Rising Edge Digital
Hardware & Embedded Systems for Software Developers
How to turn anything into a router
Noah Bailey discusses a recent policy by the American government that could ban the import of new consumer router models, prompting a need for DIY router solutions. He explains that you can create a router using almost any device that resembles a computer, drawing from his experience using a Linux-powered mini-PC as a router for several years.
How Small Can A Linux Executable Be?
Nathan Otterness has taken on the challenge of creating an ultra-small Linux executable, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with size optimization. His journey begins with a simple "Hello, World!" program, which, in a typical C implementation, might be around 12-15 KB. However, by switching to assembly language and utilizing direct Linux system calls, he initially reduces the size to just 383 bytes.
A sea of sparks: seeing radioactivity
The article from maurycyz.com explores a fascinating method for visualizing small amounts of radioactivity, specifically through the detection of alpha particles emitted during nuclear decay. Using a source of americium from a smoke detector, the author demonstrates how these particles can be made visible by striking a special material that produces light.
A passive USB 1.1 packet sniffer for RP2040 — built entirely on the PIO coprocessor @raspberry_pi
Ângelo Moisés Alves developed a passive USB 1.1 packet sniffer called USBSnifferPIO_RP2040, utilizing the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller's PIO (Programmable Input/Output) coprocessor. This device is designed to capture Low-Speed (1.5 Mbps) and Full-Speed (12 Mbps) USB traffic without any interference, meaning that the devices on the USB bus won't even detect its presence.
Infrared Remote Control Shutter Using Circuit Playground Express
This article discusses a project by Kevin Walters that utilizes the Adafruit Circuit Playground Express (CPX) board to create an infrared remote control shutter for Sony NEX cameras. This setup is particularly useful for photographers needing precise timing, such as for stop motion or timelapse photography. The project leverages the CPX's built-in infrared LED, allowing users to trigger the camera shutter wirelessly.
An open-world engine for the N64
James Lambert developed a custom open-world engine for the Nintendo 64 (N64), aimed at creating a vast game environment without any loading screens. His project showcases how the N64 hardware can handle a seamless, expansive world, which is a notable achievement given the console's limitations.
Improving FDM Filament Drying With a Spot of Vacuum
This article discusses an innovative approach to drying Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) filament using a vacuum, which improves moisture removal compared to traditional hot air dryers. The current methods typically involve heating the filament for several hours, but by applying a vacuum, the boiling point of water in the filament can be lowered, allowing moisture to evaporate more efficiently.
Turning a MacBook into a touchscreen with $1 of hardware
Anish Athalye and his team developed a project called "Sistine," which turns a MacBook into a touchscreen using just $1 worth of hardware and some clever computer vision techniques. The approach is based on the observation that surfaces viewed from an angle appear shiny, allowing the system to detect touch by analyzing reflections. The prototype was built quickly, taking about 16 hours to complete.
build123d: a Python-based, parametric boundary representation (BREP) framework for 2D and 3D CAD
build123d is a Python framework designed for parametric boundary representation (BREP) modeling, suitable for both 2D and 3D CAD applications. It leverages the Open Cascade geometric kernel, providing a straightforward and Pythonic interface for creating precise models that can be used in various manufacturing processes like 3D printing and CNC machining.
Reverse-Engineering The Holy Stone H120D Drone
Zac Turner has reverse-engineered the control protocol for the Holy Stone H120D drone, demonstrating how to autonomously control it using a simple Arduino program or Python script. His exploration began with sniffing UDP packets from the drone's communication, which led him to decompile the Android app that accompanies the drone to uncover its inner workings.
Refill UV Printer Ink Cartridges Like It’s The Late 90s
The Eufymake E1 is a new prosumer UV printer that allows users to print high-resolution color images on various materials. It employs proprietary ink cartridges that come with a magnetic stirrer but are quite costly compared to bulk UV ink. To tackle the high expense, [charliex] explored methods to refill these cartridges, including the cleaning cartridge, to make the printer more cost-effective and sustainable.
EEVblog 1743 – Mechanical Vibration Detection with your Oscilloscope Probe
Dave from EEVblog demonstrates how to utilize an oscilloscope probe for detecting mechanical vibrations on a printed circuit board (PCB). This technique allows engineers and hobbyists to identify vibrational modes, which can be crucial for troubleshooting issues related to noise and reliability in electronic designs.
The D in DNS Stands for DOOM
[Adam Rice] has managed to get the classic video game DOOM running over the Domain Name System (DNS). This unconventional project leverages DNS TXT (text) records, which can hold arbitrary data up to 2,000 characters each. By creatively using these records, he has developed a method to fetch the entire game, including its engine and resources, from DNS servers around the globe.
Dial any spray paint color on demand with Spectrum
Spectrum is an innovative spray paint-mixing machine designed by Sandesh Manik that allows users to create any color on demand. The system is worn like a backpack and features a control panel where you can adjust the ratios of four base colors: white, red, yellow, and blue. Once you've dialed in your desired color mix, you simply press a button on the handheld sprayer to start painting.
Raspberry Pi Pico chess timer
Nirvaan Tandon, a 14-year-old maker, developed a Raspberry Pi Pico-based chess timer to streamline gameplay and keep matches exciting. Drawing from his previous projects, including a Pomodoro timer and various robots, he utilized the Raspberry Pi Pico W for its wireless capabilities and low power requirements. This compact device, about the size of a king chess piece, effectively tracks the time each player has to make their moves, minimizing disputes over time management during games.
Select the right hardware for your local LLM deployment with this online guide
Sipeed has launched an online guide called the "AI Agent Local LLM Inference Device Deployment Guide" to help users select the right hardware for deploying local Large Language Models (LLMs). The guide provides a comprehensive comparison of various hardware options, detailing their price, performance (measured in tokens per second), power consumption, and compatibility with different LLMs.
DIY ESP32-S3 Internet radio features Winamp-styled user interface
Volos Projects has created a DIY Internet radio using the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, specifically the Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-1.54 development board. This project features a user interface reminiscent of Winamp, making it visually appealing and familiar for those who remember the classic media player. The setup includes a 1.54-inch color display and a speaker that reportedly produces good audio quality.
Smart IoT Pet Planter
The article presents a DIY project for creating a smart IoT pet planter using the Adafruit PyPortal and CircuitPython. This setup allows you to monitor the health of your plants by tracking vital metrics like soil moisture and temperature. To achieve this, the project incorporates the Adafruit STEMMA Soil Sensor, which provides the necessary data for plant care.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: Modulo Pixel Wrap
John Park's article dives into a clever technique for wrapping NeoPixels—those vibrant addressable RGB LEDs—around a circular arrangement using CircuitPython. By applying the modulo (%) operator, he demonstrates how to elegantly map pixel indices to their positions on the ring. This approach simplifies the process of controlling LED layouts without the need for complex calculations.
A DIY eco-friendly solution to mosquito annoyances
Gal Ofel has created a DIY, eco-friendly automated system to control mosquito populations, tackling the common problem of these pests that breed in stagnant water. The system works by enticing mosquitoes to lay their eggs in a controlled water reservoir, which is then automatically drained before the eggs can hatch.
NEW GUIDE: Adafruit ADS122C04 24-Bit ADC #Adafruit Products #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The Adafruit ADS122C04 is a 24-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) that can handle up to 2000 samples per second on a single channel, making it a solid choice for high-precision measurements of both single-ended and differential analog signals via I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). Unlike many other 24-bit ADCs typically used in low-speed applications, this one offers a higher sampling rate, filling a niche for those who need speed without sacrificing resolution.
NEW GUIDE: Adafruit TMAG5273 3D Hall Effect Magnetometer Breakout #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The Adafruit TMAG5273 3D Hall Effect Magnetometer Breakout is a compact sensor that measures magnetic fields along three axes—X, Y, and Z. This low-power device is perfect for both industrial applications and personal projects. It includes three independent Hall-effect magnetometers and features a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that transmits data over I2C. Additionally, it has a built-in thermometer for basic temperature readings, making it quite versatile.
Raspberry Pi Pico–powered sunrise alarm clock
Pawel Skiba has created a sunrise alarm clock using the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W, transforming his mornings by simulating a gradual sunrise to help him and his wife wake up more gently. Frustrated with traditional alarm clocks that disrupt their sleep, especially during the dark winter months, he decided to build a custom solution that addresses their need for light to ease the waking process.
RuView project leverages ESP32 nodes for WiFi-based presence detection, pose estimation, and breathing/heart rate monitoring
RuView is an open-source project that utilizes multiple ESP32 nodes to implement a technique known as "WiFi DensePose." This system transforms WiFi signals into real-time human pose estimation, presence detection, and vital sign monitoring—like breathing and heart rates—without the need for cameras. The implementation is done using Rust or Python, and it operates by analyzing Channel State Information (CSI) disturbances caused by human movement, allowing it to track body movement even through walls.
NEW LEARN GUIDE: Adafruit VCNL4030 Proximity and Lux Sensor #Adafruit Products #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The VCNL4030 is a versatile sensor that combines proximity detection and ambient light measurement in one compact package. It can accurately measure distances from 0 to 300mm (about 12 inches) and light levels ranging from 0.004 to 16,768 lux. This makes it particularly useful for applications that require both proximity sensing and light level monitoring, such as in robotics or environmental sensing.
Control your thermal printer using Markdown
ThermalMarky is a new tool designed to help you take control of your thermal receipt printer using Markdown, making it easier to create formatted printouts. It supports essential Markdown features like headers, bold, and lists, along with some enhanced formatting options such as custom alignment tags, horizontal lines, and QR codes. The tool also includes a straightforward Web UI for a better user experience and built-in editor shortcuts.
Discreetly modding an apartment intercom to work with Apple Home
Jack Hogan shares a project where he modified a standard apartment intercom system to integrate with Apple Home using an ESP32 relay board. The original intercom had become non-functional due to a lack of cellular service, which prompted the need for a more reliable solution for allowing guests to enter the building.
Adafruit IO Map Block Gets an Update – Multi-feed Support, Tooltips, Paths, and Click-to-Publish
Adafruit has updated its Map Block feature for Adafruit IO Dashboards, enhancing its capabilities for Internet of Things (IoT) projects. Previously limited to displaying data from a single sensor, the Map Block can now show up to five feeds simultaneously. Each feed can be customized with different colors and icons, which is particularly useful for mobile projects like weather stations or drones that gather data from multiple sensors along a path.
Adafruit Learn Guide: Bunny Ears with MakeCode
Adafruit's guide on creating motion-reactive bunny ears is a fun project that combines the Circuit Playground Express with MakeCode, a visual programming environment. The project allows you to build a set of light-up ears that respond to movement, making them an engaging accessory for events or costumes.
Can you get root with only a cigarette lighter?
David Buchanan explores an unconventional method of gaining root access to a system using just a cigarette lighter. He focuses on the concept of fault injection, which involves deliberately inducing errors in hardware to exploit vulnerabilities. By targeting the DDR (Double Data Rate) bus—the connection between DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) and the rest of the computer—he designed an experiment that utilizes an antenna wire to capture electromagnetic interference.
An ESP32-P4 board in the Feather form factor
David Johnson-Davies has created a new microcontroller board based on the ESP32-P4 processor, designed in the Feather form factor. This board features a dual-core RISC-V processor that runs at speeds up to 400 MHz and comes equipped with 768 KB of on-chip SRAM, 32 MB of on-chip PSRAM, and the option for up to 32 MB of external flash storage.
Using a Fiber Laser to Etch 0.1 mm PCB Traces
The article discusses an innovative approach to creating high-resolution printed circuit boards (PCBs) using a fiber laser. [Giangix] has been experimenting with etching 0.1 mm traces on thin copper-clad boards, a task that typical DIY methods struggle to achieve with the same precision as commercial production lines. By employing a 20 Watt fiber laser and a custom vacuum table to secure the boards, [Giangix] is able to engrave the chemical resist layer with impressive accuracy.
Dune 3D – parametric 3D CAD supporting STEP import/export, fillets and chamfers
Dune 3D is a new open-source parametric 3D CAD application that allows users to import and export STEP files, as well as create fillets and chamfers in their designs. It was developed out of a need for a more user-friendly CAD tool, particularly for designing 3D-printed enclosures for electronics projects. The creator found existing options like FreeCAD and Solvespace lacking in certain areas, such as user experience and essential features.
Book Electronics for Kids, 2nd Edition, is out this May
The article announces the upcoming release of the second edition of *Electronics for Kids*, written by Øyvind Nydal Dahl, set to hit shelves in May. This updated version is designed to introduce young learners (ages 10 and up) to the fundamentals of electronics through a series of engaging projects. It covers essential concepts like electricity, circuit behavior, and the roles of components such as resistors and capacitors.
A dual-core audio engine for the Raspberry Pi RP2040
PicoSound is a dual-core audio engine designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi Pico, which uses the RP2040 microcontroller. The setup leverages the dual-core architecture by assigning Core1 exclusively to handle audio processing, while Core0 manages the main application tasks like graphics, input/output, calculations, or game logic. This separation helps prevent audio dropouts that can occur during heavy processing or blocking operations, ensuring continuous audio playback.
Impress Your Egg Hunters with Bunny Ears Using MakeCode #Easter #Wearable
Erin St. Blaine has put together a fun project for Easter: motion-reactive bunny ears that light up, using the Circuit Playground Express and MakeCode. This project is perfect for a family activity, as it involves a bit of soldering, some hand sewing, and programming the ears to react as you hop around.
An unofficial MicroPython port of the Sunfish Chess Engine
The article introduces an unofficial port of the Sunfish Chess Engine, called micropython-uSunfish, developed by GitHub user fizban99. This version is designed to run on MicroPython, a lightweight implementation of Python for microcontrollers, and has been tested specifically on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. However, it’s not very demanding in terms of memory, meaning it should also work well on the standard ESP32.
Ultimate Guide to Connecting 3D Printed Parts | Pins, Fins, Slots, & Snaps
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively connect 3D printed parts using various techniques. It focuses on reliable methods that don't rely on perfect tolerances or complex support structures, which can often lead to weak connections. The video features practical designs like diamond pegs, slab-and-slot joints, spring-loaded T-slots, snap fits, and advanced locking tabs, showcasing their advantages over traditional connectors.
Building a Monitor Light Bar for Better Productivity
Jade built a custom monitor light bar designed to improve productivity and reduce eye strain during long work sessions. The setup utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller to manage the lighting, which consists of LED strips that can emit both warm and cold white light. A rotary encoder allows for manual brightness adjustment, and the entire system can integrate with Home Assistant, a popular home automation platform.
ICYMI Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: AI Helping Your Development While Arduino T&Cs Grow Onerous and More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
This week's Python on Microcontrollers newsletter dives into how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance your development process without taking over. The focus is on practical applications, such as GitHub's new feature that scans for sensitive files in your code before you accidentally upload them, helping you avoid data leaks. The newsletter also highlights tools that connect your oscilloscope to your computer for better debugging with MicroPython, as well as AI's role in reviewing and documenting your projects.
Direct Pressure Advance Measurement For Fast Calibration
This article highlights a new automated pressure advance calibration tool developed by [markniu], designed to streamline the calibration process for 3D printers. Pressure advance (PA) is crucial for achieving high-quality prints, as it compensates for the pressure of the molten plastic in the hotend, which can lead to issues like oozing and blobbing. Traditional methods of calibrating PA often involve lengthy calibration prints, but this new approach measures pressure directly, making the process quicker and more efficient.
Hugging Face’s Reachy Mini is an open-source AI robot for your computer or Raspberry Pi CM4
Hugging Face has introduced the Reachy Mini, an open-source AI robot aimed at developers and hobbyists who want to interact with physical environments. This compact robot comes equipped with a camera, four microphones, and a speaker, and is capable of movement due to its six degrees of freedom head and nine servo motors that allow it to rotate and wave its antennas. There are two models available: the Reachy Mini Lite, which connects to Mac, Linux, and Windows computers, and the Reachy Mini Wireless, which operates autonomously on a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) and includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and battery support.
Disposable Vape Becomes Breath-Activated Synth
A maker named Becky Stern has transformed a disposable vape into a breath-activated synthesizer. Starting with an ElfBars BC5000 vape, she repurposed key components like the lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, USB charging board, and a low-pressure sensor. These parts were integrated with a 555 timer circuit, which generates sound based on the resistance of six photoresistors that detect light changes.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: Trellis MIDI Velocity Meter
John Park's latest project is a USB MIDI velocity visualizer built using CircuitPython and the Neotrellis, a versatile matrix keypad designed for various applications. The project showcases how to visualize MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) velocity data through a matrix of illuminated buttons, making it easier for musicians to see how hard they are playing each note.
New: Remote updates on Raspberry Pi Connect
Raspberry Pi Connect has introduced a new feature that allows users to perform remote updates on their Raspberry Pi devices, making it easier to keep software up-to-date without needing to be physically present. This capability is particularly useful since it works behind firewalls and doesn't get disrupted by changes in IP addresses. While users can still update their devices through the usual methods, the remote over-the-air updates enable them to initiate updates without opening a Connect session, and even if the device is off, it will grab the update once it goes online.
NEW GUIDE: #CircuitPython on the Xteink X4 eReader #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The article discusses how to run CircuitPython on the Xteink X4 eReader, a compact and slim device powered by the ESP32-C3 microcontroller. This eReader features a USB port that allows for serial communication over JTAG (Joint Test Action Group), which simplifies the process of loading alternative firmware without needing to dismantle the device.
Enabling MediaTek M7902 WiFi and Bluetooth drivers on Ubuntu 24.04 the easy way
The article discusses how to enable the MediaTek MT7902 WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.x drivers on Ubuntu 24.04. These drivers have recently been added to the mainline Linux kernel, specifically in version 7.0, which is great news for users of laptops like the ASUS Vivobook 16 that utilize this chipset. However, some users have been waiting for nearly two years for these drivers, prompting a user named "hmtheyboy154" to backport the drivers to work with older Linux kernel versions from 6.6 to 6.19.
Use an Arduino UNO R4’s DAC as a signal generator
The article explains how to use the Arduino UNO R4’s built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) as a signal generator. This is particularly handy for those who need to create signals for testing electronic components without spending a fortune on dedicated equipment. The method works with both the Arduino UNO R4 WiFi and the UNO R4 Minima models, utilizing the DAC on pin A0, which provides a smooth analog output with 12-bit resolution.
NEW LEARN GUIDE: Adafruit TCS3430 / TCS34303 Ambient Tri-Stimulus Color Sensor #Adafruit Products #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The Adafruit TCS3430 / TCS34303 is an ambient light tri-stimulus color sensor that offers a modern alternative to traditional RGB sensors. Instead of using RGB wavelengths, it employs CIE XYZ sensors along with an infrared (IR) diode, allowing for more accurate color matching to established color spaces. This sensor operates at specific wavelengths—437nm (X1), 574nm (X2), 537nm (Y), and 434nm (Z)—and requires users to calibrate it against a known color space analyzer for their specific applications.
Industrial RS-485/Modbus Raspberry Pi HAT works with OpenPLC, supports 7V-32V DC input
The Industrial RS-485/Modbus HAT is a new hardware accessory for Raspberry Pi boards, developed by EngineElectronicAccessories in Sweden. This HAT is tailored for industrial automation and monitoring applications, particularly in conjunction with the OpenPLC open-source programmable logic controller suite. It features an onboard RS-485 transceiver, which allows for robust long-distance communication, and includes protection against electrical transients with a TVS (Transient Voltage Suppressor) diode.