I had an electronics kit as a 12-13 year old (about 25 years ago!). It
consisted of a series of individual components wired up to what was
basically springs. You bent the spring, inserted a stripped end of a cable
and that was your connection - all of course comletely reusable. An
instruction manual gave the wiring required to create burglar alarm, crystal
radio, light sensitive switch etc etc. As your knowledge increased you
could modify/create your own circuits.

The maplin equivalent appears to be:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...7408&doy=25m11

One of the best presents I ever received.

David


"T i m" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

My friend wants to give their 13 year old son something 'electronic /
kit' based for xmyth and have looked to me for help ?

I note that there are now 'lead free' solutions and just wondered how
they worked re basic electronc kit constuction / soldering please?

Should I get them something like this Maplin starter kit?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...7935&doy=25m11

Would 18w be 'right' for small component assembly with 'lead free' ?

I assume in the absense of lead the temp would be higher (and would my
'ex BT' Weller soldering station cope?)? ;-(

I was going to suggest a couple of basic kits that 'do something'
(electronic dice / light sequencer) might hold more interest 'after'
the kits were complete.

What impact would 40 years soldering with the 'full fat' stuff have
had on me? [1]

All the best ..

T i m

[1] Obviously not dementia .. not bought a hybrid car yet! ;-)