If you had a $200 GC


#1

I have a $200 giftcode to MakeBlock that I need to use by the end of Nov. I can’t decide on which products to buy. I’m a maker, so I have lots of components and other materials at home. I’m also a teacher and have been trying to get my students into making and robotics/drones/engineering etc. I want to get the most bang for my buck and I can’t decide what to get. Help!

Thanks!


#2

You write about students … would you like 2 bots or one with more extra components?


#3

Two bots would probably be better, more is usually better with students ha :slight_smile:

I’m also looking at the Mini XY Engraver, but the info on what it can actually do seems so limited.


#4

I am not familiar with the engraver.

I think the fun is when the bots can actually do something other than using their sensors and drive around.

So my proposal is:
mBot
Servo Pack http://www.makeblock.com/mbot-add-on-pack-servo-pack
Mini Gripper http://www.makeblock.com/mini-gripper

So now you have enough parts to mount the mini gripper on the servo - so the bot can grab and lift something.

Also fun is adding some display so the bot can do more communication in offline mode
http://www.makeblock.com/me-led-matrix-8-16
http://www.makeblock.com/me-7-segment-serial-display-red

If you buy 2 of these, it is above your budget, but not much.

If you think to add even more bots later, it is better to use the Wifi version. If you think it will stay with 2, you can use the Bluetooth version.
Bluetooth has the advantage to connect to tablet or smartphone, but can get tricky if you have more than 2 or 3.
Wifi has the advantage to pair easily, but only with PCs.


#5