Review: Electrobot DIY Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Starter Kit for UNO R3 – A Comprehensive, Yet Complicated, Entry Point

 

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The Electrobot DIY Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Starter Kit is marketed as a comprehensive resource for beginners and students seeking to master the UNO R3 microcontroller and fundamental programming concepts. With a total count of 150 items, this kit is substantial, aiming to provide a wide array of components for hands-on learning.

Kit Specifications and Core Components

This starter kit is specifically designed for use with the Uno R3 microcontroller. The package includes the necessary EB UNO R3 Board and is built around key sensory and output components:

• An Ultrasonic Distance Sensor and its holder.
• A Servo motor and a DC Motor.
• A LCD1602 display and a 7-Segment Display.
• Control components such as a Relay, L293D Motor Driver, and an Active Buzzer.
• Various sensors, including Analog Temperature Sensor (Thermistor), Light Sensor (Photoresistor), and a Tilt Switch.
• Foundational electronics components are generously supplied, including multiple LEDs (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, RGB), various Resistors (220Ω, 1kΩ, 10kΩ), Capacitors, NPN/PNP Transistors, and a Breadboard.

The kit is housed in a project box and comes with a USB Cable and a battery holder. Manufactured by Alpha Shope in India, the kit has item dimensions of 24 x 14 x 7 Centimeters.

Educational Value and Documentation

A primary feature of the Electrobot kit is its educational support. It includes a detailed Tutorial/guidebook (PDF) that outlines 20 lessons designed to teach UNO R3 microcontroller and programming. The product also includes C Code for projects.

The lessons cover a structured path from basic to advanced concepts:

• Lessons begin with fundamentals like Blinking LED (Lesson 1), Controlling an LED with a button (Lesson 2), and Breathing LED (Lesson 5).
• Mid-level lessons cover sensory integration and display, such as using a Photoresistor (Lesson 12), using a thermistor to measure the temperature (Lesson 13), and utilizing the LCD1602 (Lesson 11).
• Advanced projects involve motor control, including Controlling Servo motor (Lesson 15), and utilizing the main sensor, such as the ultrasonic distance sensor (Lesson 16) and using it to Control a servo (Lesson 17).

Furthermore, the brand emphasizes responsive support, offering quick-responding technical support for free.

Performance and Customer Insights

The Electrobot DIY Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Starter Kit holds a moderate overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 354 global ratings.

Positive Feedback

Customers frequently praise the kit for its financial accessibility, noting that it offers good value for money and is affordably priced. Many users consider it good for beginners and suitable for small projects and DIY efforts. Some customers reported that all components received were functional and well-working.

Critical Concerns

Despite positive feedback regarding value, customers report significant consistency issues across several areas, particularly concerning core functionality and component integrity:

1. Missing or Incorrect Parts: A notable number of customers reported missing parts in the kit. Critically, some customers stated that the main Arduino board itself was missing, or that the board received was not the same as shown in the picture.
2. Controller Compatibility and Quality: There are reports of issues with controller compatibility. Specific complaints include the absence of a microcontroller on the Arduino board, and that the main controller was missing.
3. Display Issues: The LCD 1602 display frequently garnered negative feedback. Some customers reported that the LCD backlight was not working or the display was non-functional. Furthermore, users noted that the LCD did not include the necessary I2C controller or module, requiring separate purchase or soldering before use.
4. Overall Quality: While some find the quality good, overall opinions on quality are mixed, with some describing certain components (like the DC motor) as being of cheap quality. Issues were also reported with the USB cable being loose.

Summary and Verdict

The Electrobot DIY Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Starter Kit for UNO R3 is a highly ambitious kit that offers a compelling curriculum of 20 lessons and an impressive count of 150 items, making it an excellent conceptual starting point for learning Arduino programming. The inclusion of the ultrasonic sensor, servo, and LCD display ensures users can tackle complex, real-world applications outlined in the guidebook.

However, potential buyers must weigh the excellent value for money against the substantial risk of receiving kits with missing or mismatched core components (especially the microcontroller/Arduino board). While the manufacturer or seller (Clictech Store) has shown willingness to resolve issues, such as replacing a faulty Arduino, the pervasive inconsistencies noted in customer reviews suggest caution is necessary.

Verdict: This kit is recommended for beginners who are comfortable troubleshooting and verifying component functionality immediately upon receipt, or for intermediate users looking for a large bulk component supply at an affordable rate. It acts as a comprehensive toolbox, but sometimes you might find that crucial tool missing, like a puzzle with missing edge pieces.

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