Name: Microcontroller
Manufacturer: Thames and Kosmos
Review: This is actually one of the more interesting science kits I’ve experimented with. A microcontroller is basically a small self-contained computer. Many common devices have embedded chips (or microcontrollers) in them - including microwaves, cell phones, dishwashers, cars, space shuttles and electron microscopes. This kit being reviewed teaches you how to build one of these devices from the ground up. The detailed instructions show the interaction between computer processors, memory chips, timers and ports and how they relate to one another.
I haven’t completed all 100 experiments in the manual, but the couple I did experiment with were very enlightening. It doesn’t take long before you’ll start thinking of other device controllers you can build with this. The experiments included are great, but the real value of this kit is in how it encourages you to think of so much more.
While the Thames & Kosmos Microcontroller may be expensive (roughly about $150 as I write this), the long-term educational value far exceeds the cost.
I grew up with the Tiny Giant microcontroller, and wasn’t expecting this one to really compare. I was pleasantly surprised at the flexibility and the options this one offered. Thames and Kosmos has got a solid kit with this one.