The Maker Surplus Box is a curated assortment of real surplus electronics for curious makers, tinkerers, repair-minded people, and anyone who enjoys figuring out what useful things can become.
This is not a prepackaged beginner kit or a plug-and-play project box. It is a hands-on collection of motors, power supplies, connectorized leads, industrial connectors, cable assemblies, and other electronics-surplus pieces selected to be interesting, useful, and worth exploring.
Every box is assembled by hand and has its own mix of parts.
Planned First-Series Contents
The first Maker Surplus Box series is being built around a repeatable core of larger items, plus a varied collection of connectorized leads and surprise parts.
Each first-series box is expected to include:
- Three different surplus stepper motors
- Three different AC/DC power adapters
- Assorted connector pigtails and short cable assemblies
- Industrial-style removable terminal-block connectors
- Other connector ends, wire looms, terminals, and small maker-surplus items
- Selected boxes may also include items such as USB Type-A to Type-B cables, antenna or RF-related parts, small actuators, LEDs, push buttons, or other useful surplus finds
Exact small items, connector styles, wire lengths, colors, and quantities vary by box.
Stepper Motors
The first series includes three different stepper-motor types.
Current observations include:
- One motor with an approximately 1/4-inch shaft
- Two motors with approximately 3 mm splined shafts
- One motor type that appears to be NEMA 17 size
These motors are surplus items and may not include original datasheets, connector information, coil-pair information, or wiring diagrams.
We are actively documenting the included motor types on IoT Project Kit. The site will begin with general guidance for identifying stepper-motor coils and using a multimeter safely, then add photos, confirmed wiring notes, specifications, compatible accessories, and possible project ideas as each motor is researched.
Power Adapters
The first series is expected to include three different surplus AC/DC power adapters. Current adapter candidates include models or types such as:
- CUI Inc. 24V DC, 2.7A adapter
- 12V DC, 1A adapter
- 9V DC, 1.7A / 15W adapter with specialty threaded barrel-style output
- 6V DC, 1A adapter with barrel output
The exact three included in a particular box may vary.
Some adapters have an integrated wall plug. Others use detachable AC power cords. When an adapter is included that requires a detachable AC input cord, an appropriate cord may be included when available and stated in the specific box description.
Power adapters are separate surplus items. They are not represented as matched power supplies for the included motors or other parts.
Connector Pigtails and Industrial Connectors
Each box includes a varied selection of surplus connectorized leads, pigtails, and removable industrial-style connectors.
These may include:
- Small white multi-pin connectors
- Larger red connector assemblies
- Two-, three-, and four-wire pigtails
- Connector housings with partially populated positions
- Terminal-ended leads
- Removable green industrial terminal-block connectors
- Short cable assemblies, wire looms, and other connector-related parts
Connector housings may have unpopulated positions. Wire count, populated pin positions, pinout, polarity, continuity, and compatibility are not verified unless specifically stated.
Many pigtails are intentionally left with useful wire length so they can be probed, spliced, adapted, repinned, or repurposed.
Early Maker Series Pricing
The first Maker Surplus Box series is being offered while some of the included motors, connectors, and accessories are still being researched and documented.
That means early buyers receive a box with real, useful surplus parts at a lower early-series price, while also getting access to a living documentation page that will improve over time.
As we identify more motor specifications, confirm wiring details, publish project notes, and add compatible accessory guidance, future Maker Surplus Box series may be priced differently.
Early buyers are not receiving incomplete products. They are receiving a more exploratory, reverse-engineering-friendly version of the Maker Surplus Box.
Testing and Condition Notes
Some items are basic checked before inclusion, but this is not a fully tested electronics kit.
Where stated, testing may include:
- AC adapter output voltage spot-checking
- Basic USB cable connection/function testing
- Stepper-motor shaft movement checks
Unless specifically stated, items are not load-tested, continuity-tested, pinout-verified, polarity-verified, function-tested, or tested for compatibility with other included items.
Items may be new old stock, new open-box surplus, used surplus, or previously stored components. Some items may show shelf wear, package wear, old inventory labels, pen or marker markings, minor cosmetic wear, or signs of prior surplus handling.
Important Safety Notes
This box is intended for people comfortable working with surplus electronics.
Buyers are responsible for verifying voltage, polarity, connector type, current requirements, pinout, coil pairing, continuity, compatibility, and safe operating conditions before connecting any item to power, a computer, a motor driver, a microcontroller, or other equipment.
Do not assume that a power adapter is suitable for an included motor or actuator.
Do not connect unknown wiring directly to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, USB, GPIO, or other low-voltage electronics without verification.
Small parts may be included. Keep away from young children.
Want More of Something?
Found a connector, pigtail, wire type, motor, or power adapter in your box that you would like more of?
Send us a photo or description. We often have additional surplus connectors, cable assemblies, wire, motors, and power supplies available, although inventory varies.