Look Who it Was Random video

Christmas Special: Retro Review Tandy/Radio Shack Science Fair electronic kit

4,945 views · Published 12 December 2011 · 7:28 · Indexed 13 October 2026

Channel: Amateur Radio VK3YE · 2011 · Howto & Style

Watch on YouTube

Another 'big kid vid', this time opening and testing an electronic Christmas present.  

It came from the tree wrapped in newspaper and had its price label intact ($16.99 from a secondhand charity shop).  While the box was battered, it was in good condition, apart from a serving of old ear wax in the crystal earpiece.  

It's branded 'Science Fair' - the Tandy/Radio Shack name for its educational kits in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.  So it almost qualifies as 'old school' - I'd say roughly early '90s during the InterTan era.  Also it's made in China whereas a 1980s kit would have probably been Taiwan and a '70s kit maybe Japan. 

Any ungrateful thoughts as to the parsimony of the giver evaporated when projects were built. Which is what most of the video is about.  You'll see demonstrations of radios, light dimmers, electronic birds and sirens.  There's several attempts at music.  And an electronic snake charmer?  That's what is sounded like, though it attracted no unwelcome visitors. 

This $16.99 pre-owned kit has already given more fun than it cost.  May all the presents you give and get do likewise. 

Music credit: freescores.com http://www.free-scores.com/download-sheet-music.php?pdf=12879   Copyright © Dewagtere, Bernard

PS: If you liked this video please consider supporting Amateur Radio VK3YE by:
* Subscribing on YouTube, 
* Checking my books page at https://books.vk3ye.com 
* Shopping on Amazon via:  https://amzn.to/3iiDQXv, or
* Shopping on eBay via: https://ebay.us/i9DuWP
(then if you buy something I'll get a small commission at no cost to you)

More from this channel