Outstanding design for demonstrating logic gates
For LogicBits
I have bought and tested a number of options for demonstrating logic gate combinations for education in a hands-on manner and this design is easily the best I have seen so far.
pros:
- relatively inexpensive solution
- big and easily readable components
- all inputs and outputs visualized with LEDs on every single component
- completed circuits can easily be arranged to match the diagrams and/or make the layouts as clear as possible
- The magnets allow semi-permanent arrangements on whiteboards and other metallic surfaces. I recommend using portable magnetic whiteboards to store and carry completed circuits.
minor nitpicks:
- There are not enough cables included with the set to build the more interesting circuits, but since standard and inexpensive servo cables are used this is a minor problem. To get more cables just buy several sets or buy cables from somewhere else. I especially recommend more varied lengths of cables to make building more complicated circuits easier and to allow for clearer layouts.
- Shorts can occur on bare metal surfaces by pushing the exposed pins on the underside into contact with it. Just use coated white- or blackboards to prevent this.
- The connections are not completely idiot-proof in that it is possible to connect the plugs the wrong way around or shifted by one pin which can cause a short. This has happened to me by accident on a couple of occasions but the logic bits seem unaffected so far and still work fine. Still, I would not recommend this kit for very young kids.
Response from Island Robotics | Oct. 7, 2021
Thanks for your review!
Yes, I probably should include more cables - this is an easy fix, will get some 20cm servo cables to add them to the mix.
For fool-proofing the connectors - indeed it is somewhat of a challenge. I had thought of using some polarized/latching connectors (JST SH?), the main concern is how to do that without making the kit much more expensive - there are over 40 connectors in the kit, so it adds up quickly. If you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate them!
Best,
Alexander
