Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by “engraving” the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Arduino-compatible, ESP32-controlled, 2-wheeled Balancing Robot
The Elektor Mini-Wheelie is an experimental autonomous self-balancing robot platform. Based on an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, the self-balancing robot is fully programmable using the Arduino environment and open-source libraries. Its wireless capabilities allow it to be controlled remotely over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or ESP-NOW or to communicate with a user or even another robot.
An ultrasonic transducer is available for detecting obstacles. Its color display can be used for displaying cute facial expressions or, for the more down-to-earth users, cryptic debug messages.
The robot comes as a neat kit of parts that you must assemble yourself. Everything is included, even a screwdriver.
Note: The Mini-Wheelie is an educational development platform intended for learning, experimentation, and robotics development. It is not classified as a toy for children, and its features, documentation, and intended audience reflect this purpose. The product is aimed at students, educators, and developers who wish to explore robotics, programming, and hardware integration in an educational setting.
Specifications
ESP32-S3 microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
MPU6050 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Two independently controlled 12 V electric motors with tachometer
Ultrasonic transducer
2.9" TFT color display (320 x 240)
MicroSD card slot
Battery power monitor
3S rechargeable Li-Po battery (11.1 V/2200 mAh)
Battery charger included
Arduino-based open-source software
Dimensions (W x L x H): 23 x 8 x 13 cm
Included
1x ESP32-S3 Mainboard + MPU6050 module
1x LCD board (2.9 inch)
1x Ultrasonic sensor
1x Battery pack (2200 mAh)
1x Battery charger
1x Motor tyre kit
1x Case board
1x Acrylic board
1x Screwdriver
1x Protective strip
1x Flex cable B (8 cm)
1x Flex cable A (12 cm)
1x Flex cable C
4x Copper column A (25 mm)
4x Copper column B (55 mm)
4x Copper column C (5 mm)
2x Plastic nylon column
8x Screws A (10 mm)
24x Screws B (M3x5)
8x Nuts
24x Metal washers
2x Zip tie
1x MicroSD card (32 GB)
Downloads
Documentation
Create lightning with the touch of your fingers or the clap of your hands
The Plasma Magic Ball is a cutting-edge tech gadget and an eye-catching piece of art. Inside the glass sphere, a special gas mixture creates mesmerizing light effects when activated by high-frequency current – like holding a storm in your hands.
Perfect for use at home, in the office, schools, hotels, or bars, it’s a unique decorative element that sparks curiosity. Looking for a fun and unusual gift? The Plasma Magic Ball is a great choice for friends and family alike.
Despite its stunning effects, the Plasma Magic Ball uses very little electricity. The glass itself is made of specially hardened, high-strength material and can withstand temperatures of up to 522°C (972°F).
Specifications
Material
Plastic
Ball diameter
6 inch (15 cm)
Input voltage
220 V
Output voltage
12 V
Power
15 W
Dimensions
25 x 15.5 x 15.5 cm
This bundle contains the popular Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico and the new Elektor Laser Head Upgrade, offering even more options for displaying the time. Not only can you "engrave" the current time in sand, you can now alternatively write it on a glow-in-the-dark foil or create green drawings.
Contents of the bundle
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico (normal price: €50)
NEW: Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock (normal price: €35)
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher)
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by "engraving" the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock
The new Elektor Laser Head transforms the Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
The Elektor Laser Head transforms the Elektor Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
The Mixer Geek Theremin+ is a fun and innovative electronic musical instrument inspired by the classic Theremin. Unlike traditional instruments, the Theremin+ is played without physical contact, using hand movements in the air to control pitch and volume.
The Theremin+ offers an exciting and hands-on way to explore music and sound experimentation.
Features
Ready to use out of the box
Equipped with a loudspeaker and full-color screen
Intuitive button-based navigation and confirmation
Choose from over 70 tones
Multiple customizable function settings
Displays waveform, time, frequency, volume, and corresponding piano pitch (display can be turned off)
Powered via USB-C port; compatible with power banks
Compact design with removable telescopic antenna for easy storage
Connects to headphones, external speakers, or recording devices
Dimensions: 98 x 70 x 18 mm
Included
1x Theremin+ Musical Instrument
2x Antennas
1x USB-C cable
The X500 V2 ARF Kit is an affordable, lightweight, and robust carbon fiber professional drone kit that is easy to assemble (less than 15 minutes). It comes with the X500 V2 Frame Kit and motors, ESCs, power distribution boards and propellers preinstalled. It is perfectly compatible with various flight controllers such as the Holybro Pixhawk series, Durandal, Pix32 V5, etc. There are numerous improvements compared the previous model.
Specifications
Wheelbase: 500 mm
Motor mount pattern: 16x16 mm
Frame body: 144x144 mm, 2 mm thick
Landing gear height: 215 mm
Space between top and bottom plates: 28 mm
Weight: 610 g
Flight time: ~18 minutes hover with no additional payload. Tested with 5000 mAh battery.
Payload: 1500 g (without battery, 70% throttle)
Battery recommendation: 4S 3000-5000 mAh 20C+ with XT60 Lipo battery (not Included)
Included
X500 V2 Frame Kit
With Preinstalled Items:
4x Motors: Holybro 2216 KV920 Motor (4 pcs) with XT30 Plug
4x ESCs (BLHeli S ESC 20A)
6x 1045 Propellers
Power Distribution Board – XT60 plug for battery & XT30 plug for ESCs & peripherals
Note: Depth camera mount is sold separately.
The QAV250 Kit is the perfect way to get started developing on either PX4 or Ardupilot. It pairs a carbon fiber 250 racing frame and essential electronics with Pixhawk 6C mini autopilot. The kit is easy to assemble. No soldering needed. Specifications Micro Power Module (PM06 v2) Motors: 2207 KV1950 Wheelbase: 250 mm Dimensions: 198 x 235 x 70 mm Weight: 347 g Included Carbon fiber 250 airframe with hardware Micro Power Module (PM06 v2) Motors: 2207 KV1950 5' Plastic Props Fully assembled Power Management Board with ESCs (BLHeli S ESC 20A) Battery Straps Note: LiPo battery is not included.
