The Review Wire Reviews our 7-in-1 Rechargeable Solar Transformer

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Back to school doesn't only have to be all about supplies and books. I received this 7-in-1 Rechargeable Solar Transformers kit from OWI Robotics to keep the kids busy. This innovative solar science kit encourages children to exercise their sense of creativity and imagination. OWI is all about science, their Robotikits and OWIKits were developed to affordably introduce students to robotics, science and solar technology.

I gave this to my thirteen year old to build. He had it completed in about 20 minutes.

The five different vehicles that you can transform the kit into include: Solar Car, Concept Car, Bulldozer, Dump Truck and Concept Racer. He started with the charging station and the concept car. The instructions were a bit confusing but he managed to get it. You do need a sharp pair of scissors to cut the pieces away from their holder. Unfortunately, he found out the hard way when one of the pieces snapped in half. Luckily it was only a stabilizer piece and he was able to continue.

The first picture below is the power charging station that comes with 2 output plugs. One plug is for the solar recharging, which is shown with the black top and one is for the battery recharging, the blue battery that is sticking out to the right. The station opens and then folds compactly to resemble a truck. This recharging station can charge the battery in about 5 seconds and the solar panel in about 120 seconds.

The instructions state that the run time of the vehicle is about 50-80 seconds before needing a charge. But when we took the car outside with the solar panel attached, it just kept going...until the panel was out of direct sunlight. All the cars except the Solar Car can take either the solar panel or battery to charge.

My little one had fun chasing this around outside...who said science was boring!?

The Best Way to Start and Learn Robotics

First and foremost, getting your hands on some robotics equipment launches you into the world of robotics in a way that no amount of preparation can match. You can read about robotics, watch online videos, and even see demonstrations. Any learning you can do to build your knowledge and understanding helps a lot, but learning robotics truly starts when you have your own kit or equipment to begin tinkering with.

How to Start and Learn About Robotics

For most robotic enthusiasts, breaking into this field starts with simple machines and straight-forward functions. You won't be building surgical tools or inventing your own personal butler right away, but even your first projects will delight and amaze you and your friends. Once you start powering your own robotics and getting them to perform simple functions, you'll be hungry to learn more, and your experience can snowball into expertise with time and a little patience.

Is Robotics Complicated?

The world of robotics is definitely complex, but that doesn't mean robotics has to be complicated at the beginning. In fact, some of the best robots are the most efficient ones. You can decide for yourself just what sort of robotics interest you and how much time, energy and resources you want to spend on developing more complicated projects.

Is Robotics Expensive?

With tons of robotic kits and equipment under $20, it's really up to you on how to spend. When you get into robotics, you might end up wanting to buy plenty of different kits and accessories, but you can start small. Compared to the cost of movie theater tickets, ski trips, and plenty of other entertainment and hobby options. Robotics certainly costs less than many things, considering the hours of enjoyment you'll get out of it.
 

Online Information to Learn Robotics

The internet offers a wealth of information and support for robotics fans. Besides our blog, you can ask questions and get advice on how to learn robotics from community forums. You can also follow exciting projects like NASA's Robotics Alliance Project. YouTube has plenty of tutorial videos as well, and you can search Google for robotic clubs in your own hometown that offer workshops. OWI Robotics has a great YouTube channel.

Use of Robotic Kits to Learn

Starting with kits makes learning robotics easier and more accessible. With set instructions and all the right components, you can go step-by-step to ensure that you won't become frustrated or disappointed at first. When you learn with kits, you get used to knowing all the important parts of a successful robotic project. Kits also make easy gifts to help get your friends involved with you. You can take on do-it-yourself projects later as you build your expertise, but when starting out you'll want the guidance that a great kit provides. Contact us for robotic kits and you can get started in no time. Browse our site to get a feel for your options, and let us know if you have any questions!

Tips to Finding Great Venues for Robot Camps

How to Start and Learn About Robotics

Let's say you're looking to create a device that moves freely around a solid surface on wheels and is actually able to interact with the environment around it, learning how to properly craft and assemble such robots is an incredible skill that, although fascinating and inspiring, does take a some amount of know-how in order to create the desired animatronic that moves and performs in the desired way. Whether you have some experience with robots before or are green and completely new to the subject, there are several ways you can gain the desired knowledge to begin starting on your very own 7-in-1 Robot Kit.

Is Robotics Complicated

Robotics ranges from rather simplistic to extremely complicated; it all depends what you want the robot to do. Starting off, there are general functions you can program into a robot that takes only basic know-how. However, when you want the equipment to fully interact with the environment, without your real-time handling, it takes extensive engineering and electronic knowledge to do so.

Is Robotics Expensive?

You can build robots from just about anything you have in your house, so if there are old electronics, cables and wires sitting around, you can strip the equipment and use it with your robot. Most necessary equipment is inexpensive; although computer integrated hardware does begin to add a hefty price tag to the project.

Online Information to Learn Robotics

The Internet is an excellent location to gain valuable insight into robotics design. From building a robot to programming the equipment, it literally is possible to learn everything you need to over the internet. Sites like Piclist.com, MsTracey.btinternet.co.uk, owirobot.com and Sparkfun.com are all excellent locations to start when you want to learn.

Use of Robotic Kits to Learn

Robot kits are great ways to learn about the technology and how to craft a robot, all with instructions. This is an excellent building block to push you towards creating your own robot eventually.

Robotic Camps for 2012

One of the best ways to begin learning about robotics is through the aid of a camp. These camps provide instruction on the design and craft of building a robot, so whether you are experienced or new, there are instructions capable of showing you exactly what you need to do and answer any question you may have about the design and crafting process.

What to Expect at a Robotics Camp

If you have never been to a robotics camp, you need to know what to expect before venturing out. These camps are filled with other interested individuals who have a passion to create their own robots. Here you can share your current knowledge with new friends, and with the structured class-like setting of the camps, you are shown how to manipulate and develop your own robots, all under the instructions of professionals. Here, you can have all your questions answered and learn new techniques to improve your craft once you return home.

Robotics from OWI

There is a large line of robotics from OWI, which allow you to build an impressive array of different designs, all capable of performing different actions. Some of which are even solar powered, so you don't have to worry about integrating a battery system. Just remember, if you have a question pertaining to robotics, are interested in summer camps or just want to learn more about how robotics work, make sure to contact us with any question you have as we are happy to help you in any way possible.

ToysAreTools.com Reviews Our 7-in-1 Rechargeable Solar Transformer

Read the full review here

WHAT: 7-in-1 Rechargeable Solar Transformers by OWI Robotics

DOES: a build and play set where building is over half the fun; instant kid magnet at the park; car charges don't last long but the cars are fast; charging by battery takes just seconds; battery charger included

INVEST: $26.95 depending on retailer

TOOLS: Social Scene Helper, Think Like a Scientist/Engineer

Giveaway Details Below

If my son could have his way, he would buy all the science kits that are made for boys his age. But the truth is, I don't buy that many for him. Many science kits on the market today are not very open-ended. As with some craft kits that many girls may be purchasing, some science kits can also be too "one-note" as Number 5's mom would say.

However, when I saw OWI's 7-in-1 Transformers Kit and saw the video of a little solar car zipping around, I figured if there was any solar kit that sang more than one not, this would be it.

But when we got it, I made a conclusion about my knowledge of science kits.

Watch the video review above

Do you remember what models looked like? Not the runway kind but those plastic models that boys used to do "back in the day"? This kit reminds me a little of that except this time, there are solar panels! The models of yesteryear were a challenge to build but then sort of sat there until your mom threw it away. This kit may not contain as much of that challenge because you can surely finish it on the same day however, you can really play with it afterwards - a huge plus for us.

Read the full review on www.toysaretools.com here

July's Free Robot Giveaway

We're continuing our monthly free robot giveaway below. Be sure to enter, after all it's free!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kiddie Corner Deals Reviews Our Salt Water Fuel Cell Monster Truck

Check out the excerpt from kiddiescornerdeals.com. Click read more for the full review.

Gavyn has had an interest in building since a very young age. Now that he is getting older, he wants to explore different options. He is a big fan of Legos and K'Nex and will bring his buckets down daily. He enjoys building with his dad, and as a parent I love all the benefits building provides. They use their imaginations, fine motor skills, problems solving skills and numerous other benefits. But a company I was introduced to has taken building to an entire new level by introducing robotic kits for kids and adults that familiarizes children to robotics, science and solar technology. OWI Robotics offer RobotiKits and OWIKits in different levels for beginners to advance. The kits are unique, fun and educational.

We chose the Salt Water Fuel Cell Monster Truck as Gavyn still enjoys large trucks but he was going to learn quite a bit with this kit. The kit includes plastic parts and mechanical parts; motor with connections, pinion gear and gear.

My husband helped Gavyn with the kit and he highly recommends having needle nose pliers available if you have large fingers, as the parts are small; such as the pistons and rods. Do not cut off all the parts ahead of time, do this as you go by steps as the plastic they are attached to has the letters and numbers of the parts that you'll need. The instructions are step-by-step with alphanumeric numbers for the parts, showing what parts are required to be assembled.

Once mixed you'll remove the fuel cell plate, cover and magnesium sheet to add salt water on the nonwoven fabric. Replace everything and watch the truck move. I timed our monster truck and it ran for about 15 minutes before having to add more salt water. I couldn't just test it on carpets, so outdoors Gavyn and I went to see how well it did on different terrain types such as rocks, dirt, grass and hills. We were all surprised at the monster truck chugging away.

Many thanks to kiddiescornerdeals.com! Click here to read the full review.

Grandson Reviews Our 7 in 1 Rechargeable Solar Tranformer

From www.blessedelements.com. Read the actual post here

I'm taking the youngest grandson with me on my travels which leaves the two older ones at home. I really hate to leave them but they have school. To make it up to them I'm leaving each something really cool to play with while I'm gone. I'm leaving Mr. K with the OWI 7 in 1 Rechargeable Solar Transformers. He gets to use his reading skills and follow the directions to put it together. I love that this will really get him to use his thinking skills to put it together.

This is a solar science kit just begging to be put together and encourage creativity. I love projects that reward kids with a sense of pride and accomplishment and this product will do that.

Doing it himself should be a fun project as it has all snap together plastic parts (no screws, tools required) It has 7 different modules: 2 power charging stations and 5 different vehicles that are a Solar Car, Concept Car, Bulldozer, Dump Truck and Concept Racer. He will also get a chance to learn and apply solar energy. He loves science so this will be right up his alley.

The 7 in 1 Rechargeable Solar Transformer has been selected as a TDMonthly Magazine May Issue Staff Pick.

I stopped in to visit the grand children and asked Mr. K how he did with the 7 in 1 Rechargeable Solar Transformers kit I left for him. He proudly smiled and retrieved it from his room. He was really pleased that he did it all himself and was really fascinated by how it worked and the concept of solar energy. He gave it a test run for me and showed me how he could power up his car with the transforming station.

He also told me his plans of using it for a science project and how he is going to learn more about solar energy. I just love it when a toy inspires a child to want to learn more and helps them make responsible choices as well to alternative fuel choices. You can check out more products by OWI Robotics here to inspire your child to being creative and learn about responsible choices for our Earth's environment.