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Project time

I'm looking for some project ideas.

Ideally these will be technology-based projects and the sort of thing that might be useful in a STEM/STEAM environment or just for folk who want to build something cool while learning some new knowledge and skills.

These projects need to be things that can be build without a significant investment in tools (ie: no welding, machining etc) but which, for a modest cost, result in the creation of something that has real use as an item, not just a a learning experience.

Those are big asks, which is why I'm seeking input from some of the smartest people around -- the readers of this column.

Ideally this would be a project that could also act as the foundation for future projects that might build on the basic functionality and expand it into something even more ambitious over time.

So, to start with, it would be simple and embody just some fundamental basics so as to allow people to see fast results and build confidence.

That foundational project should however, be capable of growing into something that requires more knowledge, understanding and skill -- all of which will be learned as additional functionality is added.

Way back in the day I would have said that something like a crystal-set radio would have been a great starting point. A basic crystal set can be built very easily and gives almost instant gratification. The addition of an audio amp and a speaker turns it into a more useful and interesting project. Subsiquent replacement of the simple diode rectifier with an active RF circuit then also boosts the sensitivity and selectivity of the device until, a few iterations later, you'd have a fully-fledged radio receiver.

Unfortunately, crystal sets are not as useful as they once were and parts are now hard to find anyway. Decent tuning capacitors and crystal earpieces have gone the way of the dodo and I suspect there aren't many people (especially young people) who are even interested in what AM radio has to offer these days.

So... what does that leave?

Robotics is interesting, although there are already a host of readily available kits and projects on the market. I'm looking for something that can be built from readily available parts without having to purchase a kitset.

My goal is not to sell stuff but to educate, entertain and (hopefully) enthral kids (young and old) so that they develop an interest in becoming creators rather than just consumers of tech.

Of course my goals are not entirely altruistic, I will hopefully paying the bills by way of YouTube videos created to document these projects and to help others replicate them. However, the knowledge and guidance will always be totally free to anyone with an internet connection.

The other benefit to me is that it will keep my mind and fingers active as I continue to deal with the effects of Parkinson's. I've learned that it's "use it or lose it" when it comes to motor and cognitive skills so I'm trying to keep myself as busy and productive as I possibly can for as long as I possibly can.

Having hopefully described the goals, I now throw this out to the floor for suggestions, perspectives, ideas and comment.

Let's see what you're made of readers!

Carpe Diem folks!

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