Equipment for Hobbyist: Motors, Gears, Microcontrollers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable kits and components for hobbyist projects involving motors, gears, and microcontrollers. Participants explore options for both mechanical and electronic aspects of building devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to build devices using motors and gears, seeking kits that are more advanced than typical toy sets like Lego.
  • Another participant suggests that for basic electronic devices, one should consider tools like breadboards and components such as resistors and transistors, emphasizing the importance of understanding Ohm's law.
  • A participant clarifies their focus on mechanical kits, indicating they are already proficient in electronics.
  • Another participant recommends sourcing stepper motors and gears from eBay for CNC and 3D printer projects, mentioning various suppliers and tools that could be useful for building frameworks and controlling devices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have differing focuses, with some emphasizing electronics and others prioritizing mechanical components. There is no consensus on specific kits or components, as needs and preferences vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not defined specific project goals or requirements, which may influence the suitability of suggested kits and components.

Who May Find This Useful

Hobbyists interested in building mechanical and electronic devices, particularly those looking for advanced kits beyond typical toy sets.

oneamp
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I want to start playing around with motors, gears, and things like that. I would like to build some basic devices that I can control with microcontrollers. I have looked around at sets for building things... erector, lego, etc. But I haven't found anything acceptable; lego is close with gears, rods, pulleys, etc. available, but it's too toyish for me. What are some kits that I can buy to play with and build things?
 
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If you want to make basic electronic devices you can use breadboards, scoldering iron, multimeter, resistors,transistors,capacitors,diodes,pliers,utility knifes, epoxy,xacto knifes,etc.. but if you want to learn electronics you should learn ohms law very well. You can start by learning ohms law and getting an electronics project kit like the radio shack 300 in 1 project kit. Most of the electronics I do is with rc planes and radios. I do fix basic devices though.
 
I want a kit for the mechanical side of things. I am already competent and equipped for the electronics side.
 
eBay has stepper motors and gears for making cnc and 3d printer projects. Tractor supply and northern tool or a bike shop have gears chain metal for framework. Controllers like arduino (smartphone driven) and axis control boards(pc driven) also on eBay. Software is free using Mach 3 evaluation copy. Sensors and microdevice, try getting free catalog to electronics suppliers. What are you building or hoping to achieve? That answer will narrow my suggestion matrix.
 

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