Raytheon Lectron modular electronic experimentation kit
The Raytheon Lectron was an educational toy teaching electronic circuits with magnetic building blocks. Invented in the 1960s, it evolved through design changes, licensing agreements, and continued development until 2021.
Read original articleThe Raytheon Lectron was an educational toy designed to teach basic electronic circuits and theory to young individuals. The kit consisted of electronic components within building blocks with magnets for easy assembly on a metal plate, eliminating the need for soldering. The instruction manual guided users through various circuit experiments, starting from simple setups to more complex configurations like a three-transistor radio. Originally invented in the 1960s by Georg Greger, the product was manufactured in Frankfurt, Germany, and sold worldwide until 2021. In North America, Raytheon marketed the Lectron under different versions, such as "Electronic Dominoes" and "Lectron," offering various sets and add-on kits for circuit exploration. The history of Lectron involves licensing agreements, design changes, and the evolution of the product line over the years. The business was eventually donated to a not-for-profit organization in 2001, ensuring its continued development.
Related
Electromechanical Lunar Lander
The author created an electromechanical Lunar Lander game in 2016 for an interactive show. It replicated arcade mechanics with a kickball moon surface, controlled spaceship, and shared project code.
How Cathode Ray Tubes Work. [video]
The video explores CRT display technology, dominant for 70 years before LCDs rose. CRTs use electrons on phosphorus screens, guided by electromagnets. Evolution from B&W to color displays is discussed.
Andy Geppert's Business Card Is Making Moves – As It's a Literal Brushless Motor
Andy Geppert, a mechatronics engineer, designed a business card functioning as a brushless motor for educational purposes. It allows experimentation with control algorithms, winding configurations, and magnet designs. Geppert refines the design on Hackaday.io and GitHub.
The legacy of Liverpool's forgotten synchrocyclotron
The University of Liverpool's synchrocyclotron, operational from 1954 to 1968, was a pioneering particle accelerator designed by James Chadwick. It advanced particle physics through intense particle beams and innovative design.
STEMFIE, a 3D-printable construction set toy
STEMFIE is a free, open-source 3D-printable construction set for educational purposes. It offers various components for endless building possibilities, emphasizing STEM learning for children. Created by Paulo Kiefe, it aims to provide a fun educational experience.
Related
Electromechanical Lunar Lander
The author created an electromechanical Lunar Lander game in 2016 for an interactive show. It replicated arcade mechanics with a kickball moon surface, controlled spaceship, and shared project code.
How Cathode Ray Tubes Work. [video]
The video explores CRT display technology, dominant for 70 years before LCDs rose. CRTs use electrons on phosphorus screens, guided by electromagnets. Evolution from B&W to color displays is discussed.
Andy Geppert's Business Card Is Making Moves – As It's a Literal Brushless Motor
Andy Geppert, a mechatronics engineer, designed a business card functioning as a brushless motor for educational purposes. It allows experimentation with control algorithms, winding configurations, and magnet designs. Geppert refines the design on Hackaday.io and GitHub.
The legacy of Liverpool's forgotten synchrocyclotron
The University of Liverpool's synchrocyclotron, operational from 1954 to 1968, was a pioneering particle accelerator designed by James Chadwick. It advanced particle physics through intense particle beams and innovative design.
STEMFIE, a 3D-printable construction set toy
STEMFIE is a free, open-source 3D-printable construction set for educational purposes. It offers various components for endless building possibilities, emphasizing STEM learning for children. Created by Paulo Kiefe, it aims to provide a fun educational experience.