Introduction
Welcome to CircuitMess CircuitPet build guide!
By following this build guide, you'll learn how to assemble your handheld virtual pet. With CircuitPet, you'll learn about RTC (real-time clocks), microcomputers and other electronic components, TFT LCD displays, low power and always-on technology, video game mechanics, and much more.
Age group
Like it says on the box, CircuitPet is designed for anyone who's at least 11 years old.
You should approach some of the assembly steps carefully, so make sure to have an adult jump in if you need some help with soldering or tightening the bolts later in the process. It's okay to ask for help.
Don't worry, though! We'll go through the assembly step by step and provide some useful tips along the way. We'll give you a heads-up if there's something important to keep in mind while assembling.
Assembly time
It should take you approximately 2 hours to fully assemble your CircuitPet.
Of course, the assembly time depends on your previous knowledge and experience. If you don't have any experience yet, don't worry! It just might take you a little longer to get into the groove and overcome the challenges in the beginning.
Skills
You don't need to have any specific skills before getting your hands dirty with this DIY project.
The main objective here is to have fun and learn something new.
So hold on tight, read all the instructions, and get ready to have fun! This is a great opportunity and your first step in your big engineering career.
Learning with CircuitPet
As previously mentioned, CircuitPet will teach you a few useful things in the following few hours.
Here's what you'll learn:
- How to solder and assemble your very own electronic device
- RTC (real-time clocks)
- Microcomputers and other electronic components
- TFT LCD displays
- Low power and always-on technology
- Embedded programming
- Video game mechanics