SparkBlocks Online Info

SparkBlocks Support

First Production Run Notes & Resources

You may have one of our earliest kits. Everything is functional, and the notes below will help you avoid a few known quirks and build faster.

First, a note on product names

The Kickstarter Advanced Kit = Intro Kit (BC1001) + Expansion Kit (BC2001). If you ordered the Advanced Kit, you should have 3 clear cases total.

Advanced Kit contents showing Intro Kit and Expansion Kit cases

Early Production Notes

A few early-run quirks we’re already fixing. All kits are fully functional.

LED resistor value

You may see 330 Ω in the booklets, but production blocks are labeled 100 Ω. This was an intentional update for brighter output. Use the 100 Ω blocks as labeled.

Siren IC color

In the printed materials, the Siren IC appears dark blue. In production, the molded plastic is purple.

Purple siren IC block shown in hand

Motor base / retention

You might notice the motor can feel a bit loose in some builds, especially where it’s only attached in one spot. That’s something we’re improving in future production runs.

For now, the easiest fix is to give the motor a bit more support around the base. On the Merry-Go-Round, for example, adding a few extra connection points makes it much more solid (see below). We’ll be updating the printed instructions with this improved version.

Updated reinforced base for the Merry-Go-Round motor build

Wire block colors

Some early kits shipped with black wire blocks instead of red. They work exactly the same. Use black in place of red and the build will work normally.

Curious why? Our Intro to Circuits Learning Guide explains that red/black is a convention, not an electrical requirement.

Red and black wire blocks comparison

Expansion Kit: Night Light build

Some production changes required a new build, now including a switch. For now, please follow the updated photos/video here. The other included builds are unaffected.

Updated Night Light build

Expansion Kit: Remote Control block

Some of the printing is wrong on this block: the + and - on the words side are reversed. The far side with schematics is the input, that side is correct.

No risk of damage. Functionality is unaffected, it just won’t work as printed.

Remote Control block with corrected polarity note

Patrol Car: Siren IC orientation

In Step 53, the siren chip may need to be rotated 180°. No risk of damage.

Updated Manuals

These are already fixed online, but your printed version may be older.

  • Fire Truck: Please use the manual marked V2 by the QR code on the front cover. Available here.
  • Candy Dispenser: Please also use the manual marked V2 for a minor gear update near the end. Available here.

Online Manuals & Resources

Looking for digital copies of your booklets and guides? Start here.

📘 Core Kits

  • Intro to Circuits Kit
    Learn the basics of real circuits through hands-on projects and STEM challenges.
  • Expansion Kit — see notes above for Night Light and Remote Control updates
    Add more components, complexity, and creativity to your SparkBlocks builds.
  • Smart Classroom Kit
    Designed for educators, with lessons, builds, and learning activities.

🏗️ Theme Builds

  • 6-Legged Walking Ant
    A motor-powered creepy-crawly with real walking motion.
  • Patrol Car
    Build a rolling light-up police car powered by your SparkBlocks motor.
  • Fire Truck — updated since printing; look for V2 on the front
    Light, siren, and proper drive train with the classic red-brick look.
  • Mighty Machines — updated since printing; look for V2 on the front
    Three bold builds: Marble Lifter, Windmill, and Candy Dispenser.

⚡ Still Stuck?

Email Info@SparkBlocks.ca and we’ll get you building in no time.

SparkBlocks activity and learning materials