Suggested Kits

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From AM & FM Transmitters, Hobby Kits, Video Cameras, Time & Weather Products, Amateur Radio Gear, Mini-Kits, or just Neat Stuff, you want to make working with electronics not only fun, but also a great learning experience. With these kits you don't just get a bag of parts and some instructions, but delve into circuit theory covering how and why it works, all in a fun and easy to understand format.

Following is a list of suggested kits that have been tried by members, all under $50, organized by price range. This is by no means a comprehensive list, and new suggestions are always welcome.


Contents

$5 - $10

MK105.jpg

Velleman MK105 – 1kHz Multifunction Signal Generator Kit
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This kit outputs a 1kHz fixed frequency: sine wave, triangle, square wave and integrator, selectable via a jumper. Output level is adjustable from 0mVrms to 100mVrms (Controlled by a potentiometer).

    SplatSpace:         MK105       $6.00
    Jameco:              2136930     $5.95
    Ramsey Electronics:  MK105       $6.95


MK132.jpg

Velleman MK132 – Cable Continuity and Polarity Checker Kit
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Check cables for continuity and identify individual wires. Ideal for speaker cable polarity checking. LED indication for open circuit, shorts and correct or wrong polarity. Pushbutton operation with auto power off, and low power consumption (10mA max). Separate main board and remote board for connection to each end of cable.

    Splat*Space:         MK132       $7.00
    Jameco:              2131004     $6.95
    Ramsey Electronics:  MK132       $8.95


MK109.jpg

Velleman MK109 – Electronic Dice Kit
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Simulates a dice by generating a number when the button is pushed. 9V battery required.

    SplatSpace:         MK109       $6.75
    Jameco:              2136972     $6.75


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Velleman MK104 – Light-Sensitive Electronic Cricket Kit
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Makes a cricket noise as soon as it gets dark. Can be used for fun or to simulate a hot summer night. Cricket repetition (time between two crickets), effect, tone, and light sensitivity are adjustable. 9V battery required.

    Jameco:   2136956      $6.95


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Velleman MK131 – 4-Way Traffic Light Kit
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Miniature traffic light simulates a real traffic light as used on four-way junctions. Realistic operation with adjustable delay. 12 LEDs. Great for model railroads, exhibitions, as a toy, ... 9V battery required.

    Jameco:   2136964      $6.25


MK130.jpg

Velleman MK130 - 3D LED Christmas Tree Kit
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This Christmas tree is not your average PC board display! It has 4 "branch" sections giving it a 3D depth look! Its unique design holds a standard 9V battery at its base as its "trunk" and will self-support on a table or desk with or without the battery. 16 flashing red LEDs are placed on the branches. Extra green and yellow LEDs are included to allow you to customize your tree to your design! Runs on 9-12VDC or the 9V battery in its base. Measures 3.5" x 4.0".

    Ramsey Electronics:  MK130       $7.95
    Jameco:              211781      $9.95


MK120.jpg

Velleman MK120 – IR Light Barrier Kit
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Use the power and invisibility of an IR light beam to your advantage! This little kit includes the transmitter and receiver for a highly efficient intruder alarm. Includes an Infra-red transmitter board that generates a high power and focused invisible beam of light that covers up to 13 feet! The matching receiver features a high sensitivity IR receiver that picks up that beam and when broken, sounds a built-in 85dB audible alarm and lights an LED. Use in many applications, such as to announce visitors, warn against burglars, set boundaries, for science projects, and so on. Not recommended for outdoor use.

Both the transmitter and receiver operate on standard 9VDC batteries to prevent problems during power failures. Perfect to announce visitors, burglar alarms, set boundaries for animals, and for science fair projects. Transmitter measures 2.2" x 1.6" and the receiver measures 3.9" x 2".

    Jameco:               2131012      $7.95
    Ramsey Electronics:   MK120        $8.95


MK138.jpg

Velleman MK138 - Thermostat Control Module
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If you're looking for an easy way to control the temperature of anything from a circuit, a heatsink, to a room, this little thermostat control module will do the trick! A built-in NTS temperature sensor is included, and can either be board mounted or remotely connected via the built-in terminal strip. The temperature range is 41F to 86F. Once adjusted to the desired temperature a built-in relay provides the control circuit. In addition a bright red LED indicates the state of the thermostat. The module runs on 12VDC at 100mA. The control relay is rated at 24V at 3A making it easy to interface with any of your circuits. The board measures 2.1" x 2.4" x 1.1". Temperature control is normally a hassle, use this little module and make it a breeze!

    Ramsey Electronics:   MK138        $8.95


MK146.jpg

Velleman MK146 - Pocket Vu Meter (Sound Pressure Meter)
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How loud is the audio at the concert? What's the level of your stereo? Exactly how loud is that train that runs by your house? This little pocket Vu meter will tell you in a flash! The LED bargraph shows you the ambient room audio level using high sensitivity built-in microphone. Great for audio level comparisons as well as setting benchmarks. Runs on two CR2016/2025 batteries not included. Measures 3.4" x 2" x 1".

Check out the matching Pocket Audio Generator! The matching twin to the Vu Meter it generates left and right line level stereo test tones plus pink noise to check out any equipment that has audio inputs.

    Ramsey Electronics:   MK146        $8.95
    Jameco:               2130698      $7.95 {without case}


MK103.jpg

Velleman MK103 – Sound-to-Light Kit
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Four high-intensity LEDs light up and react simultaneously to every sound. Use for different, fun, and practical applications like a sound indicator or simple sound-to-light unit for music. The unit can also be used to indicate when the doorbell or the telephone is ringing, which is particularly useful for the hearing-impaired. The sensitivity is adjustable with the potentiometer, and it has a built-in microphone. Measures 2.5"L x 1.6"W x 1.4"H.

    Jameco:     147571       $8.95


MK101.jpg

Velleman MK101 – Flashing LED Sweetheart Kit
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Show your love in an original way that your heart still beats faster for him or her. 28 LEDs form 2 blinking hearts. Measures 2.5"L x 2.75"W x 1.2"H.

    Jameco:     147555       $9.95


MK134.jpg

Velleman MK134 – Steam Engine Sound Generator & Whistle Kit
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Generates sound of a vintage steam engine. Adjustable 'speed' and volume. Great for model railroads, radio plays, stage, as gadget. With 'steam whistle'-push button. Comes with 8 ohm/0.5W miniature speaker.

    Jameco:     2130888      $9.95

$10 - $15

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Velleman K1803 - Universal Mono Preamplifier Kit
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This kit was developed as a pre-module for a number of audio applications where there is an insufficient input signal.

Specifications:

  • Power supply: 10-30 VDC / 10 mA
  • Output impedance: 1 KΩ
  • Adjustable output level: 40 dB max
  • Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±3dB
  • Maximum input signal: 40 mV
  • PCB dimensions: 30 x 44 mm (1.2" x 1.7")
    Jameco:                117612       $10.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


MK106.jpg

Velleman MK106 - Electronic Metronome Kit
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For centuries musicians have used metronomes to keep a standard tempo, but mechanical wind-up metronomes are bulky and require winding. On the flip side, newer pre-assembled electronic metronomes tend to be pricy and cluttered with unnecessary features. This kit is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, compact, and inexpensive metronome that they can build themselves! Features controls for volume and beats per minute. The PC mounted speaker gives you a pleasant timing beat and a board mounted LED gives you visual indication for the "silent mode" of operation. Runs on a standard 9V battery (not included).

    Ramsey Electronics:    MK106        $10.95


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Velleman MK114 – Low Voltage Light Organ Kit
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Operates at safe voltage level. Makes lamps flash to the rhythm of the music. Usable for halogen bulbs. Optically isolated speaker input. Adjustable sensitivity. Can be used in the car, if the lamps are isolated from the chassis.

    Jameco:         2130845       $10.95


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Velleman MK155 - LED Magic Message Wand (POV Messager)
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This is as close as it comes to a "Magic Wand"! Shake it back and forth and brilliant messages seem to appear in mid-air! Six high intensity LEDs are microprocessor controlled to display messages and graphics that are pre-programmed into the wand. You can also custom program a message of your choice! From amazing your friends, making a statement at a concert, or simply telling your loved one how you feel, the message wand can't be beat! Runs on two AAA batteries (not included), and the auto power off circuit gives you long battery life. Measures 6.4" x 1.0" x 0.9".

    Ramsey Electronics:  MK155     $12.95


MK140.jpg

Velleman MK140 - Karoake Audio Interface Kit
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Get in tune with this simple yet full featured Karaoke "machine"! Just hook it between your CD player, MP3 player, or any other line level source and your amplifier, and get ready to sing! Built-in vocal reduction circuit lowers the vocal tracks of most recordings automatically! That means you don't have to buy special soundtrack only CD's! Use any music from your existing library! Connections are simple. Standard RCA connectors are used for left and right music inputs as well as left and right outputs to your amplifier or receiver aux input. A standard 1/4" microphone jack is used that is common with most consumer microphones. Just hook it up, plug in your microphone, and start singing! A board mounted microphone level control is also provided to match your levels to the music. Measures 3.9" x 3.3" x 1".

Note: it has been proven that beer and alcohol consumption makes everyone sound better!

    Ramsey Electronics:  MK140     $13.95


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Velleman MK171 - Digital Voice Changer Kit
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This voice changer kit is a riot! Just like the expensive units you hear the DJ's use, it changes your voice in a multitude of effects! You can sound just like a robot, you can change the pitch of your voice variably from low to high. For even more effect, ad vibrato effect to your voice! Great for parties, recordings, bands, and the ever popular "prank phone calls"! Not as though we endorse those incredibly funny prank phone call CD's, TV shows, and DVD's!!! Speaker output provides a powerful 1.5W output at 4 ohms. A line output is also provided to interface into your audio equipment... or telephone coupler! Runs on a standard 9V battery (not included). Board measures 3" x 1.8".

    Ramsey Electronics:  MK171     $14.95


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Velleman K4001 – 7W Audio Power Amplifier Kit
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A super amplifier to use stand-alone or as part of a system. The small circuit board and heatsink make it easy to integrate this into any of your applications requiring a good amplifier. 7 watts maximum audio output (3.5W RMS into 4 ohm) provides a Total Harmonic Distortion of .05% with a Frequency Response between 20Hz and 20kHz. Input sensitivity is is 40mV at 150k ohm. Supply voltage is 8 to 18VDC at .5A (15VDC for rated output). Automatic protection for shorted output and overload. Uses the newest TDA2003 IC for ultimate reliability. Includes the small but efficient heatsink shown. Board measures 2.2" x 1.4".

    Ramsey Electronics:  K4001     $14.95
    Jameco:              127255    $17.95

$15 - $25

MK122.jpg

Velleman MK122 – Animated LED Bell Kit
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83-LEDs total light up in alternating sequence as if the bell is ringing.

    Jameco:                               2130685                $15.95


K7102.jpg

Velleman K7102 – Metal Detector Kit
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To come up against an electric cable while drilling a hole in a wall can have catastrophic consequences. Likewise, drilling into gas, water pipes or central heating pipes can be extremely hazardous. With a handy metal detector it can now be determined beforehand whether there are metal objects to be found in a wall, ceiling or floor. An LED indicates if a metal object is in the vicinity.

Features:

  • Adjustable sensitivity
  • Push button operation
  • LED proximity indicator
  • Max detecting distance: 8cm / 3.15"
  • Power Supply: 9V battery (not incl.)
  • Dimensions: 56mm x 64mm (2.2" x 2.5")
  • Optional buzzer: SV4/12, not included.
  • Enclosure: G407 (optional, not included)
    Jameco:               129091                  $17.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


MK119.jpg

Velleman MK119 – Animated LED Roulette Wheel Kit
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37-LEDs total light up in sequence to simulate a roulette wheel turning, while a speaker plays a spinning sound. Automatic power off. Requires 3 AA batteries.

    Jameco:         2137191           $19.95


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Velleman MK124 – Scrolling Message Kit
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Create your own moving message using this 35-LED graphic display with a maximum of 16 characters. It also features adjustable scrolling speed. Press “SET” to change a particular character. Press the up or down-key to select a character and end with the “<”-sign. Display standby function: press “Stby” (press “RUN” to restart). Uses PIC16C58 IC. Has battery backup.

    Jameco:         200310            $22.95


K4304.jpg

Velleman K4304 – Mono 10-LED VU Meter
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This VU meter comes with a 10 LED scale, -20db to +3db range, adjustable input and light bar display. It also comes with two front panels for horizontal and vertical mounting.

Specifications:

  • Power supply: 10~15VDC/110~250mA.
  • Input sensitivity: Low input: 150mV~6V RMS, high input: 1.5V~60V RMS.
  • Dimensions: 113/32" x 513/32"
    Jameco:               147643      $24.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


K6200.jpg

Velleman K6200 – 0 – 60hr Kitchen or Darkroom Timer Kit
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If a device has to be switched off after a specified amount of time, then this timer is the ideal solution. Because of the large range of the timer, it may be used in almost any applications, such as switching off television and hifi-equipment, lights (staircase lighting), safety timer for coffee machine, dark-room timer, providing a short ringing signal, etc. Push buttons are provided for starting and early stopping, but it is also possible to control the circuit by means of a relay or an open collector (e.g. our 15 channel remote control receiver K8050)

Features:

  • Relay output: 5A @ 220V
  • LED indication
  • Setting range: from ± 3 seconds to ± 60 hours
  • Starts promptly when the start push button is pressed
  • Can be operated from an external push button or relay
  • Can be operated from an open collector output (if fed from a 24V transformer)
  • Power supply: 24VAC @ 50mA, 220VAC or 110VAC
  • Fits in an adapter housing (ex. B6713 or G4)
    Jameco:               2128315     $24.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $

$25 - $40

MK118.jpg

Velleman MK118 – FM Radio Kit
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Features:

  • Double fun: building and listening !
  • Easy to assemble: no coils to wind
  • Pre-assembled and tested FM front end
  • Receives the complete FM band: 88-108 MHz
  • Includes ON/OFF switch, volume control and LED indicator
  • Power supply: 12V DC / 100mA (adaptor jack provided)
  • Dimensions: 4.8" x 3.3"
    Jameco:               211772      $27.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


K8095.jpg

Velleman K8095 - Pocket Digital-Waveform Audio Generator Kit
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Did you ever wonder if an audio input on an amplifier, home theater, or other stereo equipment was working? How about a quick audible check of performance and distortion? This little pocket generator is the answer! Tiny enough for your pocket or toolkit yet it is the perfect test source to check stereo line inputs. Provides 50Hz, 100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz, & 20kHz tones, plus 32 bit digital pink noise. Output is line level to two standard RCA plugs. Runs on two CR2016/2025 batteries not included. Measures 3.4" x 2" x 1"

Check out the matching Pocket Vu Meter. The matching twin to the Audio Generator but displays audio present with its built-in microphone!

    Ramsey Electronics:   K8095        $29.95
    Jameco:               2137262      $35.95


K4305.jpg

Velleman K4305 – Stereo 2x10 LED VU-Meter Kit
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Stereo VU meter with 2 x 10 LEDs (dot or bar indicator) and an adjustable input. Included in package : 1 front panel suitable for horizontal or vertical mounting.

Specifications:

  • range: -20dB to +3dB
  • power supply: 10 - 15V DC / 250mA
  • input sensitivity:
  • low input: 150mV to 6Vrms (47K)
  • high input: 1.5V to 60Vrms (470K)
  • dimensions: 1.5 x 2.7" (x2)
    Jameco:               2130491                $31.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


K8044.jpg

Velleman K8044 – 10-Channel Light Effects Chaser Kit
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this kit has 10, 12V/400mA outputs to control cold-cathode fluorescent lamps, light bulbs, LED's and "solid state" relays, ... for use as advertisement lighting, party lights, discos, eye-catcher, ...

Features:

  • 10 pre-programmed selectable light patterns with a push button
  • number of used channels is adjustable
  • adjustable speed
  • LED indication for every output
  • 12V operation possible for use in cars
  • the last used lighting effect is saved in non-volatile memory
  • optional power adapter available (90 - 260V AC input to 12V DC output/ 5.8A)

Specifications

  • power supply: 12V DC
  • consumption: max. 4A
  • outputs: 12V DC / 400mA per channel (total : max 4A)
  • dimensions: 5.5 x 3.9 x 1.1"
    Jameco:               2130511       $31.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


K8035.jpg

Velleman K8035 – Multifunction Up/Down Counter Kit
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Features:

  • comes in handy for people counting, part counting, score keeping, ...
  • counts up or down in 4 digits
  • count input through on-board pushbuttons or by external pulses
  • display modes: normal or time (hh:mm and mm:ss)
  • an internal oscillator allows time measurement
  • programmable pre-set value with equal output
  • self diagnostic at power up
  • comes with easy board-to-wire connector (20cm wire)
  • optional bezel enclosure: B8035

Specifications:

  • counter input voltage: 3?12V DC (normal dry contact also possible)
  • EQUAL output: 5V DC / max. 50mA
  • max. counting speed: 200 / sec. (2 / sec. with long debounce delay)
  • max. count: 4 digits (9999 / 23h59m / 59m59s)
  • power supply: 9 - 12V DC or transformer 2 x 9V AC / 300mA
  • power consumption: 150mA max.
  • dimensions: 4.9 x 3"
    Jameco:               2130503       $31.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


K4003.jpg

Velleman K4003 – 2x30W Stereo Audio Amplifier Kit
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Features:

  • The easy way to add quality stereo amplification to your project
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Low noise, low distortion
  • Short circuit and overload protected (1 h max.)
  • On- board rectifier and smoothing capacitor
  • Just add a center tap transformer
  • Complete with heatsink

Specifications:

  • Maximum power output: 2 x 15W/4 Ohm - 2 x 10W/8 Ohm
  • Harmonic distortion: 0.07% (1W/1kHz)
  • Channel separation: 70 dB
  • Frequency Response: 7 Hz to 60 kHz (-3 dB)
  • Signal/noise ratio: 98 dB (A Weight)
  • Input Sensitivity: 300 mV / 20 kohm
  • Power Supply: 2 x 12V / 2A (50W centertap transformer)
  • Dimensions: 69 x 51 mm / 2.7" x 2"
    Jameco:               129138        $33.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $


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Velleman K4401 – Multifunction Sound Generator Kit
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The ideal device for DJ's, jingles for radio stations or just to attract attention. With one output for direct connection to a speaker and one line output for connecting to a mixer panel or amplifier, the following effects may be generated directly by means of a push button: Machine gun, European siren, Phase gun, Racing car with motor howl, Screeching of car tires on a curve, Explosion, Mortar fire followed by explosion, or US siren, 10 different sounds in all. It can also play Musical tunes: “Wild charge tune” or “Snake charmers tune”.

Specifications: • Supply voltage: 8 - 10V DC / 100mA or 9V battery (not incl.) • Line output: 1Vrms • Speaker output: 1 Watt • PCB dimensions: 3 x 3"

    Jameco:               127562        $34.95
    Ramsey Electronics:                                       $

Not Priced or Sourced Yet

K2572.jpg

Velleman K2572 – Universal Stereo Pre-Amplifier Kit
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Specifications: • frequency range: 40Hz - 30kHz (-3dB) • max. input voltage: 50mVrms • adjustable gain: 40dB max. • output impedance: 1Kohm • power supply: 10-30V DC / 5mA • PCB dimensions: 1.7 x 2.6"

K2573.jpg

Velleman K2573 – Stereo RIAA Pre-Amplifier Kit
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Specifications: • gain (1kHz): 35dB • input signal: 5 - 10mV • input impedance: 47Kohm • supply voltage: 10 -30V DC / 5mA regulated • PCB dimensions: 1.7 x 2.6"

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Velleman K2604 – Siren Kit
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Enter the world of amazing electronic sounds and noises. Create or imitate sirens of all kinds by adjusting 3 trimmers. Powerful sound with a 2W amplifier on the PCB.

Specifications: • modulation speed: 0.5 - 5s • frequency: 300 - 6000Hz • output power: +/- 2W max. • power supply: 8 - 14V DC / 1A • dimensions: 3.14 x 2.16 x 0.6"

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Velleman K2625 – Digital Tachometer Kit
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For cars or motorcycles with a petrol engine. May be used as a general purpose revolution counter.

Specifications: • range: 100 - 9900 revolutions/minute • 2 digit display • easy calibration • power supply: 10 - 15V DC / 200mA • PCB dimensions: • • PCB 1: 3.2 x 1.8" • • PCB 2: 3.2 x 2.4" • front panel dimensions: 2.8 x 3.5"

How Do I Get One?