Can you ever have enough maker tools, kits, parts and gadgets?
This month, we highlight some of the new maker goodness from our advertisers. All of these suppliers have many more fanstatic products, so be sure to check out the rest of their websites, too!
All-in-One Development Board
This Keyes Max Development Board is an all-in-one Arduino-compatible Uno R3 board with a 16x8 dot matrix RGB display, two bright 6812 RGB LEDs, red, green and blue LED indicators, microphone, buzzer, two tactile switches, 4-way DIP switch, and a photoresistor sensor. This enables you to make all sorts of projects without connecting boards and modules. We like that it has the latest USB Type-C interface and ability to be operated from a 7-12V external power supply for portable operation.
AVAILABLE AT Jaycar XC4417 $39.95
Multimedia Marvel
This Rock 4C Plus 4GB single-board computer is perfect for multimedia applications. Two micro-HDMI ports provide dual-display support with resolutions up to 4Kp60, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output. There is support for a camera via the FPC connector, and comms can be made via 802.11 ac WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE or gigabit LAN, which has PoE support. It uses the robust Rockchip RK3399-T SoC with a dual core Cortex-A72@1.5GHz + quad core Cortex-A53@1GHz ARM processor. 4GB 64-bit RAM is included and an eMMC socket provides additional storage if needed. All the other features you would expect such as 40x user GPIO, microSD card slot, USB 2 & 3 ports, etc. Compatible with Android, Debian/Ubuntu Linux, and much more.
AVAILABLE AT JAYCAR XC9300 $149
Soldering on the go
This handy Digital Powered 10W Soldering Iron just needs a USB power source to operate. Use a powerbank to make it fully portable. The temperature can be adjusted between 5- to 480°C which is displayed on the LCD screen built into the handle. Neat!
AVAILABLE AT PHIPPS ELECTRONICS PHI1003043 $77.95
Need a hand?
We could all do with an extra pair of hands and improved lighting when we solder, right? This handy workbench wonder not only holds a circuit board or wiring at the optimum angle, but there's also a bright light and magnifier to ensure you avoid dry joints or short circuits. There's also a solder reel holder, dry tip cleaner, cleaning sponge and rosin tip flux to keep your soldering iron tip in good working order. You'll need access to a USB port to power the light.
AVAILABLE AT ALTRONICS T1463 $69.95
Project Power
If your 18650 battery powered project or gadget is running out of puff too soon, then it may be time to replace the batteries. Wagner have just released their NCR18650 3.6V 3200mAh flat top Lithium ion rechargeable batteries, which feature heat resistance layer technology to improve safety of Li-ion batteries signicicantly. We wonder if their red casing make them go faster?!
AVAILABLE AT WAGNER NCR18650 $17.95 EA
Cool for the Classroom
Kids won't even realise they are learning when they build and code this mBot2 robot by Makeblock. It has an ESP32 based brain, and various sensors to make all sorts of fun projects. For Primary school aged students, coding is simple thanks to the visual drag-and-drop Scratch 3.0. For Secondary School students, programming can be learnt with the text-based Python programming. It may seem expensive, however, this is a robust robot with plenty of functionality.
AVAILABLE AT PAKRONICS MBP1010132 $254.32
"I'm Batman!"
Bring out the super hero in your kids with this Batmobile™ DIY Kit by Circuitmess. Once this caped crusader's iconic vehicle has been assembled, it can be coded using visual circuit blocks, Arduino or Python. Program the vehicle to operate autonomously or control using the remote control. We reckon adults would enjoy building and playing with this one, too.