Are you always eager to try out some worthwhile electronic projects but afraid they might be expensive? The good news is that there are many projects you can conquer without breaking the bank because you mainly need to reuse your old hardware or buy cheap resources on eBay.
If you’re looking for something exciting to work on during your free time, check out these 11 electronic projects you can tackle under $15.
1. LED Jellies
Here’s an intriguing task for anyone who adores sea creatures and LED throwies. The project allows you to craft a jellyfish-shaped casing for some colorful LED throwies. You don’t need any complex knowledge to give this project a try.
To make one jelly, you’ll need a ribbon, plastic bubble, sheer fabric, quilt batting, two 3V Lithium coin cell batteries, two 10mm diffused LEDs, and three rare-earth magnets. The ribbons act like tentacles, so cut the pieces based on your preferred size. You can quickly remove the throwies when refilling the jelly.
2. Beetlebot
If you’ve been passionate about robots but don’t know where to start, this project will pave the way for more complex robotic tasks. You can involve your kids because it doesn’t require complicated programming and electric components. The materials you’ll need are two motors, one AA battery holder, and two SPDT switches.
3. LED Cube Night Light
It’s incredible how LEDs can add life to your home during the night. Here’s a simple but effective project you can use to add that much-needed glow to your room.
Solder the parts together using a solder station to ensure the circuit is robust. If you don’t have a solder station, you can use a hot glue but remember to trim the excess adhesive on the edges for a premium look.
You can build multiple versions but with different colors to make your home look more magnificent.
4. Portable Guitar Amp
Any on-the-move music enthusiast will love this project. You’ll require assembly tools like a rosin-core solder, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, and a low-wattage soldering iron.
Not only is the project exciting, but it’s also a good way of learning how amps work and how to service other valve amps you already own. Once you’re done with this task, you’ll have the confidence to craft other studio equipment like pedals.
5. Joule Thief
Compress the last drop of energy from your ‘dead’ batteries with this exciting project. You’ll need a few tools such as a soldering iron, solder, LED, 1k resistor (brown-black-red), toroid bead, 2N3904 transistor or equivalent, and thin wires.
Besides being fun and easy, making a joule thief is an excellent way to learn about inductors and magnetic fields.
6. LED Pet
Ideal for a kids' room or nursery, this wooden dog ornamenent is a posable LED lamp.
Additionally, ensure you have the right measurements before buying materials since pets vary in size. LEDs don’t produce heat, so you don’t have to worry about overheating issues that may put your pet in danger.
Now that you’ve finished this LED pet project, you probably want to take your entertainment to the next level. Here are cheap ways you can build a home theater.
7. Vibrobot
This project requires a CR2032 coil cell battery holder, toothbrush, CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, and a 3VDC micro-vibrator motor. Creating one bot is easy and fast because you’ll be working with a few components.
There are various kinds of vibrobots, all unique, so you can extend the fun by trying unique designs. Since the process is straightforward, you can make a bunch of them.
If you have extra time to spare, why not try another affordable project. Here are budget-friendly DIY air conditioner projects you should try.
8. Cracker Box Amp
The project is quite similar to the portable guitar amp, only that it requires a cracker box enclosure. Although the task is time-consuming, especially if you want near-perfect results, the process isn’t complicated. Creating a circuit layout diagram will come in handy. Use the soldering iron to make holes on the cracker box, then expand them using scissors.
9. Fruit Clock
How about using colorful fruits for this project rather than the usual potatoes? You’ll need two ripe oranges or lemons, six alligator clips, three copper wires, one battery-powered clock, two paper clips (non-coated), and two pennies. It’s a simple build that you can finish within an hour. The circuit between the orange juice, pennies, and the paper clips turns on the clock.
Remember to roll the fruits on a hard surface to loosen the pulp so that electrons can move through quickly.
Creativity is the key when it comes to these DIY projects. Check out these cool ways of reusing your old PC.
10. LED Throwies
Add a brilliant look around your neighborhood with this project. You’ll need lithium batteries, rare-earth magnets, tape, and 10mm diffused LEDs, which are inexpensive and readily available in nearby stores.
It’s advisable to keep the magnets away from credit cards or conventional drives. Instead, place them in a tall structure or building that will attract the magnet. The best thing is that throwies don’t cause any damage.
11. USB Latte Foamer
What happens when you can’t purchase an expensive machine to get that lovely latte foam on your coffee? Well, this project ensures you take your coffee how you love it without spending a lot. You’ll need tools such as a USB cable, drill, soldering gun, cheap former, pliers, or a sharp knife.
The motor can handle five volts from your PC through the USB cable, resulting in a stronger whipping action.
Start Small, Make the Difference
Hopefully, you’ve spotted several ideas that have inspired you to try something new. The above projects prove that exciting and cool gadgets don’t necessarily have to be expensive. Most importantly, all the above projects are ideal for any skill level. Once you start making these small devices, you’ll have the confidence to tackle more complex electronics projects in the future.
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