Freenove RFID Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi 5 4 B 3 B+ 400 Zero 2 W, 927-Page Detailed Tutorial, Python C Java Scratch Processing Code, 204 Items, 122 Projects (Raspberry Pi NOT Included)

I bought this kit a couple weeks ago to get started with the PI and learn a little bit about all the things the RP can do and control. The kit gives you a great variety of components that so far are all working fine and seem to be good quality. I didn't have any servery bent pins on any components. You'll get a download link to download the latest tutorials and source code. The tutorials are way better than I was ever expecting. They are detailed and easy to follow. The Python code has all worked. I have not tried the C or Java code. Some of the projects also briefly introduce the I2C and SPI buses of the PI as well, what you really need to utilize to connect more than a couple components to the PI.Even when you finish the tutorials most of the components can still be used in your own projects. Especially the breadboard, the breakout "T" connector, the analog-digital converter, breadboard power supply, etc... buying all these components individually will add up fast so buying a kit makes sense.If I have any complaints I wish a couple of the more complicated code examples were documented a little better. Specifically the LCD Matrix. I'm not a python (or programming in general) expert. A couple are hard to follow what's going on.This kit also suffers from the "thin resistor lead" issue that almost all resistors have with breadboards no matter what you buy. The simple solution is to bend (fold) back the last 1/4 inch of the resistor lead and crimp with a pair of pliers to double the thickness going into the breadboard and making a much more solid connections.

I’m probably not the typical consumer of this product, but I couldn’t be more pleased. My first university programming class was in the mid-80’s and involved managing allotted shared time on a mainframe. I didn’t have a technical degree or job that required coding, but I still found ways to write code to help. By the late 90’s, I was getting paid to write code. Eventually, I moved on to sys admin work.So, I’m very comfortable with code and with computer hardware. I know nothing about electronic circuits or programming sensors that aren’t abstracted.Ultimately, I want to have a raspberry pi control an aquarium pump in a sump based on readings of water levels in two locations. I’ve got a 180 gallon turtle tank with a hang-on overflow going down to a 55 gallon, chambered, aquarium with a pump in the last chamber returning to the main aquarium. There are two different flood my basement situations: the overflow sponge clogs and starts overflowing to the floor and the siphon break in the return line is clogged with algae meaning I get 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 valve switch, I’ve basically figured out how to do what I want.I’ve brought a lot to the table: writing code doesn’t scare me nor does raspbian, the OS for raspberry pi. I’ve figured out enough electronics that I can design my circuit.That said, understand the limits of this kit: it gives you the code to control their sample 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 background knowledge to wire your own.I’m comfortable with the code but not the circuits. For the simple project I envision, the Freenove kit has given me enough circuit knowledge that I’m ready to go forward, but know that if you aren’t comfortable with either code or circuits, this is just some very carefully guided walkthroughs. If you want to do more, you’ll need other resources.That said, for. The price, with the PDF and code download, this is an incredible bargain

The product itself is a great value. It's a very well thought-out and pieced-together kit, and the guides you download are helpful and straightforward. I had only one small problem with it - when they ship the kit, they insert some of the components into the breadboard to help prevent damage to the pins. But they actually bent one of the pins on the LED matrix quite badly when they inserted it into the breadboard. It's not a big deal, although there's a substantial risk it will break if I try to bend it back, since I could always solder a wire to it. And I wasn't even going to bother pursuing it at first, but then I thought their quality control REALLY should know so they can prevent it from happening for other customers. So I e-mailed them. The reply I received can be summarized as: "you fix it, we're on vacation for a week, or I suppose we can send you $3". I'm not going to judge the entire company by this, as one employee shouldn't reflect the entire company, but... what the..??!!! I don't care how inexpensive or easy to repair an item is - when you buy a product and it's damaged, you don't expect to be told "we're on vacation, you fix it." That's a very poor attitude toward your customers. It really ruined the great experience I had with the product up until that moment, and I seriously considered downgrading it to 3-stars. But despite the attitude, it really IS a great kit.