Products

School Amateur Radio Clubs have inspired a number of very interesting radio and electronics projects. We are developing more all the time. Some of our most popular projects have now been turned into products for sale in the hope they will encourage more youngsters into STEM through the development of School Amateur Radio Clubs. Of course we will always continue to offer free project information, software and support where we can. We have secured our website and we use the secure PayPal server. We aim to provide high quality hardware and software. Each of our products is fully checked and tested before shipment.

Product List

Prices and Payments

All prices are displayed in Australian dollars (AUD).
You can use the following currency converter to estimate the conversion rate, in your own currency, or your total price, if you type in the total Australian dollar amount.
Payment can be made by Credit Card or PayPal. Charges may apply for currency conversions.
Shipping is applied to each order by weight.

Purchasing

Purchasing items for sale on this webpage is simple:

Press the Add button for any items you wish to purchase. You can change quantity before or even after you have pressed the button.
Your shopping cart will be displayed. It will show the items you have ordered. You can then continue shopping, selecting more items, or proceed with your order.
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When you proceed with your order, you will be asked to enter your first and last name (please include your call sign if you have one), your postal address, telephone number, email address and your preferred delivery option.
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If you want to pay later or happen to close the web page, just click on the Pay Now link included in the email and it will take you to back to the same web page.
Your order will be processed when your payment is completed.

Delivery

There are three delivery options:

Pickup

Pickup from Oakleigh Victoria Australia is free. The full pickup address and the telephone number to call to arrange your pickup is provided when you order.

Australia

Shipping to Australia is by Courier.

Overseas

Shipping to other countries, not Australia, is by International Air Freight and Courier.

All deliveries include a cardboard box with foam packaging. Tracking information is sent to your nominated email address. Delivery times are still subject to COVID delays.

STEM Kit #1- Electronics Prototyping Kit

With this electronics prototyping kit you can learn about electric voltage and current, electronic components, circuits, component symbols, resistor color codes, schematic diagrams and build the first five (5) different educational circuits in our STEM workshop notes or use the included Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and this free STEM Electronics Kit Construction Booklet to make our Hypnotic Owl model (requires a soldering iron, adult supervision and tools). There is also a free STEM Electronics Prototyping slide-show for a teacher or instructor to use, introducing each component, showing step-by-step instructions and an animation illustrating how it works. Note: This kit is also used in conjuction with our Electronics Workshop Lesson Plans. Included in the kit are the printed instructions, all the transistors, resistors, capacitors, LEDs, wire links, PCB, prototyping board and a switched battery-holder for two AA batteries (not included).

STEM Kit #1 - Electronics Prototyping Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 10.00

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STEM Kit #2 - PTH Soldering Practice Kit

This STEM kit will help you learn to solder electronic components to Plated Through Hole (PTH) Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). The kit comes with a 4cm x 6cm practice PCB, with 280 pads aligned in a grid, as well as 60 1/4W carbon resistors and 600mm of lead-free solder. The task is to solder 56 resistors in 4 even columns across the PCB. Note: The resistor leads should be insered into columns A&E, F&G, K&O, P&T. The first resistor is already soldered for you as an example. Make sure to follow all the safety instructions in our PTH Soldering Workshop Notes.

STEM Kit #2 - PTH Soldering Practice Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 10.00

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STEM Kit #3 - SMT Soldering Practice Kit

This STEM kit will help you learn to solder Surface Mount Technology components to Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). The kit comes with a 4cm x 6cm practice PCB, with pads for a selection of different sized SMT components including:

20 - 0805 resistors;
20 - 0806 resistors;
9 - 1206 resistors;
5 - 1206 diodes;
1 - SOP16 IC;
6 - SOT-23 transistors; and
1 SSOP28 IC

The kit includes 600mm of lead-free solder and a toothpick to help you align the small components to the pads. The task is to solder all the SMT components to the PCB. Make sure to follow all the safety instructions in our SMT Soldering Workshop Notes.

STEM Kit #3 - SMT Soldering Practice Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 10.00

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STEM Kit #4 - PTH Metal Detector Kit

This simple kit will detect metal objects a few centimetres from the coil. It activates an LED and a Beeper. Adjust the potentiometer to set the sensitivity. Although the PCB says 3-5V it is more conveniently powered by a 9V battery. Download the instructions here.

STEM Kit #4 - PTH Metal Detector Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 10.00

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STEM Kit #5 - PTH LED Christmas Tree Kit

For the more advanced constructor, and great as a project over the Christmas break, you can tackle this Mini Christmas Tree LED project. Powered by 3 AA cells, or from the USB port of your laptop, this multi-coloured display looks really fantastic on the mantle-piece at Christmas. Download the instructions here.

STEM Kit #5 - PTH LED Christmas Tree Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 15.00

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STEM Kit #6 - SMT Electronic Dice Kit

This kit is an electronics touch dice. It works off a 9 volt battery. By just touching the two contacts on the front of the PCB with your finger, it sets the 7 LEDs in motion. They eventually slow down and stop flashing to reveal a random number from 1 to 6, displayed in the same pattern as used on a real dice. You can use this circuit with your favourite game of chance. See a clear overlay diagram here.

STEM Kit #6 - SMT Electronic Dice Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 15.00

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STEM Kit #7 - Arduino Microcontroller Kit

Our Arduino microcontroller kits are perfect for anyone starting their own Arduino projects. Simply plug it in to a laptop and start coding. They include the following pre-assembled parts:

Arduino Pro-Micro 5V/16MHz Microcontroller on pre-soldered SIP Header Pins
400-Point Solderless Breadboard
Pre-Installed Busbar Power and Ground Links
Micro USB Cable
3x5V Compound LEDs: Red Yellow and Green
Pre-Programmed C++ Traffic Light Demo
Runs C/C++ code

To use this kit to learn about microcontrollers and coding: Download the Arduino IDE from www.arduino.cc; connect to your Laptop or PC using the USB Cable; write your own or download code from the Internet; click to verify and upload your code to the Arduino. Now your programs will automatically run at power up.

For more information and code examples please download our Object-Oriented Programming booklet. Download our oop.ino and TrafficLight demo sketch. See our Microcontroller Workshop for setup instructions. For the more advanced programmer please download our Arduino for Amateur Radio Presentation.

STEM Kit #7 - Arduino Microcontroller Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 25.00

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STEM Kit #8 - Raspberry Pi Pico Microcontroller Kit

Our Arduino microcontroller kits are perfect for anyone starting their own Arduino projects. Simply plug it in to a laptop and start coding. They include the following pre-assembled parts:

Raspberry Pi Pico 3.3V/133MHz Dual Core Microcontroller on pre-soldered SIP Header Pins
400-Point Solderless Breadboard
Pre-Installed Busbar Power and Ground Links
Micro USB Cable
3x5V Compound LEDs: Red Yellow and Green
Pre-Programmed C++ Traffic Light Demo
Runs C/C++ and MicroPython code

To use this kit to learn about microcontrollers and coding: Download the Arduino IDE from www.arduino.cc or the Thonny IDE from www.thonny.org; connect to your Laptop or PC using the USB Cable; write your own or download code from the Internet; click to verify and upload your code to the Raspberry Pi Pico. Now your programs will automatically run at power up.

STEM Kit #8 - Raspberry Pi Pico Microcontroller Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 25.00

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STEM Kit #9 - USB Soldering Station Kit

This is a complete soldering station for anyone wanting to learn Plated Through Hole (PTH) and Surface Mount Technology (SMT) soldering. It is safe to use provided you follow the simple directions. Eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and 100% adult supervision is required for absolute beginners. We use it to teach soldering to students as young as 5 years old. After one session they are proficient in the basics. They simply love building their own electronic circuits. It is perfect for building all our kits, of course, and better than larger and more expensive sets for most SMT work. It even runs off USB backup batteries for portable operation. Important: Before plugging the soldering iron in, please pull off (do not unscrew) the protective plastic cap! The kit includes:

USB Powered Soldering Iron with Stand

Powered from any USB Charger or PC (Not included)
Safe Low Voltage and Low Power (5V/8W)
Heats up in 20 seconds with Power Indicator
Micro-tip perfect for PTH & SMT Components
Touch on Switch with Automatic Off function

Carbon Fibre Tweezers

Precision Point, Heat Resistant, Insulated, Anti-static

Soldering Iron Tip Cleaner (Brass) and Stand
Precision Side Cutters for Electronic Components
Lead Free Solder
Soldering Mat (A4)

STEM Kit #9 - USB Soldering Station Kit

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 2 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 40.00

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USB Soldering Iron

We use these soldering irons because they work well and are perfect for beginners with small hands. They are suitable for building all of our kits and work particularly well with tiny surface mounted devices. With safety formost in our minds, when teaching children to solder, these devices work on low voltages, shutdown automatically and are quick to heat up and cool down. They can be powered by any USB phone-charger or even from laptop USB ports. Important: Before plugging the soldering iron in, please pull off (do not unscrew) the protective plastic cap!

Specifications

Quick heating time: <15 seconds
Fast cooling time: <30 seconds
Long life tip
Protective cap for tip
Momentary trigger powers unit on
25 second idle auto shut-off
LED indicator
Power: 5VDC / 8W
RoHS compliant

In the box

1 x Soldering Iron
1 x Detachable USB power lead
1 x Metal Stand
1 x Tip Cover
1 x Small coil of Lead Free solder

USB Soldering Iron

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 4 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 15.00

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LCD Soldering Iron

This professional temperature-controlled soldering iron is perfect for more advanced projects requiring precise temperature control and additional power. It is suitable for both Plated Through Hole (PTH) and Surface Mount Technology (SMT) soldering. It has an LCD display showing the temperature setting and + (UP) and – (DOWN) temperature control buttons convieniently located on the handle. The temperature range is 180°C - 480°C with a fast heat up time from a powerful 80W ceramic heating element. It uses standard Hakko 900M tips and the tip is grounded for anti-static protection.

LCD Soldering Iron

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 2 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 30.00

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Mini Morse Code Practice Set

This is one thing that really surprised us: Kids love Morse code. It fascinates them and they pick it up quickly. We used to do our Morse code activity with a Hi-Mound HK704 straight key and oscillator. But that setup costs over A$140, so we can't use it to do a class or group activity. The answer was to design our own Mini Morse Code Practice Set. And for A$10, it is a hit! Now, for the cost of coffee and a donut, kids can have their own set to take home. It has a microswitch, simulating a real telegraph key with a nice click-click action and a 2.5kHz sounder, all mounted on a double-sided PCB with a non-slip base. It measures only 64x36x15mm and fits in the palm of your hand. It comes in a zip-lock bag, with a laminated, credit-card size, Morse code chart and instructions. It requires a 3V lithium battery (CR2032) not included for up to 36 hours of continuous tone operation. Note: A free lithium battery is provided to pickup customers only.

Morse Code Practice Set

All prices in Australian dollars (AUD). Shipping for up to 10 units - Pick up: Free. Australia: $10. Overseas: $25.

$ 10.00

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SARCTRAC Mk3b (New for 2023)

Satellite Antenna Rotator Controller and TRACker

SARCTRAC is a portable, integrated, satellite tracking system, which is now available as a fully assembled, tested and calibrated product. With a SARCTRAC rotator and your own equipment and software you can listen to orbiting space beacons, make two-way satellite contacts, download earth images and decode satellite telemetry. It's both fun and educational!

SARCTRAC Mk3b Portable Setup

SETUP:

To get started you need to:

Make a counterbalanced lift-arm to attach your favorite hand-held satellite antenna to SARCTRAC
Make your own tripod mount for SARCTRAC
Download a free serial terminal application like PuTTY™ for manual control
Download a free automatic satellite-tracking application like Gpredict™, SatPC32™ or Orbitron™; or
Download a low cost, feature-rich automatic satellite-tracking application like PstRotator™ or SatPC32™

To set up and use SARCTRAC you need to:

Attach the SARCTRAC Rotator to your tripod
Attach your antenna/lift-arm assembly to SARCTRAC
Strap the SARCTRAC sensor onto your lift-arm
Connect your antenna cable to your rig
Connect your rig to your Windows or Linux PC via your rig's CAT cable
Plug the SARCTRAC USB dongle into your PC
Connect the SARCTRAC Quick Disconnect Power Cable to your 12VDC power source
Start your tracking application. Select satellites to track and engage rotator and rig control.
SARCTRAC will steer your antenna to the satellite position

FEATURES:

Points your own satellite antenna at a selected satellite under the control of your own, PC-based, satellite tracking application.
Light-weight and quick to setup on a sturdy tripod - Best suited for portable operation.
Built-in, high-torque DC motors - Handles a small hand-held, dual band, satellite antenna via your own counterbalanced lift-arm.
Can be remotely controlled by any Windows or Linux PC, Laptop or Raspberry Pi etc.
Includes a 3D sensor mounted on your antenna-boom - Does not require any on-site orientation or calibration.
Includes a dedicated USB dongle for wireless connection between your PC and the rotator - Does not use a WiFi router or internet connection.
Emulates AMSAT EasyCommII rotator protocol - Provides antenna position feedback.
Tested with Gpredict™, SatPC32™, PstRotator™ and Orbitron™ - Others TBA.
Built-in serial terminal utility for manual user control, debug, monitoring, calibration, configuration, simulation and testing.
Built in microcontroller - Low noise, fast start up and no shutdown procedure required.
Low power - Runs off 12VDC, 125mA, 1.5W. Can be battery-powered. Includes reverse polarity protection.
Low Radio Frequency Interference - Barely audible noise on VHF/UHF.
High Electro Magnetic Compatibility - Tested with 50Wrms continuous RF power on VHF/UHF into the antenna.
Factory calibration - Improved pointing accuracy and repeatability.
New PID motor controller - Smoother antenna positioning and better stability.
Provides an intelligent anti-windup algorithm - Automatically unwinds the cables between passes.
Provides safe operation under continuous motor-stall condition.
Provides a quick-disconnect DC power cable and limit-switch - Foolproof, anti-windup safety device.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Enclosure Size: 145x105x65mm (5.7x4.1x2.2inch). Operating Temperature: 0-40 Celsius.
Ingress protection: Enclosure: IP65. 3D sensor: IP68. USB dongle: IP68.
Anti-Windup safety mechanism: Quick-disconnect power cable and limit-switch.
Sensor cable: 1m. Power cable: 1m. USB cable: 150mm. USB cable type: USB2.0, type A.
Operating voltage: 12-15VDC. Current: 125mA (typical). With reverse polarity protection.
WiFi mode: 802.11b/g/n. WiFi band: ISM2.4GHz. WiFi range: 30m/100ft (typical).
Sensor type: Absolute position sensing 3D Magnetometer/Accelerometer.
Control type: Real-time position feedback system with PID motor controller.
Rotation range: Azimuth +/-360 degrees. Elevation -30/+150 degrees.
Rotation speed: 0.5 RPM (3 degrees per second) azimuth and elevation.
Rotation torque: 50kg.cm static, 25kg.cm dynamic.
Rotation accuracy: < +/- 5 Degrees (depends on local magnetic environment)
Rotation mode: Shortest-path with configurable anti-windup algorithm.
Start-up time: 10 seconds. No shutdown time required.
Rotator emulation - Serial protocol: AMSAT EasyCommII with position feedback - 9600/N/8/1.

HINTS AND TIPS:

Do not bring any magnetized object (like a magnetic screwdriver) anywhere near the 3D sensor.
Do not press down on the top of the 3D sensor. The sensor contains a sensitive, ball-bearing tilt switch, which may rattle.
Do not overtighten or strip the rotator shaft hub set screws. The hubs are keyed, so finger-tightening is sufficient.
The rotator will reset, stop the motors and disconnect if the 3D sensor is bumped or is pointing below the horizon.
PuTTY is only used for configuring/testing the rotator and is not required when using a satellite tracking application.
WiFi interference from your home router may make rotator connection difficult. If so, turn off your home router. Connect using PuTTY. Select the P option to change the rotator WiFi channel. Cycle power on the rotator and WiFi dongle. Now test connection with your home router turned on.
Windows 11 has a problem with the new Windows 11 CH340 USB serial device driver (Ver 3.8.2023.2 or later). Windows reports: "Unable to open connection to COMx". If this happens, the solution is to download the old Windows 10 CH340 device driver (Ver 3.5.2019.1) from here CH340.zip and unzip it to a local folder; open Device Manager and right-click on the CH340 serial port; uninstall and remove CH340 Ver 3.8.2023.2; install CH340 Ver 3.5.2019.1 from the folder; next you have to disable all future automatic driver updates otherwise Windows 11 Update will download and install the incorrect driver every time it runs. Select Start | Settings | System | About | Advanced system settings | Hardware | Device Installation Settings | No. You must then restart Windows. If you need to check for and install device driver updates in the future, change the above to Yes, run Windows Update and repeat the procedure from the start. The full, step-by-step, procedure for doing this is here.

LINKS:

SARCTRAC Mk3b Manual - Set up and operate SARCTRAC Mk3 (38 Pages, 1.5MB, PDF)
SARCTRAC Mk3 Project - All about SARCTRAC
SARCTRAC Mk3 Production - See how SARCTRAC is made
SARCTRAC Mk3 Forum - Share your SARCTRAC Mk3 experience
SARCTRAC Mk3 Video - See SARCTRAC Mk3 working
SARCNET YouTube Channel - See our other videos
USB-SERIAL CH340 - Drivers for Windows, Linux and Mac
gpredict.pdf - Instructions for setting up gpredict with your radio and SARCTRAC
tracking.txt - Instructions for running gpredict with HAMLIB
ch340.pdf - Instructions for installing USB Drivers in Windows 11

SAFETY:

SARCTRAC is only to be used under adult supervision. It must never be operated unattended. Stand away from the antenna while operating. Immediately disconnect the power to avoid any damage or injury. Please refer to the full safety information in the SARCTRAC Mk3 Project.

WARRANTY:

SARCTRAC is a light-duty, portable device not suitable for permanent or unattended installation or operation in harsh environments. It is warranted, for one (1) year from the date of purchase, to work as stated, but only if it has been setup and used correctly. Damage caused by overvoltage, excessive RF, cable windup, forcing the light-duty motor gears or stripping the mounting threads, for example, is not covered.

DISCLAIMER:

We accept no liability for any costs, accidents or damages resulting from the incorrect use of this product.

HOW TO ORDER:

Press the Add button below, which will be displayed ONLY if we have stock. Follow the checkout procedure and pay using the secure PayPal server. Once you have ordered, you will receive a receipt from us and a PayPal confirmation email. You do not have to email us to confirm your order as well.

WHAT YOU WILL GET:

The SARCTRAC package contains one (1) fully assembled, tested and calibrated product including: The SARCTRAC rotator, SARCTRAC 3D sensor, SARCTRAC USB dongle, quick-disconnect DC power cable. There is also a product information sheet containing a packaging list, regulatory compliance statements, disclaimer, safety instructions, limitations and specifications. Product does not include: Satellite antenna, lift-arm, tripod, power supply, rig, PC or satellite tracking application.

DELIVERY:

The SARCTRAC Mk3 Rotator comes in a 22.5x22.5x12.5cm, 1kg carton. It is picked up from us by courier on the next business day after receipt of your order. It is delivered to you by courier, including tracking information, which is sent to your email address. The courier will leave the parcel at your address. A signature of receipt, which is seldom obtained due to COVID19 restrictions, is not required. So, please select a secure destination address and be available on the day of delivery as the courier's delivery status is final. Local customs import duties may apply. Local COVID-19 postal restrictions and delays may also apply. The courier does not deliver to Post Office (PO) boxes.

SHIPPING:

Free to pickup in Oakleigh, Victoria, Australia.
AU$20 (Approx. US$15) Shipping to Australia by Courier.
AU$50 (Approx. US$40) Shipping Worldwide by International Airfreight and Courier.
Important: Shipping is charged per unit. Units shipped seperately.

EXCLUSIONS:

We are unable to ship to: Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Dominica, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Honduras, Japan, Lao, Libya, Martinique, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Réunion, Suriname, Turkmenistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Yemen, Syria, Iran, Cuba, Nth Korea and Sudan. Note: We do not ship to Japan as the unit does not have Giteki certification. The courier does not deliver to Post Office (PO) boxes.

SARCTRAC Mk3 Rotator System AU$400 (Approx. US$290)

SOLD OUT

Notice: Due to unprecedented demand we are not accepting any more expressions of interest for this product. We will continue to manufacture a limited quantity each year, as time permits, however selling products is not our core business - We are committed to supporting our School Amateur Radio Clubs. Those who have contacted us will be notified if and when we have stock available for them. We do not accept pre-payments or pre-orders.