EPO Summer Classes 2026

Electronic Parts Outlet • 3753 Fondren Road, Houston TX 77063 • $15/person per series

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Mechanical Class

Instructor: Gage McDermot

When: Mondays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

We are scheduling three Wednesdays classes that will be held starting July 9 and continuing on July 16 and 23 at Electronic Parts Outlet (EPO), 3753 Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77063. Classes are from 10AM to 1PM. Cost is $15/student for the three class series of Mechanical Class. There may be in-store purchases for materials as well. The instructor will direct you as to which parts he wants you to buy for the class. He will keep costs as low as possible. Parts purchased are yours to keep after the class.

In these classes they will build a Robot using Tomiya Components. They will learn about basic drive train and basic gearing. Don't miss out! We welcome attendees 12 years old and up!

Class 1 — July 6 @ 10:00 AM

Class 2 — July 13 @ 10:00 AM

Class 3 — July 20 @ 10:00 AM

Class 4 — July 27 @ 10:00 AM

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Testing Mystery Transformers & Vacuum Tube Amplifier Troubleshooting

Instructor: Bill Werzner

When: Wednesdays, July 2 and July 9 • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

We welcome attendees ages 12 and up!

Class 1 — July 2 @ 2:00 PM — Testing Mystery Transformers

Learn how to identify chokes and transformers. Come and learn from the best of the best in radio repair. In this class you will be taught how to measure and identify the different coils in any kind of transformer. You will also be taught Bill's technique for marking and diagramming the information he tests about each transformer, how to accurately write the structure of each transformer to save for later, and how to be safe when working with high voltages. There is no cost for materials in this class, the only fee is the $15 class fee.

Class 2 — July 9 @ 2:00 PM — Vacuum Tube Amplifier Troubleshooting

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Learning to Use Oscilloscopes - Basic Troubleshooting Techniques

Instructor: Tom Taylor

When: Wednesdays, July 16, 23, 30 • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

In these classes (Same days that the Basic Electronics Class) you will learn basic use and controls of Oscilloscope. Basic application of Oscilloscopes looking at Audio Signals, Logic and Pulse for PWM controls. We have a classroom set of scopes for participants to use. Class is $15/person for the series of Oscilloscope classes. No additional purchases necessary for this class. All of this classes are progressive and build on the previous classes. We welcome attendees of all ages!

Class 1 — July 16 @ 10:00 AM

Oscilloscope Basics

Class 2 — July 23 @ 10:00 AM

Oscilloscope Basics - continued

Class 3 — July 30 @ 10:00 AM

Troubleshooting Techniques with an Oscilloscope

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Arduino Fundamentals — From First Wire to Working System

Instructor: John McLean

When: Wednesdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 and August 6 • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

IMPORTANT:

We will be using the arduino IDE Software which you can download prior to the class here: https://www.arduino.cc/en/main/software. A laptop is required.

This hands-on course introduces students to programming and electronics using the Arduino platform. Designed for beginners of all ages—from young students to adults—this course focuses on building confidence through practical, step-by-step learning.

Students will start by setting up the Arduino development environment and creating their first working program. From there, they will progressively build systems that interact with the real world—reading sensors, controlling outputs, displaying information, and driving motion.

Each session follows a structured engineering approach: Build a circuit → Predict behavior → Run the system → Observe results → Improve the design. This mirrors how real engineers solve problems.

No prior experience is required. The course is designed to remove intimidation by ensuring success at every step, while also offering deeper insights for more advanced learners. Attendees will be required to purchase the parts used in the project, they may keep the parts used forever (its yours once you buy it). The instructor will do everything he can to keep prices low, we are mindful of budgets. Prepare for about $100 in cost for parts.

A laptop is REQUIRED for this class. You must bring a laptop to participate in this class.

 

Instructor Perspective

The instructor began at the same starting point—seeing a large computer system for the first time as a child and not understanding how it worked. Everything since has been learned step by step. This course reflects that same approach: clear, structured, and achievable.

 

By the End of This Course, Students Will:

• Understand how to build and wire basic electronic circuits
• Write and modify Arduino programs
• Read sensors and respond to inputs
• Control displays and motion devices
• Build a complete working system integrating multiple components

Final Project: Servo Pong — a complete system combining sensors, switches, timing, and motion control.

Class 1 — July 9 @ 10:00 AM — Foundations

Topics

• Arduino IDE setup
• Board selection & COM port
• Serial monitor (Hello World)
• Digital output (LED)
• Timing with delay()
• Breadboard basics
• Power: USB vs. external

Lab

• Blink LED
• Modify blink rate

Outcome: First working system — understand upload/run cycle

Class 2 — July 16 @ 10:00 AM — Inputs & Sensors

Topics

• Digital input (switch)
• Pull-up vs. pull-down
• State logic
• DS18B20 sensor
• Libraries introduction
• Debugging via Serial
• LED status system
• Intro to millis()

Lab

• Temperature monitor
• LED status indicators
• Switch changes system state

Outcome: First decision-making system

Class 3 — July 23 @ 10:00 AM — Displays & Communication

Topics

• What is a bus
• I2C concept
• LCD display
• Addresses & pull-ups on I2C
• Multiple devices (conceptual)

Lab

• Display temperature on LCD
• Display system state

Outcome: Output beyond Serial monitor

Class 4 — July 30 @ 10:00 AM — Motion

Topics

• Servo motors
• PWM concept
• Position control
• Timing without delay
• Intro to interrupts (limit switch, optional)

Lab

• Servo sweep
• Controlled positioning

Outcome: Physical motion control

Class 5 — August 6 @ 10:00 AM — Integration (Servo Pong)

Topics

• State machines
• System integration
• Debugging strategy

Lab

• Servo moves between limits
• Switches reverse direction
• Optional display feedback

Outcome: Complete working system — Final Project

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All classes held at Electronic Parts Outlet (EPO) • 3753 Fondren Road, Houston TX 77063 • $10/person per series • Contact EPO for group pricing