ProTechTrader Component Kit for DIY Battery in Make: Electronics 3rd (Model: Exp5CompKit-3rd)
What You'll Build & What's in the Box
Explore the hands-on experiments and genuine components included in Charles Platt's curriculum.
The Nature of Electricity
- Exp 1: Taste the Power — 9V DC battery sensations and moisture conductivity.
- Exp 2: Let's Abuse a Battery — Short circuits, current limits & thermal expansion.
- Exp 3: Your First Circuit — Resistor current limiting with protective LEDs.
- Exp 4: Variable Resistance — Linear potentiometers, voltage division & multimeter reading.
- Exp 5: Let's Make a Battery — Galvanic chemical cells with copper and zinc.
Switching & Transistors
- Exp 6: Very Simple Switching — SPST, SPDT & DPDT relay mechanisms.
- Exp 7: Investigating a Relay — Coil inductance and relay buzzer audio feedback.
- Exp 8: A Relay Oscillator — RC timing circuits with electrolytic capacitors.
- Exp 9: Time & Capacitors — Measuring RC time constants with DMM.
- Exp 10: Transistor Switching — NPN 2N2222 base current amplification.
- Exp 11: Modular Oscillator — Unijunction transistor (2N6027) audio pitch generator.
Soldering & Security
- Exp 12: Joining Two Wires — Heat transfer, flux core solder, and splice joints.
- Exp 13: Broader Soldering Skills — Perforated protoboard assembly.
- Exp 14: Burglar Alarm Circuit — Magnetic reed switches with latching relays.
Chips, Timers & Logic
- Exp 15: Good Little 555 Timer — Astable multivibrator pulses and duty cycles.
- Exp 16: Emitting a Tone — 8-Ohm loudspeaker audio frequency generation.
- Exp 17: Alarm Project — Two-tone warbling siren with dual 555s.
- Exp 18: Reflex Tester — Logic gates (NAND, NOR, AND, OR) decision circuits.
- Exp 19: Learning Logic — Truth tables with 74HC series logic ICs.
| Category | Specific Part Numbers & Values Included | Tolerance / Spec |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Circuits | Texas Instruments NE555P Timer, CD4026BE Decade Counter, LM324 Op-Amp, 74HC00, 74HC02, 74HC08, 74HC32, 74HC86 | DIP-8 / DIP-14 / DIP-16 |
| Transistors & Diodes | 2N2222, 2N3904 (NPN), 2N3906 (PNP), 2N6027 PUT, 1N4148 High-Speed Switching, 1N4001 Rectifier, 1N34A Germanium | TO-92 / DO-35 / DO-41 |
| Resistors (1% Metal Film) | Full E24 Series: 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1kΩ, 2.2kΩ, 4.7kΩ, 10kΩ, 22kΩ, 47kΩ, 100kΩ, 470kΩ, 1MΩ | 1/4 Watt, ±1% Precision |
| Capacitors | Electrolytic: 1µF, 2.2µF, 10µF, 47µF, 100µF, 220µF, 470µF, 1000µF • Ceramic Discs: 10nF, 100nF, 22pF, 47pF | 50V Rated, Radial Leads |
| Hardware & Prototyping | 830-Point Solderless Breadboard, 700-Point Single Bus Breadboard, 65pc Pre-Stripped Jumper Wire Bundle, 9V Battery Snaps | Heavy-Duty Spring Tension |
| Audio & Actuators | 8-Ohm 2-inch Mylar Cone Loudspeaker, 12V SPDT Relays, DPDT Slide Switches, SPST Momentary Pushbuttons | PCB & Breadboard Compatible |
- ✓ Complete Experiments 1–11 Components
- ✓ 830-Point Solderless Breadboard
- ✓ 65-Piece Flexible Jumper Wire Bundle
- ✓ Individually Bagged & Labeled Parts
- ✗ Tools & Case Sold Separately
- ✓ All Economy Pack Components
- ✓ Double-Sided Rugged Organizer Case
- ✓ Digital Multimeter with Test Probes
- ✓ Multi-Gauge Precision Wire Strippers
- ✓ Safety Goggles & Alligator Clip Leads
- ✓ Kit 1 Deluxe Pack (Exps 1–11)
- ✓ Kit 2 Component Pack (Exps 12–34)
- ✓ Logic Gates, 555s & Decade Counters
- ✓ Dual Compartmentalized Tackle Cases
- ✓ Full Workshop Tool Suite Included
ProTechTrader Component Kit for DIY Battery - Make: Electronics 3rd Edition (Experiment 5)
Build your own functional battery from scratch with the ProTechTrader Component Kit for Experiment 5 from Make: Electronics 3rd Edition by Charles Platt. This carefully curated DIY battery kit provides everything you need to complete the "Let's Make a Battery" experiment, allowing you to power an LED using electrochemical principles and simple household materials. Perfect for electronics beginners, STEM students, and makers of all ages who want hands-on experience with fundamental electrical concepts.
Why Choose This Make: Electronics Component Kit?
Learning electronics should be exciting and accessible, not frustrating. The ProTechTrader DIY battery component kit eliminates the time-consuming task of sourcing individual parts from multiple suppliers. Highly recommended by author Charles Platt himself, this kit is specifically designed to complement Section 1, Experiment 5 of the Make: Electronics 3rd Edition book—the leading educational resource for anyone wanting to learn basic electronics and circuit design.
Each component arrives neatly bagged and clearly labeled for your convenience, so you can start experimenting immediately. No more hunting through electronics catalogs or making multiple trips to different stores. We've done the component shopping for you, ensuring you have exactly what you need to successfully create your own working battery.
What Makes This DIY Battery Experiment Special?
This simple yet fascinating science experiment demonstrates the fundamental principles of electrochemistry and battery technology. By combining copper and zinc objects with an acidic electrolyte solution, you'll witness firsthand how chemical reactions generate electrical current—enough to power a real LED! It's a perfect introduction to electronics that bridges theory and practical application.
The hands-on nature of this experiment makes abstract electrical concepts tangible and memorable. Students and hobbyists alike will gain a deeper understanding of voltage, current, and electrical circuits by building rather than just reading. This experiential learning approach is why Make: Electronics has become the go-to book for electronics education worldwide.
Complete Component List Included in Your Kit
- Copper Objects with Alligator Clips: 4 pieces for positive electrode connections
- Zinc-Plated Objects (Nails): 4 pieces for negative electrode connections
- Alligator Test Leads: For easy, secure electrical connections
- 5mm Red LEDs: To visually demonstrate your battery is working
- Red Cups: Serve as containers for your battery cells
- Storage Containers: Keep all components organized and protected
Additional Items Required (Not Included)
- Lemon Juice: Required as the electrolyte solution for this experiment (available at any grocery store)
- Digital Multimeter: Essential for measuring voltage and current. Consider purchasing ProTechTrader's Basic Digital Multimeter or upgrade to our Large Screen Digital Multimeter for easier reading and enhanced features
Perfect for STEM Education and Self-Learners
This DIY battery component kit is a popular choice among educators and students in STEM programs across the country. Teachers appreciate the organized, ready-to-use format that maximizes class time for learning rather than preparation. Students benefit from the clear labeling and complete component selection that eliminates confusion and builds confidence.
Whether you're a curious beginner taking your first steps into electronics, a student fulfilling course requirements, a parent supporting your child's STEM education, or a professional looking to refresh fundamental knowledge, this kit provides an accessible entry point to the fascinating world of electronics and electrical engineering.
Expand Your Electronics Learning Journey
Experiment 5 is just the beginning! To complete all the experiments in Make: Electronics 3rd Edition, explore our comprehensive Make: Electronics 3rd Edition Kits and our convenient 3rd Edition Mini Kits. These expanded collections provide components for multiple experiments, offering exceptional value for committed learners ready to master electronics fundamentals.
Order Your DIY Battery Kit Today
At just $15.99, this component kit represents outstanding value for hands-on electronics education. Stop wasting time searching for individual components and start learning immediately. Add the ProTechTrader Component Kit for Experiment 5 to your cart now and take the first step toward understanding the electrical principles that power our modern world. Your journey into electronics starts here!
???? Ready for the next step?
Check out Make: More Electronics — the official sequel kit now shipping.
Learn & Make: Related Guides
Want to learn more about using this component? Check out our Semiconductor Components Guide for step-by-step projects, tips, and reference details.
🎬 1080p Workbench Demonstration & Circuit Schematics
Watch step-by-step breadboard wiring, oscilloscope waveforms, and circuit verification for experiments in this series.
Includes high-resolution IEEE schematic diagrams, breadboard layouts, and multimeter checkpoint tables.









