Arduino has introduced a new Plug and Make Kit that allows you to unleash your hacking imagination without the need for soldering. This kit is perfect for those who want to tinker with projects but find the process of soldering a bit daunting. With the Arduino Plug and Make Kit, you can easily connect tiny boards together to create weather stations, game controllers, and more.
At the core of this kit is an Arduino UNO R4 board that comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a built-in 12×8 LED matrix display. To get started, you simply screw this board onto the main yellow board and then choose from seven other “Modulino” boards to attach. These boards can be connected using small cables that you push in with your fingers, allowing you to easily daisy-chain them together. The entire setup is powered by a USB-C cable, making it convenient to use.
The kit includes various components such as a knob, eight LEDs, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, a buzzer/speaker, a temperature/humidity sensor, and three buttons. With these components, you can create projects like a weather station, an 8-bit-style synthesizer, a smart lamp controller, and more. Additionally, Arduino offers starter projects that you can try out, or you can explore other project ideas online.
One of the highlights of this kit is the included shell case for the main Arduino board, which can help protect your projects from the elements. While the projects you create with this kit may resemble breadboard objects, they offer a unique and customizable design that is sure to impress. For example, you could create a custom timer like the author’s Adafruit Circuit Playground Express, which plays a tune after each work sprint.
The Arduino Plug and Make Kit is currently priced at $87 and is available for purchase. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tinkerer, this kit offers a fun and accessible way to explore the world of electronics and programming. So, grab your kit, plug in some boards, and let your creativity run wild!
