DIY Fighter Aircraft STEM Toy | Easy Step-by-Step Assembly Guide for Kids

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys are an exciting way to combine fun and learning. In this project, we’ll assemble a Fighter Aircraft STEM Toy that not only looks cool but also helps kids explore basic engineering, motors, and aerodynamics.

Fighter aircraft STEM toy

🛠️ What’s Inside the Kit?

Before we start, open the kit and lay out all the parts. You should have:

Fighter aircraft kit parts

• Wooden boards

• Motor

• Wheels

• Fan

• Battery holder

• Wires and accessories

🔧 Step 1: Build the Base

Start by connecting the two baseboards to the motor. This forms the foundation of your aircraft and prepares it for wiring.

Connect the two base boards to the motor.

⚡ Step 2: Connect the Motor to Power

Next, connect the wires from the battery holder to the motor terminals.

Connect the wires from the battery holder to the motor terminals.

• You can connect the positive and negative wires to either side—the motor will still work.

• If the jet moves backward when switched on, simply swap the wires, and your aircraft will move forward.

✈️ Step 3: Form the Aircraft Body

Attach the fuselage panels to the wing piece.

This begins to shape the aircraft

Fix the top panel securely onto the fuselage. 

• Insert the wires through the back and attach the battery box with double-sided tape.

• Use cable ties to keep the wires neat and tidy.

🛞 Step 4: Install the Wheels

Slide the iron axle through the fuselage and attach the wheels using the orange bushings.

Slide the iron axle and orange bushings.

Attach the wheels

• This will allow your aircraft to roll smoothly across surfaces.

🌬️ Step 5: Add the Fan

This is the final piece that brings your fighter jet to life.

Push the fan onto the motor shaft. 

🚀 Step 7: Power On!

Switch on the power and watch as your fighter aircraft comes alive—rolling forward with the fan spinning!

Slide the battery switch to turn ON.

Fighter aircraft moving forward.

🎓 What Kids Learn from This Project

This STEM toy is more than just fun. Children will learn about:

• How electric motors work

• Simple wiring and polarity

• Basic aerodynamics and rolling mechanics

• Problem-solving by adjusting connections

✅ Safety Tips

• Small parts are included—avoid putting them in the mouth or nose.

• Always build under the guidance of a teacher or adult.

• Handle the wooden boards and motor gently to avoid damage.

📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:

1. Fighter Aircraft

Lazada:

1. Fighter Aircraft

TikTok:

1. Fighter Aircraft

Aliexpress:

1. Fighter Aircraft

🎬 Final Thoughts

The Fighter Aircraft STEM Toy is a fantastic way to mix creativity, hands-on building, and science learning. It’s a simple yet rewarding project for students and hobbyists alike.

👉 If you enjoyed this guide, please subscribe to our channel, like this post, and share it with friends so more people can explore the fun of STEM! 🚀

How to Replace the Heating Element on a ULTIMAX IRSDUT-ZD90SP II Soldering Iron

If your ULTIMAX IRSDUT-ZD90SP II soldering iron has stopped heating properly or takes forever to warm up, there’s a good chance the heating element is worn out. Replacing it is a straightforward process that can bring your soldering station back to life — and save you money compared to buying a new one.

In this guide, we’ll walk through unboxing the replacement heating element, disassembling the soldering iron, replacing the old part, and testing the repair.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Unbox the Replacement Heating Element

Check that it matches the specifications of the original one to ensure compatibility.

• Start by opening the package containing your new heating element. 

2. Disassemble the Tip Assembly

Remove the nut, tip enclosure, and soldering tip from the front of the soldering iron.

• Keep these parts in a safe place for reassembly later.

3. Remove the Cover

Unscrew the screws securing the soldering iron’s cover.

Once the screws are out, use a small pry tool to gently open the casing without damaging the housing.

4. Remove the Old Heating Element

Carefully pull out the heating element from the tip section.

Cut any wires connected to it, but make note of their positions — this is important for reconnecting the new element correctly.

5. Replace with the New Heating Element

• Position the new heating element in place of the old one.

Connect the black wire and blue wire together to the longer wire of the heating element.

The short wire from the heating element should connect to the switch.

Use heat shrink tubing to insulate all soldered joints for safety.

6. Apply Heat Shrink Tubing

Use a heat gun to shrink the tubing over the solder joints until it fits snugly.

7. Reassemble the Soldering Iron

Place the heating element back into the nipple section.

Reinstall the switch and all internal components in reverse order of disassembly.

Fit the cover back and tighten the screws.

Reattach the soldering tip, tip enclosure, and nut.

8. Test the Soldering Iron

Turn on the soldering iron and let it heat up.

Clean the tip using a damp sponge or brass wool.

Apply solder wire to ensure it melts smoothly.

Conclusion

And that’s it! Your ULTIMAX IRSDUT-ZD90SP II soldering iron should now be working perfectly again. This simple repair not only saves you money but also keeps your tools in service for years to come.

📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:

1. Soldering Iron Heating Element
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner
4. Screwdriver Set

Lazada:

1. Soldering Iron Heating Element
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner
4. Screwdriver Set

TikTok:

1. Soldering Iron Heating Element
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner
4. Screwdriver Set

Aliexpress:

1. Soldering Iron Heating Element
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner
4. Screwdriver Set

🎥 Prefer Video?

We’ve also made a video guide showing the entire unboxing and replacement process.

If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with fellow DIY enthusiasts and technicians who might face the same problem.

How to Replace the Soldering Iron Handle on Your Saike 952D SMD Rework Station 🔧

If you're using the Saike 952D rework station, sooner or later, you might need to replace the soldering iron handle due to wear, damage, or inconsistent heating. In this post, we’ll walk you through the unboxing, installation, and testing of a new replacement handle — step by step! 

Replace the soldering iron handle.

📦 What’s in the Parcel?

We ordered a compatible replacement soldering handle for the Saike 952D, and here’s what came in the parcel:

Components required for replacement.

• ✅ 1x Soldering Iron Handle

• ✅ 2x Spare Heating Elements

• ✅ 🔧 Pre-installed Heating Element in the Handle

That’s right — the new handle already comes with one heating element installed, so it’s ready to use immediately. The additional two spare heating elements are a great bonus for future replacements.

🛠️ How to Replace the Soldering Handle

Replacing the handle is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Power Off & Disconnect

Make sure the Saike 952D is turned off and unplugged for safety. Let the existing handle cool down if recently used.

2. Unplug the Old Handle

Unplug the old handle soldering iron.

Locate the connector of the soldering iron handle at the front of the station. Gently unplug it by unscrewing or pulling it out, depending on the model.

3. Plug In the New Handle

Plug the new handle soldering iron.

Take your new handle and plug it into the same port. Make sure the connection is secure.

🔥 Powering On & Setting the Temperature

Once everything is connected:

Setting the temperature.

1. Turn the Saike 952D back on.

2. Switch to the soldering iron mode.

3. Set your desired temperature — we recommend starting at 350°C for general testing.

The station should recognize the new handle and begin heating immediately.

🧪 Testing the New Handle

Test with the solder wire.

Grab some soldering wire and try it out on a small PCB or scrap components. The heating should be consistent, and the solder should melt smoothly. If everything works well, your replacement is a success!

✅ That’s It — You're Done!

With just a few simple steps, you’ve successfully replaced your Saike 952D soldering iron handle. Whether you're a hobbyist or pro technician, this quick upgrade keeps your station running like new.

📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:

1. Soldering Iron Handle
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner

Lazada:

1. Soldering Iron Handle
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner

TikTok:

1. Soldering Iron Handle
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner

Aliexpress:

1. Soldering Iron Handle
2. Solder Wire
3. Tip Cleaner

🎥 Prefer Video?

We’ve also made a video guide showing the entire unboxing and replacement process.

🙌 Found This Helpful?

If this tutorial helped you out, don’t forget to:

👍 Like
🔁 Share with your maker friends
📲 Subscribe to our YouTube or Shopee store for more electronics tips!

DIY Intruder Alarm with LDR Sensor | Arduino Security Project

In this tutorial, we’ll build a simple light alarm system using an Arduino Uno and a 3-pin LDR sensor module. This system detects when someone blocks a light source—like breaking a beam—and triggers an LED alert, simulating a basic laser tripwire.

Light Alarm System

🔍 What Is an LDR Sensor?

An LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) is a sensor that changes its resistance based on the amount of light it receives. In brighter light, resistance drops; in darkness, resistance increases. By using the analogRead() function, we can detect the intensity of ambient light. 

📦 What You’ll Need

To get started, you will need the following components:

Components required for this tutorial

✅ Arduino UNO × 1

✅ 3-pin LDR Module × 1

✅ Jumper Wires × 1

✅ USB cable for Arduino × 1

✅ Resistor 220Ω × 1

✅ Breadboard × 1

🛠️ Circuit Wiring

Here’s how to connect each component to the Arduino:

3-pin LDR module wiring

3-pin LDR Module 

✅ VCC → 5V on Arduino

✅ GND → GND on Arduino

✅ A0 → Analog pin A0 on Arduino

LED and resistor wiring

LED and Resistor

✅ LED Anode (long leg) → Digital pin 9 on Arduino

✅ LED Cathode (short leg) → 220Ω resistor → GND on Arduino

The connection between components and Arduino

💻 Uploading the Code

After wiring everything up, connect the Arduino to your computer using a USB cable.  Then, upload the following code, or you can download the code HERE.

int ldrPin = A0;
int ledPin = 9;
int baselineLight = 800; // Adjust based on your lighting

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int ldrValue = analogRead(ldrPin);
  Serial.println(ldrValue);

  if (ldrValue < baselineLight - 200) {  // Sudden drop in light
    digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Alert
  } else {
    digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  }

  delay(100);
}

Open Arduino IDE and copy-paste the code

The system reads the LDR sensor using analogRead(ldrPin) (range: 0–1023), compares it to the baselineLight value representing normal ambient light, and if the light level drops significantly—by more than 200 units—the LED is activated to indicate an alert.

🧪 Test the System

Once you've uploaded the code and completed the wiring, it's time to test how the system reacts to different light levels:

Place your hand over the sensor, and the LED will turn ON.

Remove your hand, and once the light returns to normal, the LED will turn OFF

📌 Conclusion

This project is a simple and fun way to get started with analog sensors, security concepts, and Arduino programming. You’ve now created a basic light alarm system that responds to interruptions in a light beam—just like a basic tripwire!

📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

Lazada:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

TikTok:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

Aliexpress:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

🎥 Watch the Full Video Tutorial

🔔 If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow makers! For more tutorials, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on social media. 🚀

#Arduino #LDR #Tripwire #SecurityAlarm #ElectronicsProject #DIYAlarm #ArduinoBeginner #arduinouno

Smart LED Dimming with LDR & Arduino | Ambient Light Sensor Project

Have you ever seen lights that automatically dim or brighten based on the lighting around them? In this project, we’ll show you how to make your own auto-dimming LED using an Arduino Uno and a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor.

Smart LED Dimming

📦 What You’ll Need

To get started, you will need the following components:

Components required for this tutorial

✅ Arduino UNO × 1

✅ 3-pin LDR Module × 1

✅ Jumper Wires × 1

✅ USB cable for Arduino × 1

✅ Resistor 220Ω × 1

✅ Breadboard × 1

🛠️ Circuit Wiring

Here’s how to connect each component to the Arduino:

3-pin LDR module wiring

3-pin LDR Module 

✅ VCC → 5V on Arduino

✅ GND → GND on Arduino

✅ A0 → Analog pin A0 on Arduino

LED and resistor wiring

LED and Resistor

✅ LED Anode (long leg) → Digital pin 9 on Arduino

✅ LED Cathode (short leg) → 220Ω resistor → GND on Arduino

The connection between components and Arduino

💻 Uploading the Code

After wiring everything up, connect the Arduino to your computer using a USB cable.  Then, upload the following code, or you can download the code HERE.

int ldrPin = A0;
int ledPin = 9;

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  int ldrValue = analogRead(ldrPin);
  int ledBrightness = map(ldrValue, 0, 1023, 255, 0); // Invert brightness
  analogWrite(ledPin, ledBrightness);
  delay(100);
}

Open Arduino IDE and copy-paste the code

The analogRead() function reads the ambient light level from the LDR (ranging from 0 to 1023), then map() converts that value to a PWM range (255 to 0) to invert the brightness, and finally analogWrite() sets the LED brightness based on the mapped value.

🧪 Test the System

Once you've uploaded the code and completed the wiring, it's time to test how the system reacts to different light levels:

Observe the LED in normal lighting—it should appear dim or completely off if the room is bright.

Slowly cover the LDR sensor with your hand or a piece of paper. You should see the LED gradually get brighter as the light decreases.

Fully cover the LDR sensor with your hand the LED will get brighter as the light level drops.

📌 Conclusion

This auto-dimming LED project is a fantastic introduction to how sensors can make electronics smarter. You’ve learned how to read light levels with an LDR, process the input, and control an LED with PWM based on real-world light conditions.

📦 Where to Buy

Shopee:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

Lazada:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

TikTok:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

Aliexpress:

1. 3-Pin LDR Module
2. Jumper Wire
3. UNO R3
4. USB Cable
5. Resistor 0.25W Pack

🎥 Watch the Full Video Tutorial

🔔 If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow makers! For more tutorials, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on social media. 🚀

#ArduinoProject #AutoDimLED #LDREngineering #PWMControl #SmartLighting #DIYElectronics #Maker