The Expansion Kit adds the components that make circuits interesting: transistors, capacitors, resistors, two gearbox motors and a remote control. It sits on top of the Intro to Circuits Kit rather than replacing it.
It is not a starter kit. It has no battery, so on its own it cannot run anything that moves around. You need the Intro to Circuits Kit as well, or the Advanced Bundle, which is both kits in one box.
About that USB-C Power Block
The box lists "1x USB-C Power Block", and people reasonably read that as a second battery. It is not one. It is an always-on block that draws power through a USB-C cable, so it works only while it is plugged into a wall adapter or a power bank. It is excellent for a build that sits on a shelf and runs all evening, like the night light. It cannot drive a model across the floor, because the cable stays behind.
If you want a second portable battery, that is a different thing. Email info@sparkblocks.ca and we will do our best to supply one at a charge.
What's in the box
- 1x USB-C Power Block
- 2x High-torque N20 gearbox motors
- 2x LED Blocks (red and green, 1x2)
- 2x LED Blocks (white, 1x3)
- 1x Remote Control Block, plus the remote
- 8x Resistors (1x3 and 1x4, 1K to 100K)
- 8x Capacitors (1x3 and 1x4, 100nF to 100uF)
- 4x Transistors (2 NPN, 2 PNP)
- 1x Slide Switch
- 1x Push Button
- 1x Photoresistor
- 2x Cross Over Connectors
- 6x Wire Blocks, plus Stud to Wire blocks
- 1x Jumper Wire Set (Dupont)
- 1x USB-C charging cable
- 200+ assorted bricks
- Printed assembly instructions
- Plastic case with foam insert and labelled overlay
The four builds
- Parade Float
- Night Light Castle
- Dual Conveyor System
- Clean Up Bot
PDFs and guides are on the Expansion Kit resources page. Translated Learning Guides are on the Languages page.
Two things to know
The Dupont jumper wires are a consumable. They are fine wire and they will eventually give out with heavy use. That is normal, not a fault.
Transistors have no polarity protection in the current production run. Put one in backwards with the battery charging and it can overheat and be permanently damaged. Nothing else in the circuit is harmed. There is more in Can I damage the blocks by wiring them wrong? and on the kit info page.
