I just finished assembling the Velleman Pong kit. This is a very interesting little kit that (as closely as I can remember) faithfully replicates the worlds first commercially available video game on your TV. This was the most advanced kit that I’ve tackled thus far, and I’m pleased to report that I assembled the entire game on my first try with no cold solder joints, and without ruining any components! I know this is hardly cause for a parade in my honor, but it’s progress.

My impatience seems to be my biggest fault thus far. I think assembling kits can be an invaluable experience, you learn how to solder, you see how different components interconnect, and you can even learn som techniques for PCB layouts.

Unfortunately, I want to start creating my own designs. My head is overflowing with ideas, I just don’t know where to begin.

I have much so to learn, and sometimes it seems like an insurmountable task. I have to constantly remind myself that even the simplest kits are typically designed by electrical engineering graduates, and appreciate what I’ve learned instead of chastising myself for what I don’t.

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