Science Fair 200 in One Electronic Project Lab

The Science Fair 200 in One Electronic Project Lab is an educational kit manufactured by Radio Shack in Taiwan in 1987, although an earlier version of this lab first became available in 1981. It is also identical to the modern incarnation known as Maxitronics MX-907, which has the same projects and is often available online. The Radio Shack version is catalogue number 28-265. Science Fair™ and Radio Shack™ are registered trademarks of the Tandy Corporation. This lab is for children of ages ten and upwards, hence those in 5th grade can use it, and it should also be fine for 7th grade and 8th grade, and almost any adult. This lab has silicon transistors consisting of two 2SA733 PNP transistors, which are for general-purpose amplifier applications, and two 2SC945 NPN transistors, which are usually drivers in an audio frequency (AF) application. There is also a 1N4148 silicon diode, and A1N60 germanium diode. The integrated circuits are 7474 Dual J-K Flip Flop, and 7400 Quad 2-Input NAND gates.

It also provides a good mix of analogue, digital, and radio, electronic projects. The illustrations and diagrams are clear and imaginative. It uses spring terminals and wires for making the electrical connections. The manual provides the wiring sequence for each project together with illustrated diagrams of the circuits. The cut wires are also included.

Although there are many people who collect these, I usually give them away to children in developing countries, including the missionary who look after orphans. It is always great to see a smile on a face, especially when someone is interested in electronics.

LED Output

Meter

CdS Cell

If you are into photography, then this little sensor can sense the light level and feed the output to a meter. Those Olympus Trip 35 owners with a faulty light level meter usually find it useful.

Cost / eBay

I wanted to know what the difference was between the current Maxitronix MX-907 and the Radio Shack Science Fair 200 in 1 version from 1987. Comparing the projects list in the manuals, they both appear to have the same projects. Of course, both systems are extremely well designed and worth getting. If you do not have much experience but have the big bucks, then go for the brand new system. However, if you are experienced, then a pre-used system is fine as you will be able to diagnose faulty components and repair it.

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