Arduino Starter Kit Review

I've been using arduinos and other micro-controllers for about 10 years now, for all sorts of projects. My son is now old enough to start him on some basic programming, and teach him to understand how you can use these little computers to control all sorts of sensors and lights with just a little practice.

Links:

Kit Link: https://www.elecrow.com/crowtail-starter-kit-for-arduino.html

Code Link: https://www.elecrow.com/download/product/SEA0001T/Starter_Kit_for_Arduino_Code.zip

You only need a basic computer to run the Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) which is free from Arduino, and in this kit there is a booklet that takes you through all the projects with the included sensors. I am using a raspberry pi 5 to do all the testing, but windows works fine too. The kit is pretty complete so you don’t need any other wires or components to get anything running, but you should download the code from Elecrow’s website to help you out.

There are quite a few lights and sensors included in the kits. I’ve found the rigid plastic makes it difficult to remove the components so be careful not to damage anything. In order for this kit to be easy for beginners they have constructed a “shield” that you can attach to the top of the arduino, which allows you to add components without a breadboard, or the need for any wires or cutting of wires.

While this does make it easier for beginners my son had a lot of difficulty changing these wires, as did I. It would be nice if this could be improved. You are not required to use these wires as the provided arduino is a “real“ unit and can be used with a breadboard, or in any conventional project you solder wires to.

My son had a good time learning how to use the kit and I think this is a valuable tool, provided someone is there to teach them and practice. You can’t learn this in a day. So while it is easy, you need to practice and work with this for sometime before you can advance.

The best way to use the kit is to go through all the projects and learn how to use the sensors, and there are a lot provided so you can really try out some different things.

Included sensors and accessories:

• Button x1   

• Switch x1  

• Buzzer x1     

• LED(Red) x1     

• LED(Green) x1     

• LED(Yellow) x1     

• Logic AND x1     

• Logic OR x1     

• Logic NOT x1     

• Flame Sensor x1     

• Moisture Sensor x1     

• Touch Sensor x1     

• Relay x1     

• Light Sensor x1     

• Thermistor Temperature Sensor x1     

• Vibration Motor x1     

• Linear Potentiometer x1     

• Tilt Switch x1    

• Sound Sensor x1     

• 4-Digit Display x1