Information about electronic kits

We manufacture and offer products in the form of assembly kits and/or pre-assembled modules. The information below will help you decide which one is right for you. If you need help choosing the right product for your needs, please contact us.


Assembly kit
With assembly kits, you will receive the parts needed to complete the project as shown in the product images (unless otherwise specified in the product description). This usually means a package of components, a printed circuit board (PCB), assembly instructions (they are not a detailed introduction to electronics and are written on the assumption that you know the basics), schematic diagrams and explanations where appropriate. Some instructions are now only available in PDF format for download. You may need to provide some additional items such as a suitable housing, connecting wires, PCB fixing screws, etc.
You will need a soldering iron, some solder, nippers, screwdrivers and preferably some experience to construct the assembly kit.

Please note that we only accept limited liability when you purchase a product from us in the form of an assembly kit.


Assembled module
A large number of electronic kits are also available in a pre-assembled and tested format.
Pre-assembled items are usually shipped as per product images, but please see product page descriptions for exceptions.
You will receive the project with the board pre-soldered and sometimes with a box (but ONLY if the kit version comes with a box).

You will still need to make any external connections that are necessary to the board ie. power supply, audio inputs and outputs, computer cables, etc.


Enclosures
You may want to box the kit or module. A suitable isolation box is essential when mains voltage is present.
Some kits and modules include a box and others are available as an optional extra (see product page for details).
Please note that additional items such as connecting wires, connectors, screws, lamps, switches, etc. must be supplied by the user. It may also be necessary to drill keyholes, ventilation, etc.


General information about the kit
All our electronic kits are fully tried and tested, guaranteed to work when properly assembled. If built and used according to the instructions included in each kit by qualified people, it can result in a product that complies with the directives in accordance with Directive 2014/30/EU and ROHS 2011/65/EU (depending on the product). Please note that our range of assembly kits are for educational and demonstration purposes only. They are not toys and should be constructed under the supervision of an experienced and qualified adult. They are not intended for use in commercial applications. If used in such applications, the purchaser assumes full responsibility for ensuring compliance with all local laws.

All assembly kits require assembly by the purchaser. This involves soldering and the use of a range of small hand tools. Kits are supplied with the components needed to complete the project as an assembled board, unless otherwise specified in the kit description.

Most mains powered projects require some additional components such as power cables, plugs, safety fuses, etc. Boxes and hardware packages are available for some of these projects. They allow you to create a safe and professional looking finished project. The construction, testing and use of these kits should only be attempted by competent persons or under the supervision of a person fully experienced in the field.

The printed circuit boards are high-quality glass-textolite (fiberglass) boards that have a tinned and solder-resistant coating to aid in the soldering of components. Screen printed legend ensures easy and correct positioning of each component.

Documentation is provided with each kit. You will find step-by-step assembly instructions, schematics and assembly diagrams, many of which also have a detailed explanation of how the circuit works and other useful information about the components used. This makes it both interesting and easy to develop your knowledge of many different electronics and the components used to build them. With a strong focus on education, our kits are ideal for use in schools or colleges as teaching aids.

All the kits we sell are tried and tested by our team. We offer a set for sale only after they have been approved by our team.


Printed circuit boards
The boards supplied with our kits are made to a very high level of quality. They are manufactured from 1.6mm glass textolite (fibreglass) and include a silk-screen printed overlay guide for easy component placement and a solder mask to aid soldering.


Electric network
WARNING: Some kits and modules operate at mains voltage and present a risk of electric shock that can cause serious and permanent injury or even death.
Modules connected to mains voltage 110-240 Vac must be treated with extreme care.
Construction, installation, testing and commissioning must only be carried out by a competent person. These products are not suitable for children.

The information below provides general guidelines for electrical safety, but is by no means complete.
Make sure the installation complies with local regulations.
Many parts of the module (including heatsinks) can operate on mains voltage, so it must be placed in a suitable insulating housing.
Most power modules require some additional components such as power cables, plugs, fuses, etc. Isolation boxes are available for some of these modules. When these are not available, you will need to provide your own box and hardware.

To ensure electrical safety, as well as protection against fire or injury, make sure your mains-powered equipment complies with these safety tips:
- Use a suitable insulating box.
- Use a power switch if the device consumes more than 10 W. Use a two-pole switch for mains-powered sets without a transformer.
- Install a fuse in series with the main switch. Use a slow blow (T) 50mA fuse for transformers up to 10W and a 100mA fuse for transformers up to 20W.
- Use a power connector or a sturdy power cord with a clamp.
- Internal wiring carrying mains voltage must have a minimum cross-section of 0.5 mm2.

Other hazards to be aware of
- Electrical damage that can cause fire
- Fire or explosion where electricity can be a source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere.

We accept no responsibility for injury, loss or damage of any kind resulting from the purchase, assembly or use of any of our products.


Tips for building a set
We want your projects to work the first time as much as you do. The main reason kits fail is poor soldering technique and incorrect placement of components.
Although full assembly instructions are provided with each kit, they assume you know the basics such as soldering and identifying basic components. Component placement should not really be a problem with our kits as all supplied components are clearly identified both in the instructions and on the PCB legend.
So with our kits, the most important skill a beginner needs to learn is soldering, and the more you practice, the better you get!


Technical support
If you need help with your electronic kit, please contact us.