Rising Edge Digital
Hardware & Embedded Systems for Software Developers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.