About these terms
These terms cover your use of the Tinker Lab website and lesson app ("Tinker Lab"), run by The Lycoris Labs Inc., Dubai, United Arab Emirates ("we", "us"). By using Tinker Lab you agree to them. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.
Using Tinker Lab
You can use Tinker Lab without an account and without paying. You are welcome to use it for your own learning, with your family, and in schools, clubs and other teaching settings. Our privacy policy explains what data is involved, which is very little.
Children
Children can use Tinker Lab. Younger children should use it with a parent, guardian or teacher nearby, and always with an adult when they move on to real parts and tools. A parent, guardian or school is responsible for deciding whether Tinker Lab is suitable for a child.
Safety with real hardware
Lessons are designed around low-voltage parts, typically powered by USB or small batteries. When you build anything for real:
- Never connect a project to mains electricity (wall sockets) unless you are qualified to do so. Mains voltage can kill. Use ready-made, certified modules for anything that switches mains power.
- Check polarity and voltage before connecting power. A 3.3 V board can be damaged by 5 V signals.
- Lithium batteries can overheat or catch fire if shorted, punctured or charged wrongly. Use a proper charger and protected cells.
- Soldering irons are hot enough to burn. Work in a ventilated space, use a stand, and supervise children.
- Motors, gears and robot arms can pinch fingers. Keep hands and hair clear when testing.
You are responsible for how you build and use real circuits. Follow the instructions that come with your parts, and ask an experienced adult when you are unsure.
Simulations are models
The 3D bench and simulations are teaching models. They are designed to be accurate enough to learn from, but they are not exact emulations of real hardware, and timing, electrical behaviour and sensor readings are simplified. Boards are stylised illustrations. Always check your own board's documentation and pinout before wiring it. The transparency page lists the main differences.
Your code and builds
Code you write and things you build in Tinker Lab are yours. They are saved only in your browser, so we do not receive a copy. Please keep your own copy of anything important: clearing your browser deletes it.
Our content
The lessons, text, drawings, 3D models, build guides and site design are owned by The Lycoris Labs Inc. or used under licence. You may share links to any page, display lessons in class, and print build guides for teaching and personal use. You may use the example programs in your own projects. Please do not republish the lessons or the site, in whole or in large part, as your own or for sale.
Tinker Lab is built with open-source software that keeps its own licences. They are listed on the transparency page.
Trademarks
Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, NodeMCU, Raspberry Pi, Pico, NVIDIA, Jetson and other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Tinker Lab is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by them.
Acceptable use
Please do not try to disrupt or overload the site, get around its security, or use automated tools in a way that puts a heavy load on it. Do not use Tinker Lab to break the law or to harm anyone.
Links to other sites
Tinker Lab links to other websites, such as parts suppliers' documentation or the open-source projects we credit. We are not responsible for their content or their privacy practices.
Availability and changes
We work to keep Tinker Lab available and correct, but we provide it "as is". We may change, add or remove lessons and features, and the site may sometimes be unavailable. Lessons can contain mistakes; if you find one, please tell us.
Liability
As far as the law allows, we are not liable for any loss or damage that comes from using Tinker Lab, including damage to hardware or loss of data saved in your browser. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited by law, such as liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or your rights as a consumer.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the United Arab Emirates, as applied in the Emirate of Dubai. If you live elsewhere as a consumer, you keep any protections that the law where you live gives you.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms. When we do, we will change the effective date at the top of this page. If you keep using Tinker Lab after a change, the updated terms apply.
Contact
The Lycoris Labs Inc., Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Email: .