Rising Edge Digital
Hardware & Embedded Systems for Software Developers
Linux Fu: Upcycling an Old Router
An engineer discovered an old Google OnHub router at a thrift store and decided to repurpose it rather than letting it go to waste. Although it originally ran Chrome OS and was abandoned by Google, the OnHub can be revived using OpenWrt, a customizable Linux-based firmware designed for routers. This device boasts a Qualcomm dual-core processor, gigabit Ethernet, and sufficient memory to handle the OpenWrt installation smoothly.
LightComposer – Reach Out and Touch Your Lighting
John created the LightComposer, a user-friendly lamp that allows you to control brightness and color with a simple rotary dial, reminiscent of old rotary phones. This compact device, slightly smaller than a hockey puck, features a 3D printed enclosure and a straightforward printed circuit board (PCB), making it a great project for those looking to build something accessible without complicated setups.
Happy, Dancing Modular ESP32 HotKeys
In a fun project, Instructables user lennoxlow created a series of modular hotkeys called "QuickKeys" using the ESP32 microcontroller. These little devices not only trigger personalized meme compilations but also have the added charm of dancing while they work. The design allows for wireless communication over WiFi and serial connections, enabling the hotkeys to interact with a PC as well as with each other.
Plane Spotter — a Tactical ADS-B Desk Radar (ESP8266 + 1 Inch OLED)
The article discusses a project called the Plane Spotter, created by Italian maker Danilo Cannas. This device is a 3D-printed desk gadget that functions as a tactical radar for monitoring aircraft in real-time. It utilizes an ESP8266 microcontroller, which connects to ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) data to display information about nearby airplanes, including their flight paths, airline details, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and even current weather conditions.
Optocam Zero – A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W-based DIY digital camera
The Optocam Zero is a DIY digital camera built around the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W single-board computer (SBC). It leverages off-the-shelf components alongside 3D-printed parts to create a compact and functional camera inspired by vintage designs like the Kodak Charmera. Key components include a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3, a 1.3-inch LCD display, and a 14500 Li-Ion battery holder, making it an interesting project for makers and hobbyists.
A Modern Twist on the Synth That Defined Techno
Marcus Dunn has created a modern clone of the iconic Roland TB-303 Bass Line synthesizer called Acid Drip. Unlike the original, which is known for its complex analog circuitry and high price, Acid Drip uses a Raspberry Pi Pico-compatible RP2040 microcontroller and custom firmware to deliver classic acid sounds in a user-friendly format.
Doom Is Officially Running on the Xiaomi Mi Band 10
Aaron Christophel has successfully managed to run Doom on the Xiaomi Mi Band 10, a budget smartwatch known for its impressive battery life. The project involved overcoming significant technical hurdles, as the Mi Band 10's hardware is based on the Bestechnic BES2700iMP system-on-chip, which lacks a public software development kit (SDK). Instead, Christophel had to work with a leaked SDK from a related chip and reverse-engineer the necessary components, including figuring out how to communicate with the device's hardware.
This $29 Board Is Like a Hackable AirTag
The nRF54L15 Tag from Nordic Semiconductor is a versatile, hackable development board priced at $29, designed to work within the Apple Find My and Google Find Hub networks. It's a compact, battery-powered device that features a dual-antenna system and is built around the nRF54L15 wireless System on Chip (SoC). Measuring just 33 mm in diameter, it can run off a standard CR2032 battery and includes a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), a low-power accelerometer, environmental sensors, a user-programmable button, and an RGB LED.
Real Time BMS data from the ESP32
The article focuses on a tutorial about using the ESP32 microcontroller for real-time Battery Management System (BMS) data monitoring. The ESP32 is a versatile chip that supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it a solid choice for IoT applications. The tutorial provides insights into how to set up the ESP32 to collect and transmit battery data, which can be crucial for ensuring optimal battery performance and longevity.
Homemade ESP32 BMS system with LAN data
This article covers a DIY project where an engineer creates a Battery Management System (BMS) using an ESP32 microcontroller, designed specifically for managing a 6s lithium battery pack. The project emphasizes open-source principles and includes a detailed overview of how the system monitors and manages power flow during charging, making it suitable for solar storage applications.