We are happy to announce the arrival of the Battery Edition Marble Machine. Starting today it is available at our website for backorder, and will be fully available for purchase starting tomorrow May 16.
You are probably familiar with its older cousin, the Solar Marble Machine that has a clever circuit that delivers short bursts of energy collected by the solar cell to the gear wheel. And while the Solar Marble Machine runs on pure and natural solar energy and is a lot of fun of fun to watch, the Battery Version doesn't depend on the external lighting conditions and will faithfully deliver mesmerizing marble run action in complete darkness if necessary, with just a flip of a switch. On top of that, it is solder-free. In fact, it is so easy to assemble, your cat could build it.
The kit comes to you complete with all the components you need to build your own Marble Machine. The assembly is straightforward and well-documented, and you will only need a few hand tools (no hot melting solder spewing around, expensive tools or motor skills required). The wooden parts come in handy panels with additional instructions, and if you snap a piece during assembly, we'll send you out a replacement part (email sales@solarbotics.com for details). We also have spent a good chunk of engineering time improving the initial layout to make the machine's assembly and performance smoother.
So here you have - you can now populate your desk with a self-sufficient wooden distraction and watch the marbles roll down automagically.
Check out the Marble Machine in action:
We also created a handy assembly video for your cat to refer to:
New products added to our inventory include the L293D motor driver IC (a staple chip used in small-robot building), and the new clear-case GM4 servo gearmotor! No electronics, just a full 360° rotating, strong, modified servo! Check out the "New Products" link on the left toolbar for pricing and details.
Although not a true BEAM robot, this simple schematic by Randy Sargent is small, simple, slick, and effective. My own version uses a pair of pager motors and three cells from a 9V rechargeable battery. Hard to get any simpler than this device!
Well we hate to break it to you, but the PICAXE-40X1 has kicked the bucket. Shuffled off the mortal coil. Wacked, given up the ghost, became living-challenged, croaked, sprouted wings, snuffed out. "IT'S NOT DEAD! JUST PINING FOR THE FJORDS!" Well, that's not the case. But is does (did?) have beautiful plumage. But that's okay […]
Solarbotics has been operating for more than 25 years, bringing electronics know-how and supplies to both the electronics professional and hobbyist. We'll be happy to help you too!
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Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.