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A Film-Free Instant Camera Powered by E Ink Cartridges
Strange Inventions has created a unique instant camera that uses E Ink cartridges instead of traditional film. This DIY project aims to capture the nostalgic experience of instant photography while eliminating the costs and waste associated with disposable film. Users can take photos, process them, and then transfer the images to removable E Ink cartridges that display the pictures permanently without needing power after the initial transfer.
DIY Drone: From Electronics Bench to Flying ESP32 Quadcopter
The article outlines the intricacies of building a DIY quadcopter, focusing on the various components and systems that enable it to fly. While a small quadcopter might seem straightforward, it involves a complex integration of motors, sensors, firmware, and control algorithms that must work in harmony. If even one element—like a weak solder joint or a misaligned propeller—is off, the drone's performance can suffer significantly.
Making a Robot to Serve Some Mean Badminton Shuttlecocks
[Travis Mitchell] developed a badminton shuttlecock serving robot by repurposing a Denso VS050 industrial robotic arm. The project aims to automate the serving process in badminton, a sport that typically requires at least two players. The robotic arm is designed to pick up shuttlecocks from a hopper using a pneumatic grabber and then launch them using high-speed discs.
Cool SO-ARM101 Projects to Try Now: From Grasping to Imitation Learning
The article covers six hands-on projects focused on the SO-ARM101 robotic arm, which is part of the LeRobot platform. It offers a progression from basic tasks like teleoperation and dataset collection to more advanced concepts such as imitation learning and reinforcement learning, making it suitable for various skill levels. Each project is ranked by difficulty, helping you choose where to start based on your experience.
Get Your Monitor Transmitting VHF with a Browser Tool
A developer named Efe created a browser-based tool that enables your computer monitor to transmit VHF (Very High Frequency) signals. Instead of using traditional ham radio equipment, this tool leverages the graphics hardware in your computer by manipulating pixel clocks to generate signals. The concept involves calculating the transmission frequency based on the monitor's resolution and refresh rate, allowing the display of specific patterns to emit weak Morse code signals.
USB C CC Resistor Fixer Case
The Adafruit USB Type C CC Resistor Fixer is a handy solution for USB-C devices that fail to power up when connected to a USB-C Power Delivery port. This issue often arises from manufacturers neglecting to include the necessary 5.1K ohm configuration resistors, which can lead to inconsistent device behavior—some computers may not recognize the connection at all.
Set Up A VPN On Your Raspberry Pi
This article outlines how to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on a Raspberry Pi, focusing on two popular options: WireGuard and Tailscale. WireGuard is highlighted as a fast and efficient VPN protocol that connects within a tenth of a second, making it an attractive alternative to the more traditional OpenVPN. The article links to a tutorial from PiMyLifeUp for those interested in implementing WireGuard on their device.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: Fruit Jam Infrared IR Receiver
John Park's latest project introduces an infrared (IR) receiver that can control a Fruit Jam device using an IR remote control. This setup leverages CircuitPython, which is a user-friendly version of Python designed for microcontrollers, making it accessible for hobbyists and makers alike.
How to Deploy Local LLMs for Embedded Software Development: The Inference Stack and Honest Comparison
This article discusses the deployment of local Large Language Models (LLMs) specifically for embedded software development. The author outlines the advantages of using self-hosted LLMs, such as maintaining client confidentiality, ensuring data sovereignty, providing offline reliability, and controlling costs related to token usage. In the first part, the article sets the stage by explaining the motivations behind these models and the relevant terminology.
Moving Everything Intact: From Orin Nano Dev Kit to reComputer Jetson
The article discusses a new tutorial from Seeed that addresses a common challenge faced by developers using the Jetson Orin Nano Super Dev Kit: how to transition their projects smoothly to the reComputer Jetson hardware. Typically, developers have to either reflash the entire system or manually migrate only their code, which can be tedious and error-prone. The new tutorial offers a third option, allowing for complete preservation of the application's environment during the transition.
Shorten Hardware Development Cycles by Parallelizing Firmware and PCB Design
The article discusses a method for speeding up hardware development by parallelizing firmware and printed circuit board (PCB) design using a Board Support Package (BSP). This approach allows engineers to separate the application logic from the physical routing of the hardware, which can significantly streamline the prototyping process.
USB-C Deskradar – An ESP32-C3 ADS-B flight tracker with a 1.28-inch round display
The USB-C Deskradar is a compact ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) flight tracker built around the ESP32-C3 microcontroller. It features a 1.28-inch round display that shows live aircraft positions on a sonar-style circular grid. This setup allows users to monitor flights in real-time from a specific location. The device is designed within a 3D-printed enclosure and connects via a USB Type-C port for programming.
A mini inventory management system perfect your electronic components
Akashdeep Singh created a mini inventory management system tailored for electronic components, addressing the common problem of accumulating excess parts. This compact device is designed to help hobbyists and small businesses keep track of their components without the complexity of commercial systems.
Affordable robot car kit becomes an intelligent creator-chaser
Iulia Feroli transformed a basic Elegoo robot car kit into an intelligent face-tracking robot using an Arduino UNO Q. Originally, the kit featured an Arduino UNO Rev3, which allowed for simple tasks like obstacle avoidance and line-following. However, Feroli upgraded to the UNO Q, which has a more powerful STM32 microcontroller running Linux, vastly improving the robot's capabilities.
NEW GUIDE: Adding a Bubble Level to the MEMENTO #Adafruit Products #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The article introduces a new guide for adding a customizable bubble level to the MEMENTO Python-programmable camera, making it easier to take level photos. By leveraging the built-in accelerometer in the MEMENTO camera, users can ensure their shots are straight, whether they're capturing horizontal images or top-down views. This is especially useful for preventing that annoying tilt that can ruin a perfectly good photo.
Create your own cyberdeck
Cyberdecks are custom-built portable computers that serve a variety of functions, from wearable tech to specialized devices for specific tasks like monitoring rockets or even preparing for hypothetical situations like a zombie apocalypse. The idea is to create a machine tailored to your needs that standard tablets or laptops can’t fulfill.
The Casio F-91W As A Contactless Payment Device.
The article discusses a project where a maker named Matteo P modified a classic Casio F-91W digital watch, transforming it into a contactless payment device using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The F-91W is widely recognized for being a reliable and affordable timepiece for decades, which has led to a substantial community of enthusiasts and projects built around it.
Orbbec Gemini 2 + reBot Open-Source Robotic Arm: A Low-Cost Embodied AI Development Kit
The Orbbec Gemini 2 combined with the reBot open-source robotic arm offers a cost-effective and fully customizable kit for those looking to explore embodied AI. This setup is ideal for hobbyists and developers who want to dive into robotics without breaking the bank. The article includes a hands-on demo showcasing the robotic arm's visual grasping capabilities, highlighting how these components work together in practical applications.
Pixel Quest
Pixel Quest is a handheld game console that transforms into a USB MIDI control surface for photo and video editing software. Designed by Martina, this device features three original mini-games, a 2-inch screen, eight knobs, and a joystick. When powered on normally, it functions as a gaming console, but if you hold the blue button while connecting it to power, it switches to a control surface mode.
Open Source Firmware Frees the Litter-Robot 4 From the Cloud
Joseph DiGiovanni has created an open-source firmware for the Litter-Robot 4 that replaces the device's reliance on cloud services with local control using ESPHome. This project allows users to connect the automatic litter box directly to Home Assistant over their local network, ensuring that all data remains within the home and reducing the risk of losing functionality if the manufacturer’s cloud services go offline.
The Perfect Cold Water #piday #raspberrypi
Ethan Lin created a cool project using a Raspberry Pi that notifies him when his water reaches the perfect cold temperature. Tired of constantly checking his fridge for cold water, he attached a temperature sensor to his water bottle and programmed the Raspberry Pi to monitor the temperature for him. This setup eliminates the guesswork and allows for a more convenient way to enjoy cold drinks.
Make Any Bench Power Supply Programmable with PSU-EXT
PSU-EXT is an open-source project that allows you to make any conventional bench power supply programmable without opening its case. It acts as an external control and measurement system that connects between your power supply and the device you're powering. This setup provides remote control capabilities, real-time data visualization, and customizable protection features via a browser interface.
Deep Sleep with CircuitPython #CircuitPythonDay
Deep sleep functionality in CircuitPython allows you to significantly extend battery life for your projects by putting the microcontroller into a low-power state when it's not performing tasks. This is particularly useful for applications that only require occasional sensor readings or updates, like monitoring temperature or periodically refreshing a display. For example, if you’re using an e-ink display, the device can sleep between updates, which helps conserve energy.
UPDATED GUIDE: Adafruit SCD-4x – True CO2 Temperature and Humidity Sensors #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The updated Adafruit guide focuses on the SCD-4x series of sensors, particularly highlighting the new SCD-43 sensor breakout. These sensors are designed to measure carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, temperature, and humidity accurately, making them useful for a variety of environmental monitoring applications.
EEVblog 1765 – This $19 ESP32 Makes Home Automation EASY
The article discusses a project using the Waveshare ESP32-S3-RS485-CAN module to enhance home automation by monitoring a Brink Flair 400 home air ventilation system. The setup is designed to send email alerts when the inlet pressure exceeds 400 pascals, making it easier to keep track of the system’s performance. The author uses Claude AI to generate the necessary Arduino code, streamlining the coding process for the project.
Running Local LLMs on the Arduino® UNO™ Q Board: a Practical Guide
The article discusses how to run local large language models (LLMs) on the Arduino® UNO™ Q board, providing a practical guide for enthusiasts and engineers. The UNO Q board is a compact microcontroller featuring improved processing power and memory, making it a suitable platform for experimenting with LLMs that are typically resource-intensive.
Arduino-Compatible RS485 Linear Hall Sensor Board for Magnetic Field Sensing
The article outlines a project for building an Arduino-compatible board that utilizes a linear Hall-effect sensor to measure magnetic fields and transmit these readings over an RS485 bus. This setup is particularly useful for applications requiring long-distance communication in noisy environments, thanks to the robustness of the RS485 protocol.
RetroMeshDevice: A Phone-Free Meshtastic Handheld Built in Public
The RetroMeshDevice is a handheld communication device designed to operate independently of a smartphone while using the Meshtastic firmware. Unlike traditional Meshtastic setups that rely on a phone as the interface, this device features its own small OLED display, a rotary control, and a twelve-key T9-style keypad. This design allows users to compose and read messages seamlessly without needing to pair with a phone, making it a practical option in situations where smartphones are cumbersome or unavailable.
LIA: An Open Meshtastic GPS Tracker Built for Off-Grid Use
LIA is an open-source GPS tracker developed by J. G. Aguado, designed specifically for off-grid use and built around the Meshtastic platform. It originated from the need for a reliable tracking solution that doesn’t rely on cellular networks or subscriptions, especially for pet owners. The device can send location updates through a community-owned radio mesh network, making it a practical alternative to conventional trackers.
ICYMI: Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: openbricks your ESP32 robot, CircuitPython Day, Python Guitar Pedal and More!
This week's Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter highlights some exciting developments in the world of microcontroller programming, particularly with Python. The newsletter features a new open-source firmware called openbricks for the ESP32-S3, which offers a Pybricks-style robotics API. This firmware supports low-cost components like $15 serial-bus servos and includes features like a drivebase controller and trajectory planner. It allows for cross-compilation and uploading programs over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), making it accessible for hobbyists looking to create their own robotics projects.
Iris colour detection with Raspberry Pi
A recent project showcased on Maker Monday involves using a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 to detect iris color. The system utilizes OpenCV, a computer vision library, to process images and identify the color of a person's iris as they look into the camera. This project was developed by Srikrishna Karthick, a student working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who aimed to create a more engaging demonstration for a National Science Day event.
Axiometa Genesis XIAO Shield: Build Real Devices Without the Wiring
The Axiometa Genesis XIAO Shield is a modular hardware platform designed to simplify the process of building electronic devices. By connecting a Seeed Studio XIAO board and plugging in various AX22 modules, users can create functional hardware without the hassle of wiring, breadboards, or complex pin mapping. This approach allows for quick prototyping and experimentation, making it accessible even for those new to electronics.
How Low‑Cost Teach a Robot Arms to Work on Their Own ?
This article explores the process of teaching a robotic arm to perform tasks autonomously through a method called Imitation Learning. It outlines a comprehensive workflow that includes calibration, teleoperation, dataset collection, training with Action Chunking with Transformers (ACT), and finally, deploying the robot in real-world scenarios. The focus is on a specific project using the SO-ARM101 robotic arm, which can complete pick-and-place tasks without human intervention after training.
How to Build a Low-Power Asset Tracking System for Large-Scale Plantations
The article discusses the challenges of tracking assets on large-scale plantations using traditional cellular GPS systems and presents a low-power alternative using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network). Large plantations, such as those for palm oil or timber, often span thousands of hectares, making it difficult to maintain reliable connectivity. Cellular signals can be spotty, especially in remote areas far from infrastructure, leading to unreliable tracking of equipment and personnel.
Gemma Translator – Live Translating Offline on a Raspberry Pi 5 #piday #raspberrypi
The Gemma Translator is an open-source offline translation tool developed by a Google team, designed to run on a Raspberry Pi 5. This project combines several off-the-shelf components, including a portable battery pack, a tiny touchscreen display, a mini speaker, and a micro keyboard, all housed in a custom 3D-printed case.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: Fruit Jam Library – NeoPixels
John Park's latest project showcases the Fruit Jam Library, which allows you to control on-board NeoPixels using CircuitPython. This library is designed to make it easier for makers to light up their projects with colorful LED displays. You can find the library on GitHub, along with some handy code examples to help you get started.
Build Your Own 6-DoF Spatial Stylus for $155
Aalto University has introduced an open-source project called the Lighthouse Stylus, a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) spatial stylus designed for projection-based interfaces. This device aims to provide an affordable alternative to costly motion capture systems, achieving better than 1 mm positional accuracy for around $155 in parts. It utilizes Valve's Lighthouse tracking technology through the Tundra Tracker ecosystem, but while the stylus's design and software are open source, it still relies on proprietary components for tracking.
How To: Develop Edge AI on a Raspberry Pi with LiteRT and Gemma
This article discusses a project that showcases how to develop Edge AI applications using a Raspberry Pi, utilizing LiteRT and Gemma. LiteRT is a lightweight real-time operating system designed for low-power devices, while Gemma is a microcontroller platform ideal for small projects. The combination of these tools allows engineers and hobbyists to create efficient AI applications that can run directly on the Raspberry Pi without needing a constant internet connection.
Make a LEGO Synthesizer or a Color Sensing Music Player with our AS7341 10-Channel Light / Color Sensor Breakout
The Adafruit AS7341 10-Channel Light/Color Sensor Breakout is a powerful multi-channel spectrometer capable of detecting light intensity and specific wavelengths. This sensor can discern colors beyond the capabilities of the human eye, making it a versatile tool for various projects involving light detection and color recognition.
Just released: Raspberry Pi Book of Making 2027
The newly released *Raspberry Pi Book of Making 2027* is a collection of exciting DIY electronics projects featured in the *Raspberry Pi Official Magazine*. This edition offers a mix of creative ideas, from simple paper circuits to more complex builds like underwater rovers, aimed at both beginners and those looking to enhance their electronics skills.
Your Old Wii Remote Can Now Control Your Smart Home
The OpenMote is a modern circuit board designed to fit inside the shell of a classic Nintendo Wii Remote, transforming it into a versatile controller for smart home devices and custom electronics projects. Built around an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module, the board features a dual-core processor, built-in Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5 LE, making it capable of handling various tasks beyond gaming.
Get started with LiteRT on Raspberry Pi
This article provides a step-by-step guide for installing LiteRT, a tool from Google that allows you to run high-performance on-device AI models on a Raspberry Pi. It highlights the importance of LiteRT in enhancing the performance of AI applications on this platform, making it easier for hobbyists and developers to leverage machine learning capabilities directly on their devices.
A Practical Guide to Embedded Linux Logging
This article provides a comprehensive overview of various logging platforms for embedded Linux systems, focusing on their practical applications and trade-offs. It discusses how different logging methods can impact resource budgets, with considerations for storage media, data compression, and the verbosity of logs. The aim is to enhance debugging capabilities while being mindful of the limited resources common in embedded systems.
A 60 W Class-AB Audio Amplifier: A TDA7296-Based Single-Channel Power Amp
The article details the construction of a 60 W Class-AB audio amplifier using the TDA7296 integrated circuit. This single-channel power amplifier is designed for driving 4 or 8-ohm loads, making it suitable for various audio applications, whether you're working on a custom stereo system or powering speakers for a project.
Siemens and ASU Launch Online Certificate Program for PCB Design
Siemens has teamed up with Arizona State University (ASU) to launch an online certificate program focused on Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design. This program is geared toward helping learners gain practical skills using industry-standard software. The curriculum is self-paced and covers essential topics such as schematic capture, layout design, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) verification.
Curiously minty Raspberry Pi Zero cyberdeck
The article highlights a creative project by Mason from Exercising Ingenuity, who built a compact cyberdeck using a Raspberry Pi Zero, all cleverly housed in an Altoids tin. This project is part of the broader trend of miniaturizing electronics into small, portable devices. The build features a custom dot-matrix keyboard, a 2-inch LCD display, a UPS HAT for power management, and even a USB hub for external connectivity.
Water Cooling a GPU Without a Cold Plate
Matt from the TrashBench YouTube channel has developed a unique water cooling system for GPUs that eliminates the need for a traditional cold plate. In high-performance computing, managing heat is critical, and while water cooling is effective, the thermal interface can present challenges. Matt's solution involved flowing water directly over the GPU die, which is typically risky due to electrical components, but he cleverly insulated them using nail polish.
Let's build a digital clock!
This article outlines a project where the creator builds a digital clock using basic electronic components and a microcontroller. The project is designed to be accessible, even for those who might be new to hardware and electronics, and the video tutorial provides step-by-step guidance on the assembly and programming of the clock.
Stop Whining!
Aaron Shady tackled the annoying flickering and whine of low-quality LED light bulbs by designing a custom controller board. Many LED bulbs suffer from these issues due to poor electronic filtering, especially when dimmed, making them less appealing despite their energy efficiency. Shady's project started when he reverse-engineered the original controller of his shelf's built-in LED lighting, discovering that it operated at a low 2 kHz frequency, which produced harmonics in the audible range.
Is Now the Right Time to Build Your Own Raspberry Pi-Powered Retro Video Game Console #piday #raspberrypi
Building your own retro video game console using a Raspberry Pi is becoming increasingly appealing, especially as modern game prices rise and physical media disappears. A guide by Will Greenwald and Jason Cohen from PCMag suggests this is a great time to explore the extensive library of classic games. While they recommend using a Raspberry Pi 5 for optimal performance, older models will also work well and are more budget-friendly.