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Review on πŸ”§ Freenove RFID Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi 4 B 3 B+ 400, Comprehensive 544-Page Tutorials, Python C Java Scratch Code, 204 Items, 68 Projects, Solderless Breadboard by Michael Zambrano

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great introduction to the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi

I may not be a typical user of this product but am very satisfied. My first programming course at university was in the mid 80's and involved managing allotted shared time on the mainframe. I didn't have a technical degree or a job that required programming, but I still found ways to write code that was helpful. In the late 90's I was getting paid to write code. In the end I switched to work as a system administrator. So I'm very knowledgeable about code and computer hardware. I don't know anything about electronic circuits or sensor programming that isn't abstracted. Ultimately, I want the Raspberry Pi to control the aquarium pump in the sump based on the water level readings in two places. I have a 180 gallon turtle tank with a hanging overflow that goes into a 55 gallon chamber tank with a pump in the last chamber that goes back to the main tank. There are two distinct instances of my basement flooding: the overflow sponge is clogged and starting to spill onto the floor, and the ruptured siphon in the return line is clogged with algae, meaning I'm getting an overflow in the sump when the pump is off. After two days of working with the Freenove kit and replacing their switches with a float switch, I've basically figured out how to do what I want. for Raspberry Pi. I figured out enough electronics to design my circuit. However, be aware of the limitations of this kit: it gives you the code to manage their example projects, but it doesn't teach you how to code your own. It tells you how to wire a circuit, but doesn't give you the basics to wire your own. I like code but not diagrams. For the simple project I envision, the Freenove kit gave me enough circuit knowledge to prepare me to progress, but know that if you don't like the code or the circuits, these are just a few very involved steps - by-step instructions are instructions. If you want to do more, you need other resources. However, e.g. The price with PDF and code download is unbelievable.

Pros
  • Single Board Computer
Cons
  • Could have chosen a newer model