3 ms·

Depending on what kind of "tech" you're looking for, Snap Circuits (http://www.snapcircuits.net/ http://www.snapcircuits.net/) can be a good intro to electronic

Depending on what kind of "tech" you're looking for, Snap Circuits (http://www.snapcircuits.net/ http://www.snapcircuits.net/) can be a good intro to electronics.

joelg 10y ago
Wow! I haven't even thought about Snap Circuits for years. My parents bought me a set when I was a kid (before I began coding), and I loved them. I distinctly remember learning how the relay switch worked, thinking about how to create a paradox with it - I turned it over and over in my mind and then built a circuit that turned the relay off when it was turned on, and vice versa. Made the relay make a shrill buzzing noise and made me feel like a god.
- cdvonstinkpot 10y ago
  Relays were my favorite component when I was a kid. At one point, I had built a switch panel out of a thick cardboard box that had pushbuttons on it with a bunch of relays inside. I had modded all the electronics in my room which emitted light of whatever sort, indicators & such- be it LEDs or those old gold incandecant lamps or whatever, so that they all had wires running back to the relays in that box. I was then able to turn off all the devices' lights so they were on & functioning, but the room would be completely dark. Later I had a job doing electrical assembly- panels & PLCs & all kinds of sensors. There I learned of the existance of solid-state relays we used. I imagine if they'd be connected to your paradox circuit, there'd be no noise, but probably a significant amount of heat, lol!
- marmot777 10y ago
  Snap Circuits rule!!!
cdvonstinkpot 10y ago
Thanks! I guess this is what those old kits I had have evolved into. It's too bad these don't work with Macs, but I saw one that mentioned a smartphone app interface. Will have to look into it further & see if that one'll work with an iPad. I know the 10-year-old lives in a Mac household, but maybe the 8-year-old has Windows available.

Depending on what kind of "tech" you're looking for, Snap Circuits (http://www.snapcircuits.net/ http://www.snapcircuits.net/) can be a good intro to electronics.

joelg 10y ago

Wow! I haven't even thought about Snap Circuits for years. My parents bought me a set when I was a kid (before I began coding), and I loved them. I distinctly remember learning how the relay switch worked, thinking about how to create a paradox with it - I turned it over and over in my mind and then built a circuit that turned the relay off when it was turned on, and vice versa. Made the relay make a shrill buzzing noise and made me feel like a god.

cdvonstinkpot 10y ago
Relays were my favorite component when I was a kid. At one point, I had built a switch panel out of a thick cardboard box that had pushbuttons on it with a bunch of relays inside. I had modded all the electronics in my room which emitted light of whatever sort, indicators & such- be it LEDs or those old gold incandecant lamps or whatever, so that they all had wires running back to the relays in that box. I was then able to turn off all the devices' lights so they were on & functioning, but the room would be completely dark. Later I had a job doing electrical assembly- panels & PLCs & all kinds of sensors. There I learned of the existance of solid-state relays we used. I imagine if they'd be connected to your paradox circuit, there'd be no noise, but probably a significant amount of heat, lol!
marmot777 10y ago
Snap Circuits rule!!!

cdvonstinkpot 10y ago

Thanks! I guess this is what those old kits I had have evolved into. It's too bad these don't work with Macs, but I saw one that mentioned a smartphone app interface. Will have to look into it further & see if that one'll work with an iPad. I know the 10-year-old lives in a Mac household, but maybe the 8-year-old has Windows available.