Heart LED Electronics STEM kit

Includes all components required to build the LED Heart:

• Heart-shaped printed circuit board (PCB)
• STC89C52RC CPU (microcontroller)
• 40-pin IC socket
• 32 × 5mm multi-colour LEDs
• 12 MHz crystal oscillator
• 3 V to 5 V boost converter module
• 10 μF electrolytic capacitor
• 2 × 22 pF ceramic capacitors
• Metal film resistors:
  - 32 × 1 KΩ
  - 1 × 10 KΩ
• SMD toggle switch
• Battery terminals set
• Connecting wires (x2)
• Acrylic case (with built-in stand)
• Foam padding
• Case fixtures

Refer to the image gallery for photographs of each component.

See electronics light up—literally: Watch the LEDs glow in sequence and flash in different colours. Gain an understanding of how fluctuations in power cause the LEDs to emit a different colour of light.

Learn component roles: Gain hands-on familiarity with resistors, capacitors, crystal oscillators, microcontrollers, and voltage boosters. Study the PCB with the aid of the circuit diagram to learn how they are all connected together to produce the multicoloured effect.

Boost soldering confidence: This is not just snapping parts together, it's real electronics! Assemble a beginner-friendly kit using through-hole components—perfect for skill building without overwhelming detail. The kit contains one surface mounted (SMD) component; however, the component contains only 3 connections and is very easy to solder. It serves as a great introduction to the surface mount soldering technique.

Understand microcontroller control: The CPU manages LED sequences and colours—this provides an excellent early look at embedded systems and programming logic. The technical information of the manual explains in detail how it works with the other components to produce the dazzling light effects.

Explore power scenarios: Learn about battery-based design and the basics of voltage conversion using the boost module. We also provide instructions for modification to use USB power which requires bypassing the boost-converter module. The instructions for doing this can be downloaded from HERE. This offers an ideal opportunity for someone to start exploring electronics rather than just assembling kits out-of-the-box.

Decor meets STEM: Build something visual and practical—a glowing heart display that doubles as desk decor and creative expression. Makes a beautiful and unique gift to give to your loved one, especially as a Valentine's Day gift!

Q: Is it suitable for absolute beginners?
A: Yes! It’s designed for beginners to intermediate makers—through-hole components make it easy to handle, yet the microcontroller adds an element of challenge.

Q: What power options do I have?
A: The kit is powered by 2 × AAA batteries (not included). Optional USB powering is possible via our downloadable LED Heart modification to USB power instructions.

Q: Do you need to get a stand for it?
A: No, the heart is designed with a stand built-in at the base. Simply assemble it, power it up, and stand it freely on any surface.

Q: How do the LEDs flash different colours?
A: The kit uses special multi-color LEDs. Slight fluctuations in power are sent from the MCU to each LED and the voltage/current each LED receives determines the colour of the light it emits.

Q: Would this make a good Valentine's Day present?
A: Absolutely, it's a very unique Valentine's gift idea and is sure to delight anyone that receives it—a nice change from the usual flowers and chocolates. What's more, you get dual benefits with this kit—first, you get to enjoy building it... then, you get to enjoy gifting it to your loved one!

Dimensions (approx., when completed):

• Height: 7.8 cm
• Width: 8.8 cm
• Depth: 3.0 cm

PCB Type: mostly through-hole components; includes one easy-to-mount SMD type component.

Case material: robust clear acrylic.

Power Supply: Includes a battery compartment for 2 x AA batteries (not included) - operating voltage: 3.0V DC. Can also be modified to use USB power. See the "Frequently Asked Questions" section above for more detail.

Anyone can build this Heart LED Electronics kit following our detailed step-by-step instruction manual which can be downloaded from the link below. The password to open the manual was sent to the same email that you placed your order from. Can't find it? Just Contact Us!

Download: Heart LED Electronics Kit Instruction Manual

Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Age Rating: 12+ (adult supervision required for under 16's)
Assembly Time: Typically 2-4 hours

Tools required for this kit

• Soldering iron
• Solder wire

We sell these items as a bundle for just €25.95 (or currency equivalent) which saves 10 percent! Just click the link below to select your countries plug type and add to your order.

SOLDERING IRON & WIRE BUNDLE

Of course, you only need to buy the tools once; you'll use them again and again for your future electronics projects!

Our blogs & videos related to electronics kits:

Ultimate Guide to Electronics Kits

STEM Electronics as a Hobby

Youtube video: Tools, tips and tricks for soldering electronics kits