Build Your Own Vintage Radio Broadcaster
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit allows streaming audio to vintage AM radio receivers. Based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller module, the AM Transmitter can transmit on 32 frequencies in the AM band, from 500 kHz up to 1.6 MHz in 32 steps of approx. 35 kHz. The frequency is selected with a potentiometer and shown on a 0.96" OLED display. A pushbutton allows toggles the transmitting mode between On and Off. The range of the transmitter depends on the antenna. The onboard antenna provides a range of a few centimeters, requiring the AM Transmitter to be placed close to or inside the radio. An external loop antenna (not included) can be connected to increase the range.
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit comes as a kit of parts that you must solder to the board yourself.
Features
The board is compatible with a Hammond 1593N enclosure (not included).A 5 VDC power supply with micro-USB connector (e.g., an old phone charger) is needed to power the kit (not included). Current consumption is 100 mA.
The Arduino software (requiring Earle Philhower’s RP2040 Boards Package) for the Elektor AM Transmitter Kit plus more information is available at the Elektor Labs page of this project.
Component List
Resistors
R1, R4 = 100 Ω
R2, R3, R8 = 10 kΩ
R5, R6, R9, R10, R11 = 1 kΩ
R7 = optional (not included)
P1 = potentiometer 100 kΩ, linear
Capacitors
C1 = 22 µF 16V
C2, C4 = 10 nF
C3 = 150 pF
Miscellaneous
K1 = 4×1 pin socket
K2, K3 = 3.5 mm socket
Raspberry Pi Pico
pushbutton, angle mount
0.96" monochrome I²C OLED display
PCB 150292-1
The Elektor Super Servo Tester can control servos and measure servo signals. It can test up to four servo channels at the same time.
The Super Servo Tester comes as a kit. All the parts required to assemble the Super Servo Tester are included in the kit. Assembling the kit requires basic soldering skills. The microcontroller is already programmed.
The Super Servo Tester features two operating modes: Control/Manual and Measure/Inputs.
In Control/Manual mode the Super Servo Tester generates control signals on its outputs for up to four servos or for the flight controller or ESC. The signals are controlled by the four potentiometers.
In Measure/Inputs the Super Servo Tester measures the servo signals connected to its inputs. These signals may come from for instance an ESC, a flight controller, or the receiver or another device. The signals are also routed to the outputs to control the servos or the flight controller or ESC. The results are shown on the display.
Specifications
Operating modes
Control/Manual & Measure/Inputs
Channels
3
Servo signal inputs
4
Servo signal outputs
4
Alarm
Buzzer & LED
Display
0.96' OLED (128 x 32 pixels)
Input voltage on K5
7-12 VDC
Input voltage on K1
5-7.5 VDC
Input current
30 mA (9 VDC on K5, nothing connected to K1 and K2)
Dimensions
113 x 66 x 25 mm
Weight
60 g
Included
Resistors (0.25 W)
R1, R3
1 kΩ, 5%
R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9, R10
10 kΩ, 5%
R8
22 Ω, 5%
P1, P2, P3, P4
10 kΩ, lin/B, vertical potentiometer
Capacitors
C1
100 µF 16 V
C2
10 µF 25 V
C3, C4, C7
100 nF
C5, C6
22 pF
Semiconductors
D1
1N5817
D2
LM385Z-2.5
D3
BZX79-C5V1
IC1
7805
IC2
ATmega328P-PU, programmed
LED1
LED, 3 mm, red
T1
2N7000
Miscellaneous
BUZ1
Piezo buzzer with oscillator
K1, K2
2-row, 12-way pinheader, 90°
K5
Barrel jack
K4
1-row, 4-way pin socket
K3
2-row, 6-way boxed pinheader
S1
Slide switch DPDT
S2
Slide switch SPDT
X1
Crystal, 16 MHz
28-way DIP socket for IC2
Elektor PCB
OLED display, 0.96', 128 x 32 pixels, 4-pin I²C interface
Links
Elektor Magazine
Elektor Labs
Learn how to use the ESP32 Microcontroller and MicroPython programming in your future projects!
The project book, written by well-known Elektor author Dogan Ibrahim, holds many software- and hardware-based projects especially developed for the MakePython ESP32 Development Kit. The kit comes with several LEDs, sensors, and actuators. The kit will help you acquire the basic knowledge to create IoT projects.
The book’s fully evaluated projects feature all the supplied components. Each project includes a block diagram, a circuit diagram, a full program listing, and a complete program description.
Included in the kit
1x MakePython ESP32 development board with color LCD
1x Ultrasonic ranging module
1x Temperature and humidity sensor
1x Buzzer module
1x DS18B20 module
1x Infrared module
1x Potentiometer
1x WS2812 module
1x Sound sensor
1x Vibration sensor
1x Photosensitive resistance module
1x Pulse sensor
1x Servo motor
1x USB cable
2x Button
2x Breadboard
45x Jumper wire
10x Resistor 330R
10x LED (Red)
10x LED (Green)
1x Project book (206 pages)
46 Projects in the Book
LED Projects
Blinking LED
Flashing SOS
Blinking LED – using a timer
Alternately flashing LEDs
Button control
Changing the LED flashing rate using pushbutton interrupts
Chasing-LEDs
Binary-counting LEDs
Christmas lights (random-flashing 8 LEDs)
Electronic dice
Lucky day of the week
Pulsewidth Modulation (PWM) Projects
Generate a 1000-Hz PWM waveform with 50% duty cycle
LED brightness control
Measuring the frequency and duty cycle of a PWM waveform
Melody maker
Simple electronic organ
Servo motor control
Servo motor DS18B20 thermometer
Analog To Digital Converter (ADC) Projects
Voltmeter
Plotting the analog input voltage
ESP32 internal temperature sensor
Ohmmeter
Photosensitive resistance module
Digital To Analog Converter (DAC) Projects
Generating fixed voltages
Generating a sawtooth-wave signal
Generating a triangular-wave signal
Arbitrary periodic waveform
Generating a sinewave signal
Generating accurate sinewave signal using timer interrupts
Using The OLED Display
Seconds counter
Event counter
DS18B20 OLED based digital thermometer
ON-OFF temperature controller
Measuring the temperature and humidity
Ultrasonic distance measurement
Height of a person (stadiometer)
Heart rate (pulse) measurement
Other Sensors Supplied with the Kit
Theft alarm
Sound-activated light
Infrared obstacle avoidance with buzzer
WS2812 RGB LED ring
Timestamping temperature and humidity readings
Network Programming
Wi-Fi scanner
Remote control from the Internet browser (using a smartphone or PC) – Web Server
Storing temperature and humidity data in the Cloud
Low-Power Operation
Using a timer to wake up the processor
The DIY Mini Digital Oscilloscope Kit (with shell) is an easy-to-build kit for a tiny digital oscilloscope. Besides the power switch, it has only one other control, a rotary encoder with a built-in pushbutton. The kit's microcontroller comes preprogrammed. The 0.96" OLED display has a resolution of 128 x 64 pixels. The oscilloscope features one channel that can measure signals up to 100 kHz. The maximum input voltage is 30 V, the minimum voltage is 0 V.
The kit consists of through-hole components (THT) are surface-mount devices (SMD). Therefore, assembling the kit means soldering SMD parts, which requires some soldering experience.
Specifications
Vertical range: 0 to 30 V
Horizontal range: 100 µs to 500 ms
Trigger type: auto, normal and single
Trigger edge: rising and falling
Trigger level: 0 to 30 V
Run/Stop mode
Automatic frequency measurement
Power: 5 V micro-USB
10 Hz, 5 V sinewave output
9 kHz, 0 to 4.8 V square wave output
Display: 0.96-inch OLED screen
Dimensions: 57 x 38 x 26 mm
Downloads
Documentation
The Arduino Student Kit is a hands-on, step-by-step remote learning tool for ages 11+: get started with the basics of electronics, programming, and coding at home. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary as the kit guides you through step by step. Educators can teach their class remotely using the kits, and parents can use the kit as a homeschool tool for their child to learn at their own pace. Everyone will gain confidence in programming and electronics with guided lessons and open experimentation.
Learn the basics of programming, coding and electronics including current, voltage, and digital logic. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary as the kit guides you through step by step.
You’ll get all the hardware and software you need for one person, making it ideal to use for remote teaching, homeschooling, and for self-learning. There are step-by-step lessons, exercises, and for a complete and in-depth experience, there’s also extra content including invention spotlights, concepts, and interesting facts about electronics, technology, and programming.
Lessons and projects can be paced according to individual abilities, allowing them to learn from home at their own level. The kit can also be integrated into different subjects such as physics, chemistry, and even history. In fact, there’s enough content for an entire semester.
How educators can use the kit for remote teaching
The online platform contains all the content you need to teach remotely: exclusive learning guidance content, tips for remote learning, nine 90-minute lessons, and two open-ended projects. Each lesson builds off the previous one, providing a further opportunity to apply the skills and concepts students have already learned. They also get a logbook to complete as they work through the lessons.
The beginning of each lesson provides an overview, estimated completion times, and learning objectives. Throughout each lesson, there are tips and information that will help to make the learning experience easier. Key answers and extension ideas are also provided.
How the kit helps parents homeschool their children
This is your hands-on, step-by-step remote learning tool that will help your child learn the basics of programming, coding, and electronics at home. As a parent, you don’t need any prior knowledge or experience as you are guided through step-by-step. The kit is linked directly into the curriculum so you can be confident that your children are learning what they should be, and it provides the opportunity for them to become confident in programming and electronics. You’ll also be helping them learn vital skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
Self-learning with the Arduino Student Kit
Students can use this kit to teach themselves the basics of electronics, programming, and coding. As all the lessons follow step-by-step instructions, it’s easy for them to work their way through and learn on their own. They can work at their own pace, have fun with all the real-world projects, and increase their confidence as they go. They don’t need any previous knowledge as everything is clearly explained, coding is pre-written, and there’s a vocabulary of concepts to refer to.
The Arduino Student Kit comes with several parts and components that will be used to build circuits while completing the lessons and projects throughout the course.
Included in the kit
Access code to exclusive online content including learning guidance notes, step-by-step lessons and extra materials such as resources, invention spotlights and a digital logbook with solutions.
1x Arduino Uno
1x USB cable
1x Board mounting base
1x Multimeter
1x 9 V battery snap
1x 9 V battery
20x LEDs (5x red, 5x green, 5x yellow & 5x blue )
5x Resistors 560 Ω
5x Resistors 220 Ω
1x Breadboard 400 points
1x Resistor 1 kΩ
1x Resistor 10 kΩ
1x Small Servo motor
2x Potentiometers 10 kΩ
2x Knob potentiometers
2x Capacitors 100 uF
Solid core jumper wires
5x Pushbuttons
1x Phototransistor
2x Resistors 4.7 kΩ
1x Jumper wire black
1x Jumper wire red
1x Temperature sensor
1x Piezo
1x Jumper wire female to male red
1x Jumper wire female to male black
3x Nuts and Bolts
The Smart USB Soldering Iron Kit is a compact, cordless solution designed for precision and portability. Featuring intelligent three-speed temperature control (300-450°C) with an easy-to-read LED display, it heats up in just 10 seconds and melts solder in as little as 6 seconds.
The 1000 mAh rechargeable battery delivers up to 30 minutes of continuous use, making it ideal for quick repairs, electronics projects, and DIY tasks. With a plug-and-play, replaceable tip and a high-temperature-resistant insulated shell, it’s safe, user-friendly, and perfect for both beginners and professionals on the go.
Features
Three-Speed Intelligent Temperature Adjustment: Features an LED display screen with adjustable temperatures between 300-450°C (572-842°F). Easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Integrated Plug-In Soldering Iron Tip: Plug-and-play design. The tip can be replaced by simply unscrewing it, ensuring quick and convenient operation.
Safe and Durable Design: High-temperature-resistant, insulated shell for enhanced safety during use.
Battery Capacity: Equipped with a rechargeable 1000 mAh battery that supports up to 30 minutes of continuous operation on a full charge – ideal for everyday tasks.
Efficient Performance: 8 W power with an integrated heating core for rapid heat-up. Melts tin in just 6 seconds, providing excellent thermal conductivity.
Easy to Use: After powering on via USB, set your desired temperature. The soldering iron heats up in 10 seconds. Once finished, place the tip on the stand—it cools down within 1 minute. Perfect for beginners, hobbyists, basic home repairs, and training engineers.
Cordless Innovation: This cordless soldering kit includes a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for cables. Versatile use for circuit board soldering, electrical repairs, jewelry making, metal crafts, computer maintenance, and DIY projects.
Specifications
Adjustable Temperature: 300-450°C (572-842°F)
Tin Melting Time: <15 seconds
Working Voltage: 5 V
Power Output: 8 W
Battery Capacity: 1000 mAh
Auto Sleep Function: Activates after 10 minutes of inactivity
Charging Time: Approx. 90 minutes
Battery Life: Up to 30 minutes continuous use
Charging Interface: USB-C
Main Material: Aluminum alloy
Dimensions: 190 x 16 mm (7.4 x 0.6")
Included
1x USB Soldering Iron
1x Soldering Tip
1x Soldering Rosin
1x Soldering Iron Holder (with Sponge)
1x USB-C Charging Cable
1x Solder Wire
1x Storage Box
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
A Retro Roll with a Neon Soul
LED-based dice are common, but their light is cold. Not so for this electronic neon dice, which displays its value with the warm glow of neon lamps. It is perfect for playing games on cold, dark winter evenings. The pips of the dice are neon lamps and the random number generator has six neon lamps to show that it is working.
Even though the dice has an on-board 100-V power supply, it is completely safe. As with all Elektor Classic products, the dice too has its circuit diagram printed on the front while an explanation of how the circuit works can be found on the rear side.
The Neon Lamp Dice comes as a kit of easy-to-solder through-hole parts. The power supply is a 9-V battery (not included).
Features
Warm Vintage Glow
Elektor Heritage Circuit Symbols
Tried & Tested by Elektor Labs
Educational & Geeky Project
Through-Hole Parts Only
Included
Printed Circuit Board
All Components
Wooden Stand
Required
9 V battery
Component List
Resistors (THT, 150 V, 0.25 W)
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R14 = 1 MΩ
R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 = 18 kΩ
R13, R15, R16, R17, R18, R21, R23, R24, R25, R26, R28, R30, R33 = 100 kΩ
R32, R34 = 1.2 kΩ
R19, R20, R22, R27, R29 = 4.7 kΩ
R31 = 1 Ω
Capacitors
C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 = 470 nF, 50 V, 5 mm pitch
C7, C9, C11, C12 = 1 µF, 16 V, 2 mm pitch
C8 = 470 pF, 50 V, 5 mm pitch
C10 = 1 µF, 250 V, 2.5 mm pitch
Inductors
L1 = 470 µH
Semiconductors
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7 = 1N4148
D8 = STPS1150
IC1 = NE555
IC2 = 74HC374
IC3 = MC34063
IC4 = 78L05
T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 = MPSA42
T6 = STQ2LN60K3-AP
Miscellaneous
K1 = PP3 9 V battery holder
NE1, NE2, NE3, NE4, NE5, NE6, NE7, NE8, NE9, NE10, NE11, NE12, NE13 = neon light
S2 = Miniature slide switch
S1 = Pushbutton (12 x 12 mm)
Grove is an open-source, modulated, and ready-to-use toolset and takes a building block approach to assemble electronics. This Kit includes a Base Shield to which the various Grove modules can be connected both individually, or together in various combinations to create fun and exciting projects. All of the modules use a Grove connector, which connects each of the components to a Base Shield in just a few seconds. The Base Shield can then be mounted onto an Arduino UNO board and can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. Instructions for connecting and programming the different modules are also included in this kit. This kit was elaborated in collaboration with Seeed Studio and provides the Arduino community with the opportunity to build projects with minimal effort of both wiring and coding. This kit acts as a bridge to the world of Grove and provides a flexible way for Makers to extend their projects to include other complex Grove modules. The Kit comes includes access to an online platform with all the instructions required to plug, sketch and play with the different Grove Modules. Please note: This kit does not include the Arduino Uno board. Included 1 Base Shield that is designed to fit on top of an Arduino UNO board. It comes equipped with 16 grove connectors, which, when placed on top of the UNO, provides the functionality to various pins. It includes: 7x digital connections 4x analog connections 4x I²C connections 1x UART connection 10 Grove modules included can be connected to the base shield, either through the digital, analog, or I2C connectors on the shield. Let's take a quick look at them: The LED - a simple LED that can be turned ON or OFF, or dimmed. The button - pushbutton can either be in a HIGH or LOW state. The potentiometer - a variable resistor that increases or decreases resistance when turning its knob. The buzzer - a piezo speaker that is used to produce binary sounds. The light sensor - a photoresistor that reads light intensity. The sound sensor - a tiny microphone that measures sound vibrations. The air pressure sensor - reads air pressure, using the I²C protocol. The temperature sensor - reads temperature and humidity at the same time. The accelerometer - a sensor used for orientation, used for detecting movement. The OLED screen - a screen that values or messages can be printed to. 6 Grove cables allow you to easily connect the modules to the Base Shield without any soldering required. The Arduino Sensor Kit Library is a wrapper that contains links to other libraries related to certain modules such as the accelerometer, air pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and OLED display. This library provides easy-to-use APIs that will help you build a clear mental model of the concepts you will be using.
When you experiment with the Raspberry Pi on a regular basis and you connect a variety of external hardware to the GPIO port via the header you may well have caused some damage in the past. The Elektor Raspberry Pi Buffer Board is there to prevent this! The board is compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero, Zero 2 (W), 3, 4, 5, 400 and 500.
All 26 GPIOs are buffered with bi-directional voltage translators to protect the Raspberry Pi when experimenting with new circuits. The PCB is intended to be inserted in the back of Raspberry Pi 400/500. The connector to connect to the Raspberry Pi is a right angled 40-way receptacle (2x20). The PCB is only a fraction wider. A 40-way flat cable with appropriate 2x20 headers can be connected to the buffer output header to experiment for instance with a circuit on a breadboard or PCB.
The circuit uses 4x TXS0108E ICs by Texas Instruments. The PCB can also be put upright on a Raspberry Pi.
Downloads
Schematics
Layout
The ICL8038 signal generator delivers versatile waveforms, including sine, triangle, square, and forward/reverse sawtooth, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Powered by the ICL8038 chip and high-speed operational amplifiers, it ensures exceptional precision and signal stability.
With a frequency range of 5 Hz to 400 kHz, it supports applications from audio to radio frequencies. Its adjustable duty cycle, ranging from 2% to 95%, allows for precise waveform customization to meet various needs.
The DIY kit is beginner-friendly, featuring through-hole components for easy assembly. It includes all necessary parts, an acrylic shell, and a detailed manual, providing everything required to build and use the signal generator efficiently.
Specifications
Frequency range
5 Hz~400 KHz (adjustable)
Power supply voltage
12 V~15 V
Duty cycle range
2~95% (adjustable)
Low distortion sine wave
1%
Low temperature drift
50 ppm/°C
Output triangular wave linearity
0.1%
DC bias range
−7.5 V~7.5 V
Output amplitude range
0.1 V~11 VPP (working voltage 12 V)
Dimensions
89 x 60 x 35 mm
Weight
81 g
Included
PCB incl. all necessary components
Acrylic shell
Manual
This RC522 RFID Kit includes a 13.56 MHz RF reader module that uses an RC522 IC and two S50 RFID cards to help you learn and add the 13.56 MHz RF transition to your project. The MF RC522 is a highly integrated transmission module for contactless communication at 13.56 MHz. RC522 supports ISO 14443A/MIFARE mode. The module uses SPI to communicate with microcontrollers. The open-hardware community already has a lot of projects exploiting the RC522 – RFID Communication, using Arduino. Features Operating Current: 13-26 mA/DC 3.3 V Idle Current: 10-13 mA/DC 3.3 V Sleep Current: <80 uA Peak Current: <30 mA Operating Frequency: 13.56 MHz Supported card types: mifare1 S50, mifare1 S70 MIFARE Ultralight, Mifare Pro, MIFARE DESFire Environmental Operating Temperature: -20-80 degrees Celsius Environmental Storage Temperature: -40-85 degrees Celsius Relative humidity: relative humidity 5% -95% Reader Distance: ≥50 mm/1.95' (Mifare 1) Module Size: 40×60 mm/1.57*2.34' Module interfaces SPI Parameter Data transfer rate: maximum 10 Mbit/s Included 1x RFID-RC522 Module 1x Standard S50 Blank Card 1x S50 special-shaped card (as shown by the keyring shape) 1x Straight Pin 1x Curved Pin Downloads Arduino Library MFRC522 Datasheet MFRC522_ANT Mifare S50