OWI Rockit Robot Kit - Soldering Required Review

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(More customer reviews)I reviewed a lot of robot kits for myself and my 10 y.o., and most seemed overpriced, uninteresting, or both. The Rockit, however, is clever and well thought-out. A robot that responds to sound as opposed to light or touch is innovative, including the clever reverse-and-turn mechanism used here (if you care to search there is a hobby website with video of the robot in action). The kit involves is a significant amount of soldering, perhaps 25 components, but does about the best job of helping you match components to circuit board that I have ever seen. Consider the slightly more expensive prebuilt board version if you are not comfortable with soldering. The plastic pieces are tricky to assemble, mostly to figure out which piece does what in the somewhat strange design, and aligning the drivetrain is finicky. Allow a couple hours and a reasonable amount of patience to build it.
The result is impressive, even more so for the price. I recommend this without hesitation and will consider other products of this company more closely.

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ElencoOWI Rockit Robot Kit (non-soldering):OWI introduces to their award winning Beginner Series of educational electronic robot and sciene kits...RocKit Robot! The new futuristic style includes high performance and superior materials. Rockit Robot evolves as a spunky little robot that you can build. Explore the fundamentals of robotics with this informative and entertaining robot kit.Appropriate for ages 10 and up, RocKit Robot is an intelligent robot with a touch/sound sensor. If it comes in contact with an object or hears a loud noise (such as hands clapping), RocKit Robot automatically reverses, then turns left before embarking on a new course.Rockit Robot is lots of fun from the moment it arrives. Requiring only basic hand tools, it contains step-by-step instructions,pre-assembled printed circuit board, condenser microphone,and an easy-to-assemble mechanical drive system. It's an ideal gift for the educator, hobbyist or budding scientist.Awards:RocKit Robot has been selected by the Children's Institute For Childhood Resources as one of the 100 Best Children's Products and 10 Best Software/High Tech Products for 2001.Specifications:Movement: 3 wheels driven by a dc motor & ratchet mechanism; Control: Sound sensor including condenser microphone/transistor;Power Source: AA battery x 2 pieces (not included);Power consumption: Max approx. 400mA;Size: Body H83 x L115 X W130 mm | Weight: 160g (w/o batteries)

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Mad Science - Hydraulic Robot Arm Review

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(More customer reviews)My 9 year old son was so excited by the commercial for this product. He met me at the door with his money to order it. When the order arrived he was jumping up and down. When we took it out of the package, I immediately noticed that the plastic seemed flimsy and the tubing was a little too firm to make it fit into the base correctly. After many tries, we finally got it all to snap into place. We followed the directions word for word, and it would not work. The pressure did not seem to build and water was leaking into the base. There was no way for us to fix it ourselves. Looking online I finally found a phone number for customer support. The manufacturer sighed, and said that when they had gotten one in, they had assembled it and been unable to get it to work properly either. They recommended that I return it for a refund as they had no replacements. My son was in tears.

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Grab, move, lift and crush! Control the Hydraulic Robot Arm like modern day construction equipment. Powered by tap water alone, the Hydraulic Robot Arm only needs a few pumps to energize the cylinders and power up. No batteries needed. Hydraulics! Discover the simple but powerful technology that helped built the modern world.

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iBOTZ TriBotz Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this for my 15 year old nephew for Christmas. He built it in a couple of hours with some help. It took a bit of troubleshooting since he (we) ignored the errata sheet at first. Well, that's part of the fun. He went on to experiment with it. It comes with full schematics and theory of operation for someone to learn beyond the simple assembly and emperical experimentation.

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TriBotz is three robots in one package!It uses sensors to avoid objects, follow a line and respond to sound.The TriBotz will react to sound impulses and objects in the way.It will reverse away from a sound or obstruction, and then move forward.Make a path with a black felt tip marker or black tape and watch how infrared sensors allow the TriBotz to make corrections.No soldering required.Requires two (2) AA batteries (not included).Ages 8 and Up.

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Electronic Component Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a pretty nice selection of components. You get a little bit of everything and it even comes with a little booklet explaining the background of each component and how they work. It's geared towards kids, and kind of set up like a science lab. The booklet has ideas for experiments, but there's really not enough in the kit to do much by itself. But if you already have a breadboard and a couple of batteries you could have a lot of fun with the components in this kit.

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Electronic Component Kit.The picture shows components that are taught about in the educational manual but NOT necessarily included with the parts.28 page manual includes detailed description of allparts, their functions in a circuit, colorcodes, specs and 5 self tests.

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Hexbug - Ant Review

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(More customer reviews)He loved the toy. Its the in thing for small boys. Hew wanted a blue one, but you can't select a color. It is larger than the ones you find in toy stores. Great gift.

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Attacking Inch Worm (Mini Solar Kit) Robot Review

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(More customer reviews)Simply does not work.
The motor is not powerful enough to rotates the drive gears.

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Dangerous? Youve got to be kidding me? An inch worm?... Attacking Inch worm has orange spiky limbs to ward off any predator who seeks to challenge it as a delectable delight. Its initial defensive mechanism may fool intruders for a moment, but still requires a way to heed out of harms way. The suns rays power this mini solar kit to slither along to safety. The mechanical movements simulate the movements of its soft-bodied derivative.Because its home is above ground, Attacking Inch Worm has a hard plastic body to protect itself. This slender creeping animal kit demonstrates alternative energy principles. No batteries required and less than fifty parts to assemble. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

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OWI Moon Walker II Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I just finished building the Moon Walker II. I enjoyed every phase of the building. It walks well, although clumsily. I can't get it to respond to clapping or the light to come on. The explanation of where and how to set the orange dials that control that are very poor. As a toy to play with, it's not very entertaining. As a kit to build, it was a lot of fun. PS I am a 71-year-old grandma. No, I had no help with this. I plan to buy a more complicated one next.

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Moonwalker II - The latest in cybernetics and making great strides. Moonwalker II combines the technology of 2 sensors (sound & light) to walk when it detects changes in sound commands & light intensity. Inside, outside, wherever it walks, this cosmic character will capture your imagination.Representing outerspace while motivating the inner space of your mind. You'll cover ground in understanding sensors, electrical circuits and mechanical components, gears, cranks & motor. . .all in an exciting, hands-on format.Includes an explanation of sensors, information on historical and present day robots, industrial robots, and indications for uses of intelligent robots of the future.An intermediate kit for ages 10+. The challenge and rewards of putting together this robotic kit are equally valuable.Necessary tools:Diagonal Cutter, Small Hammer, Screwdrivers + -, Long Nose PliersAssembled Electronic PC BoardMovement: 2 legs on each side by crank shaftControl: Sound sensor including condenser microphone/transistorLight sensor/photo transistorPower Source: Battery Type "AA" 1 (Not Included)Dimensions of Assembled Moonwalker:5" high x 3 1/2" wide x 4 1/8" deepAges 10+

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OWI Valiant Viking Ship - Solar Powered Review

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(More customer reviews)I just built one of these yesterday (7.05.08) and it was a lot of fun. The directions are very clear, although as always I wish they were in color, especially for the gears, as this would help kids greatly. The gearbox looks like a treasure chest (nice touch!), but if it was symmetrical, kids would be less confused about how to put it in the boat (it must be oriented properly for the screws to meet their guides).Still, it's one of two choices, so you can get past this quickly. The panel, motor and gear relationship is GREAT, slightly better than the Seagull or Mini Racer by this same mfr. Love the display stand feature. Lastly, it WORKS! Put it in water and any kid young or old will love watching it paddle its way along, even in fairly low light conditions.

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Solar Kit. Ages: 10 Years & Up. Made by OWI.
ROW! Let's turn back time when the Vikings used to cross the Atlantic or to sail east. The hard rowing crew used the rolling method to maneuver their large, silent, swift ships through rivers and into the open waters of the Black Sea. The evolution of the 21st Century version of OWI's Valiant Viking Ship is similar in nature but uses alternative energy principle, solar, to power its way through water. The sweat drenched Vikings would have welcomed and appreciated the new and improved method of propulsion. It would appear the Valiant Viking Ship is "smiling" as the sun shines providing its rhythmic splashing, as the oars penetrate the water's edge to create movement. You can almost hear the cheers of the Vikings as they standby and watch the alternative energy principle demonstrate its marvel. Upon completion of its journey, one can moor the ship on its docking station (included). No batteries required and 33 plastic parts to assemble. It's most advantageous because: it's very inexpensive for individuals or groups; clear easy to follow instructions; motivates students to learn about solar energy; a great self-contained take-home project for boys or girls clubs; challenges young people to be technically precise with miniature parts; teaches students to follow precise visual diagrams; have hours of fun experimenting with solar energy. Specifications:
Solar Panel Output : 1.1V x 50mA
Assembled Size : 170mm x 200mm x 105mm
Unit Weight : 5.5 oz
Solar Cell Life : 2 yrs in normal use
Motor : DC
Power Consumption : 1.2V x 10mA
Tool needed : diagonal cutter; screwdriver

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Tree of Knowledge Robotics Science Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)The instructions provided with this kit show pictures that don't match to what's provided. The circuit board won't connect to the chassis, and there are only general instructions for one robot -- not details for each of the three. After my 12YO spent a few frustrated hours trying to figure out what to do, we got my brother (a mechanical engineer) to come over and help us put this together.
The robot works great once you throw the instructions away and get an engineer to help you assemble it. The buzzer is still maddening, though.

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Assemble three fantastic robots with this kit! One robot detects objects using infra red rays, the wake-up robot is sensitive to light and the third robot is operated by any TV remote control. A separate circuit and body are supplied for each robot. Includes over 20 pieces. Switch, motor, gear, motor housing and body included. Requires 2 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 5" x 5".

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Follow Me Robot Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased this for my 10 yo son's robotics project for him to get a feel for electronics. The description said it was the solder version, however it was not. Other than that he learned a lot about motors and how they work along with sensors. It did what we wanted it to do.

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A very interesting sound detecting robot kit. The four built-in microphones detect the sound source and the robot turns and moves towards it. Just clap and the robot will come to you. Clap again from another position and the robot will turn and move in that direction.Ages 12 & upNo Soldering Requiredrequires 4 AA batteries (not included)

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iBOTZ Hydrazoid Kit Review

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(More customer reviews).*:*ии*:*.SUPER.*:*ии*:*.10*STAR.*:*ии*:*.*:*ии*:*.
I purchased hydrazoid for a music video project and was surprised to find it was clear purple,I ordered one that was black w/ clear hood.Also antennas only light at the tip,and walking seemed a struggle.But I like this droid and loved the assembly from the well made parts to the informative manual.Manual gives much insight to the creation process.Great for big and little creative people who need a robot to command by sound. It will walk for 15 seconds!(If modified,read on)Robot has 4 legs,the back legs have rubber tips,the front legs are plastic and will go nowhere.As I mentioned earlier,this is for creative people.Once you apply something that will grip in front,off she goes!Simply attach light rubber tips to front feet and it will walk nicely on carpet or flat surface.
Here's what I used:
Blank Cds sold in bulk of 25 to 100 have a packing ring on top that holds Cds in the case.
This is usually a white ring of foam rubber.Just cut it in half and cut a small slit w/ exacto in middle of outer side of each ring,then attach to make zoid feet.Anything like this will work and you surely have something lying around your house that will do.
Yes,I know,it should work as advertised,but thinking of a simple solution is too easy and worth getting this robot.
On top are 2 AA.To hide batteries,I placed a cut out photo of a persons face under the hood for a cool effect.
Get this spacespider,you'll love it! Very creepy movement,goes over 2 1/2 feet in 15 seconds..*:*ии*:*..*:*ии*:*..*:*ии*:*..*:*ии*:*.°д║░║д°

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Hydrazoid is a cool alien creature that is fun to build.No soldering is required.

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Elenco Electronics Snap Circuits Deluxe Snap Rover Review

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(More customer reviews)Where to begin with this thing?
My kid (8 y.o. girl) who loves "science stuff" has started getting into Snap Circuits, specifically the SC-300 kit. She expressed an interest in the standard RC Rover, but I thought the voice box and disc shooter were worthwhile upgrades for the fun factor.
One nitpick to start off:
The picture posted for this item does not really represent what it looks like. Yes, it has the Dome contraption and the yellow tanklike bottom, but the components on the back are not representative of what comes in the box. For example the big yellow speaker is not present and the green box is also not there. The red RF receiver box is nowhere near as large. What you get is functionally the same with a slightly different mix of components and the number of "experiments" went from 40 to 63, with two bonus experiments if you have an SC-300 kit or higher.
The kid showed a passing interest in it when it was with all the other Christmas loot, but the first experiment we did was the RC disc shooter. Thus followed an hour of playtime of having the vehicle hunt down and fire harmless foam discs at the cat (the cat enjoyed chasing down the discs as fast as the thing could be reloaded, too). Followed by hunting the wife, and then I fell victim to the rover's discs of death.
This thing is built quite sturdy and makes lots of gear noise when it runs. It has a headlight and flashing red "eyes". It plays beeping musical tunes and it can record and playback voices.
What to nitpick about it? Just a few things:
1. The SC-300 and other SnapCircuit kits come in a box to organize and store all the stuff. This comes in a box, but the box isn't suited for storage.
2. There is no "battery saver" for either the remote or the vehicle. It would be nice if the remote at least shut off after not being used for a while.
3. The remote uses a telescoping metal antenna, so one has to be careful not to break it.
4. One of the items - a 2-snap "wire" segment had a broken snap that won't stay attached. There is a card included where the customer can call the vendor about missing/broken parts and I plan to give them a call about it after the holidays.
In the end, this is a great toy (more toy-ish than the kits at least) and very entertaining and fun. Highly recommended if you have a kid who loves to tinker and build stuff.

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ElencoSnap Circuits Deluxe Snap Rover:Have FUN building your own RC Snap Rover using the colorful Snap Circuits parts that come with this kit.There is no soldering required as all the parts snap together with ease.Once completed, you will be able to navigate your surroundings with the easy-to-use Snap Rover remote control.Deluxe Features:Disc ShooterDigital Voice RecorderMusic SoundsOver 40 Other ExperimentsOver 50 PartsWireless Remote ControlRun up to three Rovers at onceNo Soldering Required

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Elenco LadyBug Robot Kit (soldering required) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking for a small robotics kit to get me started with the basics of robotics and this was definitely worth it. 100% glad that I bought this product!

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A series of Robot Kits for the future engineer. Build these kits and find out how much fun electronics & mechanics can be !The Ladybug Robot walks on 6 legs and uses infrared emitting diodes for "eyes" in order to avoid obstacles. Ladybug walks straight ahead but automatically makes a left turn the moment an obstacle is detected.The Kit comes complete with 2 sets of differently designed legs, which move in their own distinct way. Let the fun begin!Dimensions: 120 x 150 x 85mm (length feelers : 40mm)Also known as Velleman KSR6 Requires (4) AA batteries (not included)

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OWI Robotic Arm Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)Cleaver and flexible design, it lends itself to easy modifications (increased the motor torque, modifications to the griper etc.) and adaptations for use in other projects. Such as a third hand on my electronics work bench when soldering etc. I just bought a second one.

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The Robotic Arm Trainer teaches basic robotic sensing and locomotion principles and testing your motor skills, as you build and control the Arm. You can command this unit with it's five-switch, wired controller with corresponding lights to grab, release, lift, lower, rotate wrist and pilot sideways 350 degrees. Only basic hand tools are required for assembly. After assembly, observe the dynamics of gear mechanisms through the transparent Arm. Five motors and five joints allow flexibility and fun! The Arm provides five Axes of motion... 1. Base Right / Left 350 degrees 2. Shoulder 120 degrees 3. Elbow 135 degrees 4. Wrist rotates CW & CCW 340 degrees 5. Gripper Open & Close 50 mm (2 in) Other specifications: Max Length Outwards = 360 mm (14.2 in) Max Height Upwards = 510 mm (20.1 in) Max Lifting Capability = 130g (4.6 oz.) Power source = Four "D" batteries (not included) The Robotic Arm Trainer has received "100 Best Children's Products" and "10 Best Educational Products" awards from Dr. Toy. This battery controlled robot kit teaches the basic principles of robotic sensing and locomotion. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

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Elenco Scarab Robot Kit (soldering required) Review

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(More customer reviews)My son and I had a great time putting this together. We are beginners at soldering and it was a little complicated for us. But after some you tube training videos and some hands on time it went a lot better.

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A series of Robot Kits for the future engineer. Build these kits and find out how much fun electronics & mechanics can be !Scarab is a robot that uses 2 touch sensors to detect obstacles. When its antennas (touch sensor) detect an obstacle, Scarab will first step back and then automatically execute a two-step manoeuvre to avoid the obstacle. The manoeuvre is a combination of "left turn", "right turn", "reverse" or "stop". The Scarab Robot can be configured with different sets of movements.The Kit comes complete with 2 sets of differently designed legs, which move in their own distinct way. Let the fun begin!Dimensions: 175 x 145 x 85mmAlso Known as Velleman KSR5Requires (4) AA batteries (not included)

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OWI Robotic Arm Edge Review

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(More customer reviews)My 7 yr old daughter built this in about 8-9 hours. Supervision all throughout is required as parts need to be cleaned from excess plastic, and tightened properly. Some parts will need to be positioned precisely (like the clamp module). The quality of the plastic is quite good. It is similar to plastic model toys. While building, test the motors with a pair of wires to a battery if they can turn the gears properly before closing them in their housing. One electric motor failed to even work out of the box, so to make it work, I had to open it up and reposition the rotor and clean the contacts. My daughter now has some exposure of how those gears work to move something. She got to use a screwdriver, cutter, pliers, a digital multimeter in this exercise. I think she is no longer afraid of wires, since she tested all the motors before installing them. she now wants a butterfly robot. She also now want something that allows the arm to be mobile rather than be in a fixed base (I am thinking Revell Vexplorer). She plays with it by getting pencils from a case. Great weekend activity, quite educational, even for a 42 yr old. Very good value for the money.


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Construct your Robotic Arm into a bionic marvel, then command the gripper to open and close, twist at the wrist, rotate on its base or extend at the elbow to retrieve objects. Special features include a five switch wired controller, five motors, five joints and audible gear safety indicators to prevent potential gear damage during operation. Assembled size about 9 inches long x 6.3 inches wide x 15 inches high. Uses four D batteries, not included.

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