumption
Dimensions 80 x 88 x 102mm
Power supply 9-12Vdc or 9V battery/8mA (not supplied)
Christmas Tree Kit - 134 LEDs
De Luxe Christmas Tree Kit. This model tree includes 134 LEDs and has 18 randomly blinking candles. No need to remove battery when using external supply.
12V operation possible for use in cars, vans, trucks
On/off switch included
PCB size 143 x 81mm
Power supply 9-12 Vdc or 9V battery (not supplied)
Christmas Tree Kit - SMD
Light up your desk with the Velleman USB SMD Christmas Tree minikit, which offers an ideal introduction to SMD technology. Requires good eyesight, tweezers and fine-tip soldering iron.
Battery or USB powered
Great attention grabber
Some extra parts supplied in case of loss or damage
Tree can also be operated as a pendant
On/Off slide switch
Dimensions 63 x 57mm
Power supply CR2032 battery or 5V via USB/7mA
USB lead not supplied. Battery not supplied.
LED Star Kit
A processor controlled 60 LED star which generates different unbelievable effects and different colour combinations.
Additional LEDs are provided
Create multiple dazzling effects
Make your own mix of red and yellow LEDs or make the star fully red or yellow
On-board effects selection push button
24 effects
3 static
15 blinking
6 animations with fading
All effects sequencing is possible (standard setting)
Power supply 9-12 Vdc (not supplied)
Dimensions 105(L) x 110(W) x 35(D)mm
Animated Riding Santa Kit
126 multi-coloured LED lights
Suitable for use in cars, lorries etc.
No need to remove battery when using external supply
On/Off switch included
Some soldering experience recommended
Suitable for beginners
Dimension 145(L) x 80(W)mm
Requires a 9 to 12V DC supply or 9V alkaline battery (not included)
This animated Riding Santa will make a delightful addition to any seasonal decoration or Christmas display.
LED Circle KIT - PIC device
A simple light sequence project, based around the popular 16F84 reprogrammable IC.
Christmas tree decoration or lapel badge
Users can reprogram the IC with their own light sequence
The kit is supplied complete with printed circuit board and contains all components needed, including:
PIC16F84A-04/P and resonator
LEDs and switches
CR2032 battery and holder
Capacitors and resistor
Romantic Heart Kit
Consists of 28 LEDs arranged in the shape of two hearts and is ideal decoration.
Forget inferior gifts like chocolates and flowers
Create a lovely romantic flashing LED sweetheart
Some basic soldering skills required
Takes about an hour to assemble
Power consumption 8mA
Kit contains a circuit board, 28 LEDs and various diodes and resistors
Some soldering experience recommended
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 60(H) x 60(W) x 30(D)mm
Requires an 8 to 15V DC power supply or a 9V PP3 battery (not included)
How impressed will your sweetheart be when they realise you have soldered something, with love?This flashing LED heart creates a beautifully romantic effect.
Love Tester Kit
The fun love tester project kit that will check your love life. Each couple simply presses the respective gender symbols pad, then hold hands. The heat between you will light up the LEDs!
Great fun at parties and among friends
10 LED readout
Audible love-level indication
Flashing LEDs indicate you're a red-hot lover
See if you are cool or a steaming Latin lover
Wide sensitivity range covers the entire spectrum of passion
Power switch included
Suitable for beginners, in soldering and love
Dimensions 100(L) x 85(W) x 25(D)mm
Requires 9V PP3 battery (not included).
Animated Ghost Kit
Animated Ghost Kit suitable for shop displays, parties, events or just for fun. The Animated Ghost responds to sudden noises and greets visitors and other passers-by with spooky light and sound effects.
Adjustable sensitivity
Solenoid makes it jump up
Dimensions 137 x 68 x 50mm
Requires 2 x AAA batteries (not supplied)
Animated Bell Kit
An animated illuminated bell display with 83 LEDs.
Power supply 9 to 12VDC adapter or 9V PP3 battery
PP3 battery holder included
No need to remove battery when using external supply
12V operation possible for use in cars, lorries, trucks, etc.
On/Off switch included
Kit contains all components required including printed circuit board and construction instructions.
Electronic "Coin Tosser" Kit
This Electronic Decision Maker Kit will be ideal if you have difficulty in making a YES or NO decision.
Ideal for the indecisive
Simply push the button to start flashing the Yes/No LEDs
Flashing speed gradually decreases and finally one LED remains lit
Auto power Off
Low power consumption 1µA idle, 8mA in use
Suitable for beginners
PCB, battery holder and components supplied
Dimensions 55(L) x 30(W) x 35(D)mm
Electronic Quiz kit
This kit provides an electronic quiz table that allows up to four players to compete against one another, and features an LED that indicates the first button pushed.
Quizmaster reset button
Two units can be daisy chained for eight player fun
Add your own remote push button and indication
Suitable for beginners
On/Off switch
Dimensions 110(L) x 78(W) x 28(D)mm
Running Microbug Kit
This attractive bright coloured bug-shaped miniature robot is always hungry for light, and will constantly run towards it in a bug-like behaviour.
A really great gift for the budding robotics enthusiast
Features two open chassis sub-miniature motors
Adjustable light sensitivity to work in almost any light condition
LED eyes to indicate driving direction
Bug stops in total darkness
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 100(L) x 60(W)mm
Requires 2x 1.5V AAA batteries (not included).
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Waa Waa Sound Effect
Typical Waa Waa pedal box (NOT supplied)
This kit can be built with minimal soldering required - only wires onto tags - if desired. OR the parts can be soldered to copper strip board.
Suitable for many applications including model construction and education
Adjustable flashing speed with two potentiometers
Power consumption approx. 8mA
Dimensions: 30 x 35 x 15mm
Components, printed circuit board and construction instructions
Battery clip included
Soldering iron, multimeter and tools can be ordered from our Tools page.
If you are colour-blind you will need a multimeter to check resistor values. You'll find it on the Tools page.
Temperature Sensor Relay Kit
The kit is a heat sensing circuit, which can be set by a variable resistor to operate a relay at various temperatures. The kit includes: resistors, amplifier IC, socket, diode, thermistor, preset resistor, transistor, LED, PCB, and PP3 battery clip. Full instructions supplied as a PDF download. Suitable for beginners.
Water Alarm
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 70 x 45 mm
Can be remotely located
Adjustable Timer Relay
Requires 12 - 15 volt power supply 100mA
Output relay with dry switch-over contact: up to 3A/24V
Pulse time adjustable between 0.5 and 5 seconds.
Pause time adjustable between 2.5 and 60 seconds.
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 85(L) x 40(W)mm
Cable Polarity Checker Kit
Check cables for continuity and identify individual wires.
Perfect tool to check loudspeaker and coaxial cables
LED indication for open circuit, shorts and correct or wrong polarity
Push-button operation with auto power Off
Low power consumption: 10mA max.
Dimensions: main board: 56 x 40 x 33mm, remote board: 40 x 7mm
Kit contains all components required including printed circuit board and construction instructions
Requires a single 9V, PP3 battery
Battery clip included
Imitation Car Alarm Kit
LED with realistic flash sequence simulates active car alarm system.
Activates automatically when the engine is turned off
Easy installation with two wires
Adjustable sensitivity
Low current consumption: 12mA max. (12V only)
Comes complete with prewired LED holder and two warning labels
Dimensions: 57 x 45mm
Components, printed circuit board and construction instructions
Flashing LED Light Kit
A module with two superbright red LEDs giving a powerful warning indication.
Ideal for emergency and warning signs, eye-catchers, etc.
High visibility 'alarm-active' - simulation, etc.
'Auto turn-on at dark' - mode with adjustable sensitivity
On/Off switch
Can be operated from 12V supply
Dimensions: 55 x 32 x 40mm
Components, printed circuit board and construction instructions
Battery clip included
9V, PP3 battery, not supplied
LED Stroboscope Kit
Build your own high intensity white LED stroboscope, complete with adjustable speed.
Features two super bright white LEDs
Powerful flash effect
Great for a party, use in scale models or just as an attention grabber
Slow/fast selector
Speed selector, adjustable between approx. 1 and 60 flashes/second
On/Off switch
Low power consumption 40mA max.
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 545(L) x 32(W) x 40(D)mm
Battery clip included
9V, PP3 battery, not supplied
Cricket Noise Kit
Create and simulate a hot summers night with this fun little cricket project.
Makes a sound like a cricket
Cricket tone automatically starts when it gets dark
Repetition, effect and sensitivity are all adjustable
Can be used for fun and is small enough to hide almost anywhere
Some soldering experience recommended
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 60(L) x 25(W) x 10(D)mm
Battery clip included
Requires an 8-15V DC power supply or a 9V PP3 battery
Light Sensing Relay Kit
Automatically switches on at dusk and turns off at dawn.
Use to switch lights or draw curtains, switch on alarms, etc
Adjustable sensitivity with wide range
Delay circuit avoids cycling
Relay output: NO/NC 24V/5A max.
Power adapter connector
Dimensions: 65 x 50mm
Components, printed circuit board and construction instructions
Requires a 12V DC power supply. If you need more than 500mA, please order separately.
Mobile Phone Controlled Switch Kit
A kit of parts to build a circuit which is activated by the backlight of a ringing mobile phone.
Turn equipment on and off from a remote location
Turn on lights, heating, alarms, etc.
No call charges as circuit simply detects backlight
No need to modify your mobile
Can turn on or off, or on for a selected time
Mobile phone not included (obviously!)
Requires 12v 100mA (minimum) power supply. (Our 500mA supply is fine).
Metronome Click Kit
This is a very useful metronome for musicians or for any person who needs a simple means to keep a rhythm.
Tempo is adjustable
Uses very few components and produces an LED beat indication
Adjustable volume and beats/minute with potentiometers
Includes speaker and On/Off power switch
Some soldering experience recommended
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 60(L) x 43(W)mm
Velleman MK106
Battery clip included
Requires a 9V battery (not supplied)
Pocket-size VU Meter Kit
This is really a great kit. It is a hand-held audiometer that fits into your pocket.
Allows you instantly to visualise signal levels from a whole range of different audio sources
Built-in high sensitivity microphone picks up the music playing and the LEDs move to the rhythm of the music
Surprise your friends in the disco
LED bar-graph display
5 red LEDs
Incorporated microphone
Adjustable sensitivity control
On/Off switch
Designer enclosure
Some soldering experience recommended
Suitable for beginners
Requires a CR2032 lithium battery (not included)
Soldering iron and tools can be ordered from our Tools page.
If you are colour-blind you will need a multimeter to check resistor values. You'll find it on the Tools page.
Pocket Roulette Kit
This roulette kit will be a sure winner with you, your friends and relatives.
With a push of a button, the LEDs lights flash in a spinning sequence and where they stop is anybodys guess
Enjoy hours of fun with this game of chance
37 LEDs are arranged in a circle
Winner tune played for each colour
Pushbutton operation
Microprocessor technology
Auto power off
Low power consumption
Some previous knowledge of electronics required
Good soldering techniques for medium dense boards
Suitable for intermediates
Battery holder included
Requires 3x AA batteries (not included)
Running LED Kit
This kit will produce a running light effect.
8 LEDs
Different running light effects are selectable (Prog push button)
Adjustable effect speed with potentiometer
Includes stand-by push button power switch (Off push button)
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 95(L) x 40(W)mm
Battery clip included
Requires a 9V battery (not included)
Die Simulator Kit
A novel die that you don't have to throw or press any buttons, just shake it.
Acts just like regular die
Lights roll out slowly and flash the last combination or winning number
Buy two and simulate a pair of real dice
Auto power-off
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 36(L) x 36(W) x 32(D)mm
Requires one 3V Lithium button cell (CR2032 not included)
Siren Sound Kit
A novel kit that will generate 4 different sounds.
Sounds include police siren, fire brigade, emergency vehicle and machine gun
RV1 adjusts sound pitch
On/Off switch and PCB speaker included
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 60(L) x 40(W)mm
Battery clip included
Requires a 9V PP3 battery (not included)
Soldering iron and tools can be ordered from our Tools page.
If you are colour-blind you will need a multimeter to check resistor values. You'll find it on the Tools page.
Steam Engine Sound Kit
This kit will generate the sound and whistle of a vintage steam engine.
Adjustable speed and volume
Great for model railroads, radio plays, stage and as a gadget
With steam whistle push button
Comes with 8 Ohm 5W miniature speaker
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 100(H) x 83(W)mm
Battery clip included
Requires a 9V PP3 battery (not included)
Stereo Listening Kit
Stereo audio amplifier boosts sound 50 times.
Great for the-hearing impaired (e.g. when watching TV)
Interesting gadget, science project, etc.
With volume control and On/Off switch
Dimensions: 62 x 54 x 44mm
Components, printed circuit board and construction instructions
Battery holder included
Takes three 1.5V AA batteries, not supplied. Requires earphones or headphones (not supplied).
Temperature-controlled Relay Kit
A kit to make a general purpose thermostat with NTC temperature sensor.
Temperature range +5°C to +30°C approx. (+41°F to +86°F approx.)
Output relay with LED indicator
Relay power rating 24V AC/DC 3A
Suitable for beginners
Dimensions 54(L) x 62(W)mm x 28(D)mm
Requires 12V DC power supply 100mA (minimum) - our 500mA supply is fine.
Soldering iron and tools can be ordered from our Tools page.
If you are colour-blind you will need a multimeter to check resistor values. You'll find it on the Tools page.
More Advanced Kits
No instructions are supplied with these kits. You work from the circuit diagram and build the circuit on a "BredBord" or solder the components onto Stripboard. Please order one or both of these items with the kit (below).
Relay Timer Kit
The circuit is designed to turn the relay on and hold it ON for one second after seeing a positive going input.
To explain that a little better, imagine that the relay is connected so it feeds power to a car headlamp washer.
Suppose that the input is connected to the windscreen wiper switch.
Each time the windscreen wipers are turned on, the circuit receives a 12 volt input.
Stripboard
BredBoard
The timer I.C. will turn the headlamp washer on for just one second then turn off, regardless of whether the windscreen wiper is still on or not.
The coupling capacitor, C4, requires a certain amount of time to discharge after seeing an input. So the relay can not be operated again by the headlamp wiper switch until a short time has elapsed. This system removes the possibility of having the relay continually clacking on/off as the windscreen wiper switch is operated.
The circuit has other uses, too.
The relay can be made to stay ON longer by increasing the value of R2 and/or C2 (which should be a Tantalum type).
Note that not all "555" timer I.C.s will operate satisfactorily in this circuit. The TLC555CP is recommended.
*Kit includes all electronic components but no sockets or PCB.