Rising Edge Digital
Hardware & Embedded Systems for Software Developers
Modded Server PSU Provides Plenty of Current
Danilo Larizza has come up with a clever way to repurpose old server power supplies into powerful benchtop power supplies. Using an HP Common Slot (CS) server power supply, which can often be found for under $50, this setup can deliver over 50 amps at 12 volts. This is particularly useful for projects that require a lot of current without breaking the bank.
Use MicroPython to Add a Custom Sensor to a Robot Kit
The article discusses a project that enhances the HP Robots Otto Kit by adding custom sound detection capabilities. Using two microphones, the modified robot can detect loud noises and turn towards the source, essentially giving it the ability to "hear." The project includes designing circuits and 3D-printed parts, along with programming the robot using MicroPython and the Thonny IDE.
Using the Arduino Uno Q to Build a DDS Sine Wave Generator
This article details a project that uses the Arduino Uno Q microcontroller to build a Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) sine wave generator. The project demonstrates how to create a system that can generate precise analog signals digitally, which is useful in various applications such as signal processing and testing.
Tech Talkies Made a Voice-Controlled Robot Dog
Tech Talkies developed a voice-controlled robot dog using the Seeed XIAO ESP32S3 microcontroller and the ESP-Skainet for on-device speech recognition. This project allows users to interact with the robot without needing a cloud connection or a smartphone; simply say a wake word followed by a command. The robot dog can perform actions like sitting, lying down, stretching, walking, dancing, and even wagging its tail when praised with "good boy."
Fashionably on Task: a Smart Bracelet for Forgetfulness #Wearable
The article introduces a unique smart bracelet designed to help users manage their daily tasks. Built by CMoz for the Instructables Jewellery Competition, this wearable combines style and functionality, featuring exposed circuitry on a brass frame and a tri-color ePaper display. The bracelet is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller, enabling Wi-Fi connectivity and allowing users to keep track of up to five important to-dos.
Build a tiny network-wide ad blocker #Raspberrypi
RelfWolf created a network-wide ad blocker using a Raspberry Pi and a tool called Pi-hole. This setup effectively blocks ads and tracking across all devices connected to your network—like phones, tablets, and smart TVs—without needing browser extensions or ongoing subscriptions. The project aims to enhance privacy by reducing the number of tracking domains that devices connect to.
Building the OG Xbox That Should Have Been
Macho Nacho Productions has recreated the original Xbox prototype, which was famously a large aluminum X shape, in a more accessible form. This new version is a 3D-printable DIY project that retains the dimensions of the original console but is made from plastic—a much more practical choice for hobbyists compared to the costly metal version.
No-Code Seedling Frost Alert and New WipperSnapper Components. What’s new with Adafruit IO and the Adafruit Learning System.
Adafruit recently introduced a no-code Seedling Frost Alert device using the QT Py ESP32-S3 and Adafruit IO. This project helps protect seedlings from unexpected frost by glowing blue when freezing temperatures are predicted. It also sends a text message to remind you to bring your plants indoors, making it a handy tool for gardeners.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: DAC Volume Control
John Park's latest project focuses on controlling audio volume using a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) with an analog potentiometer and I2C communication. This setup allows you to smoothly adjust the audio output level in your CircuitPython projects. The project is straightforward, making it ideal for hobbyists looking to enhance their audio applications without diving too deep into complex circuitry.
Miauwceiver Syncs Stage Lighting and DIY Robotics
Miauwceiver is a versatile device designed to bridge the gap between professional stage lighting systems and DIY robotics. Built around an ESP32 microcontroller and a LumenRadio TimoTwo CRMX module, it can both transmit and receive CRMX wireless signals. This allows users to convert lighting control data into various protocols like Art-Net, sACN, OSC, and MIDI, all while interfacing with hardware through I2C, UART, SPI, and GPIO.
The Easy Way to Make Wireless LEDs for Fun and Profit
Wireless LEDs are compact light-emitting diodes that operate without visible power sources, utilizing inductive power transfer, similar to how some smartphones charge wirelessly. Myth Made has put together a straightforward guide for creating these wireless LEDs at a minimal cost. The design includes a small SMD (surface-mount device) coil, an SMD LED, and an SMD capacitor to ensure smooth power delivery.
Programming MEC16xx Embedded Controllers
The article discusses programming the MEC16xx series of embedded controllers, which are used in various applications to manage hardware and perform specific tasks. The author provides detailed insights into the programming methods, tools, and libraries that can facilitate working with these controllers, making it easier for engineers and hobbyists to integrate them into their projects.
AERIS-10 Brings Long-Distance Radar Scanning to the Maker Community
Nawfal Motii has created the AERIS-10, an open-source radar system that brings long-distance scanning capabilities to the maker community at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives. Traditional hobbyist radar modules typically have a limited range of only a few meters, but AERIS-10 extends that capability to over 20 kilometers while costing up to 95% less than commercial systems, which can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Matteo Fenu's Raspberrarium Turns Two LEDs Into a Convincing Day-Night and Lunar Cycle Simulator
Matteo Fenu has created an innovative project called Raspberrarium, which uses a Raspberry Pi and two WS2812 programmable LEDs to simulate realistic day-night and lunar cycles for terrariums. This system is particularly useful for small enclosed ecosystems that lack natural light, as it mimics the full spectrum of daylight and the phases of the moon.
NEW LEARN GUIDE: Adafruit MAX44009 Lux Light Sensor #Adafruit Products #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The Adafruit MAX44009 is a versatile lux light sensor designed for a wide range of lighting conditions, from near darkness to bright sunlight. It features an impressive 22-bit dynamic range, which means it can automatically adjust its settings to provide accurate lux readings without requiring manual adjustments for integration time or gain.
Your Next Weekend Project: A Fully Offline, Voice-Activated Robot Dog
Tech Talkies has created a fun weekend project: a fully offline, voice-activated robot dog named Jolly. This project is designed for hobbyists looking to dive into robotics using accessible hardware. Jolly runs entirely on-device, responding to voice commands without the need for cloud services, which enhances both speed and privacy.
Touch Pi: a Pi Art Generator (ESP32 Touchscreen)
The Touch Pi project is an innovative device that turns the mathematical constant π (pi) into a dynamic visual experience. Created by The Debunker and showcased on Instructables, it utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller paired with a 4.0” touchscreen display to generate real-time art based on the digits of pi. Each digit influences various elements of the artwork, such as motion, color, and geometry, resulting in continuously evolving patterns that never repeat.
USB for Software Developers: an introduction to writing userspace USB drivers
The article introduces a guide on writing userspace USB drivers, simplifying what can often seem like an intimidating task. It emphasizes that developing a driver for a USB device isn't as complex as it might first appear, comparing it to writing applications that use sockets. This perspective makes it more approachable for those who may not have extensive hardware experience.
Using DVI and sound on the RISC-V side of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2
Linus has been working with the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, specifically utilizing the RISC-V side of the chip instead of the usual Arm core. He’s integrated a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) sock board along with custom audio circuitry to create impressive graphics paired with sound. This project showcases the capabilities of the RISC-V architecture in handling multimedia output.
PlanePortal: Make a Live Flight Tracker with PyPortal
Kevin Loeffler created a project called PlanePortal using an Adafruit PyPortal, which turns it into a live flight tracker for your workspace. This device monitors a specified radius around any location you choose and fetches real-time aircraft positions from the OpenSky Network. It enhances this data with information about routes and airlines from ADSBDB, presenting it all on a compact aviation-style dashboard.
NEW LEARN GUIDE: Using a Raspberry Pi as a Router #Hacks #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
A new guide from Adafruit shows how to use a Raspberry Pi as a makeshift router. This comes in light of recent FCC regulations banning the production of new consumer-grade routers outside the US, prompting many to explore alternative solutions. The guide details the setup process and highlights that even older models like the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ can effectively perform this function.
Debugging Linux Apps with VS Code: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article provides a practical guide for debugging Linux applications using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) via SSH. It details the necessary setup, focusing on the Remote Development extension in VS Code, which allows you to connect to and work with remote Linux systems. The author walks through creating a simple "hello world" application on embedded Linux platforms like the NXP i.MX93 or Raspberry Pi, offering a hands-on approach to get started with debugging.
Debugging Linux Apps with VS Code: A Step-by-Step Guide
This article provides a practical guide for debugging Linux applications using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) over SSH. It details the necessary setup, including the installation of VS Code's Remote Development extension, which allows you to work on code hosted on a remote machine as if it were local. The guide walks you through creating a simple "hello world" application on an embedded Linux system such as the NXP i.MX93 or Raspberry Pi.
Cydintosh Turns Your Cheap Yellow Display Into a Macintosh Plus — And Connects It to Home Assistant
Cydintosh is a project by a developer known as "likeablob" that turns the Cheap Yellow Display (CYD), based on the Espressif ESP32, into a functioning Macintosh Plus emulator. This emulator not only mimics the classic Mac experience from 1986 but also enables interaction with a Home Assistant setup, making it a neat tool for vintage computing fans and hobbyists.
Digital Nose Milk Freshness Checker
The article discusses a project that creates a “freshness checker” for milk using gas sensors. Instead of relying on the traditional sniff test, which can be unreliable if your sense of smell is compromised, this device utilizes an SGP30 gas sensor to detect the presence of gases emitted by spoiled milk. The project is built around a CLUE board, which is a microcontroller designed to work with sensors and displays.
An E Ink Makeover for the Classic Film Clapperboard
Gokux has created a modern take on the traditional film clapperboard by developing the E-Slate, a digital clapperboard featuring a large 7.5-inch E Ink display. This device addresses the common issues of legibility and smudging that come with conventional clapperboards, especially in bright outdoor settings. With the E-Slate, filmmakers can easily update key production details such as roll, scene, take, director, and date using a companion smartphone app, which connects to the device's built-in Wi-Fi.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: UART Display Write
John Park's article focuses on using CircuitPython to send serial messages to a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) display, specifically the TermDriver2. This process involves writing simple code that allows users to communicate with the display over a UART interface, making it easier to show text or data in various projects.
A Turnkey Solution for Rugged Off-Grid IoT
The SN1 Solar Node is a ready-to-use solution designed for rugged off-grid IoT applications, featuring a robust microcontroller housed in a weatherproof enclosure. Developed by Granz Scientific LLC, it incorporates an ESP32-C3 module equipped with a 160 MHz RISC-V processor, along with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy, making it suitable for various projects like environmental monitoring and smart agriculture.
Niccolò Venerandi's M5Stack PaperS3-Powered Mirtillo Could Be "The Ultimate Productivity Device"
Niccolò Venerandi has developed a unique productivity device called Mirtillo, leveraging the M5Stack PaperS3 ePaper development board. This project stemmed from his frustrations with managing tasks and events using conventional apps, which often led to procrastination and rigidity in scheduling. Instead of building a mobile app or a Telegram bot, he opted for a more tactile solution that offers a physical interface for task management.
Bee Write Back – A Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W-based DIY writerdeck with 5.5-inch OLED and mechanical keyboard
The Bee Write Back is a DIY writing device built around the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. This project combines a 5.5-inch AMOLED display and mechanical keyboard to create a distraction-free writing environment. The creator, Simon, was looking for a way to journal without using a traditional notebook, so he designed this writerdeck using readily available components, making it accessible for others to replicate.
Uladzimir Kazakevich's Sleeper-Build Toshiba T1200 Upgrade Hides a Raspberry Pi Inside
Uladzimir Kazakevich has transformed a vintage Toshiba T1200 laptop into a modern sleeper build by integrating a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B while maintaining the original keyboard. This project showcases a clever blend of nostalgia and functionality, as the T1200, which originally launched in 1987 with an Intel 80C86 processor and minimal RAM, is now powered by significantly more advanced technology.
USB for Software Developers
The article provides a comprehensive overview of USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology, specifically tailored for those looking to understand its implications in software development and hardware interaction. It breaks down the USB protocol, explaining how it facilitates communication between devices and hosts. The author highlights the importance of understanding USB’s various components, such as the physical connections, protocols, and data transfer modes, which are crucial for anyone working on projects that involve USB interfaces.
Desktop Power in a Tiny Homelab
Michael Klements built a compact homelab solution by fitting a Mini-ITX motherboard into a custom-designed 10-inch Lab Rax server rack. This approach allows for greater computing power and expandability compared to smaller single-board computers like Raspberry Pis, which are limited in performance and peripheral support.
Flash Bee – An ESP32-C3-based DIY handheld lightning detector
Flash Bee is a DIY handheld lightning detector that you can build using widely available components, including the XIAO ESP32-C3 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth board, a 1.28-inch round touchscreen display, and an AMS AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor. The design is compact and user-friendly, featuring a 3D-printed enclosure that makes it easy to assemble. The AS3935 sensor is capable of detecting lightning strikes up to 40 kilometers away with an accuracy of about one kilometer.
Biquad Filters (DSP with STM32) - Phil's Lab #172
Phil's Lab dives into the theory and implementation of biquad filters within a digital signal processing (DSP) context, specifically using STM32 microcontrollers for audio processing. The video explains the fundamental concepts of biquad filters, which are second-order recursive filters essential for various audio applications due to their efficiency and flexibility. Phil breaks down the reasons for using biquad filters, emphasizes their advantages such as stability and easy coefficient management, and introduces the transposed direct form II structure, which optimizes performance.
Thermostat? Do It With a 555!
Stephen Woodward created a simple thermostat using the classic 555 timer integrated circuit (IC). Instead of employing a complex PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller, he opted for a straightforward bang-bang control method. The design incorporates a thermistor for temperature measurement and some clever tricks, like using the threshold pin to turn the trigger pin into an inverting analog comparator. This approach allows for a basic yet effective temperature control system.
Tips for using AI to write Embedded Firmware
Shawn Hymel’s article dives into how embedded developers can effectively leverage AI tools to streamline the process of writing embedded firmware. He emphasizes that while AI can be a powerful aid, particularly for rapid prototyping and filling in gaps, it may not always grasp the complexities of embedded systems, which often involve strict memory limitations, real-time requirements, and safety concerns.
Make SpaceDrums
In a cool project by Instructables user Makestreme, you can create "Space Drums," a set of virtual drums that let you play in the air without any physical pads. This innovative setup uses the LSM6DS3TR-C 6-DoF (Degrees of Freedom) Accelerometer and Gyroscope Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to track your shoulder and joint movements in real-time. The result is a fully responsive 3D drum kit that adapts to your position, allowing you to jam out without needing a lot of space.
SN1 Solar Node – An ESP32-C3-based board with IP67 enclosure, solar charging, ESPHome firmware
The SN1 Solar Node is a new development board from Granz Scientific LLC that utilizes the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, designed specifically for off-grid Internet of Things (IoT) applications. This board stands out due to its IP67-rated enclosure, which provides dust and water resistance, along with an integrated solar panel that allows for efficient solar charging. The SN1 also supports 18650 lithium-ion batteries, making it a flexible option for powering various projects.
An Arduino gives this quirky old LED sign a new life as a smart display
Clem Mayer revamped an old LED matrix display using an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, breathing new life into the quirky device while addressing safety concerns. Initially, the display worked fine and even showcased its last programmed message, but upon inspection, Mayer discovered a risky setup: the AC-to-DC adapter had exposed wires soldered directly to its pins. He replaced it with a properly wired external power supply that outputs a safe 5V DC, ensuring the display is now safe to use.
An Arduino gives this quirky old LED sign a new life as a smart display
Clem Mayer from element14 Presents revived a vintage LED matrix display using an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi. The sign, which still worked and displayed its last programmed message, posed a safety risk due to a poorly wired AC-to-DC adapter. Mayer first replaced the risky power supply with a correctly wired external one that outputs a safe 5V DC, ensuring it was safe to use.
Garden Path Lights with WLED and a Sunset Timer
This article details a project for creating modular, weather-resistant garden pathway lights using WLED (a free, open-source software for controlling LED strips) and a sunset timer. The guide, authored by Erin St. Blaine, outlines the steps to build these lights, which can be controlled via a smartphone or any web-enabled browser. This setup allows users to program the lights to turn on at sunset and off at a predetermined time, enhancing evening outdoor experiences.
Mighty projects for your 1GB Raspberry Pi 5
The article from Raspberry Pi highlights various projects you can undertake with the 1GB variant of the Raspberry Pi 5. This model features the same powerful BCM2712 system-on-chip as its higher RAM counterparts but offers a budget-friendly entry point for users looking to leverage its processing capabilities without needing extensive memory. The article showcases how to make the most of this limited RAM through creative project ideas.
Mighty projects for your 1GB Raspberry Pi 5
The article highlights project ideas specifically for the 1GB variant of the Raspberry Pi 5, emphasizing how to make efficient use of its resources given the current high cost of DRAM. This model features the same powerful BCM2712 system-on-chip (SoC) as its higher RAM counterparts, making it a budget-friendly option for users needing decent processing power without the full RAM capacity.
wolfIP – An open-source, lightweight TCP/IP stack with no dynamic memory allocations for embedded systems
wolfIP is an open-source, lightweight TCP/IP stack developed by wolfSSL, the same company behind the well-known wolfSSL SSL/TLS library. This new stack is tailored for embedded systems that are resource-constrained, emphasizing that it does not use dynamic memory allocations—meaning there are no calls to functions like malloc. This design choice helps avoid issues related to memory fragmentation and allocation failures, which can be critical in embedded applications.
Rescuing a Pokémon off a Pokéwalker After Losing the Game Cartridge
The article discusses a method for recovering a Pokémon from a Pokéwalker after losing the associated game cartridge. The Pokéwalker, a device that accompanied Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, can hold a Pokémon, but it's typically tied to the game cartridge, leaving many users frustrated when they lose the cartridge and access to their Pokémon.
NASA Artemis Watch 2.0 – An ESP32-S3-powered, NASA-inspired wearable kit for education
The NASA Artemis Watch 2.0 is a programmable smartwatch designed for educational purposes, featuring the ESP32-S3 WiFi and Bluetooth module. It includes a 1.14-inch monochrome display, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a variety of user interface elements such as buttons and LEDs. The watch is powered by a 600 mAh lithium polymer battery, which provides 2 to 3 hours of usage on a single charge.
NASA Artemis Watch 2.0 – An ESP32-S3-powered, NASA-inspired wearable kit for education
The NASA Artemis Watch 2.0 is a programmable smartwatch designed for educational purposes, built around the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This device features a 1.14-inch monochrome display and includes various sensors such as a 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope, a buzzer, and a real-time clock. It connects via WiFi and Bluetooth, making it versatile for different projects. The watch is powered by a 600 mAh lithium-polymer battery, providing about 2 to 3 hours of usage on a single charge.
Modular Mechanical Keyboard Transformed Into a Compact Workstation
A maker named [anurag.id] has transformed a standard mechanical keyboard into a compact workstation using 3D printing techniques. The project began with a simple modification: redesigning the keyboard's knob, which quickly expanded into creating multiple knob designs. This initial spark of creativity led to the addition of a stand for an iPad, cleverly mounted on the keyboard itself, enhancing its functionality.
MVIDIA is an online visual hardware basics course
MVIDIA is an online course designed to teach the fundamentals of visual hardware through an engaging, hands-on approach. Created by Jason, a Computer Science and Math student at Yale, the course focuses on building components of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) from the ground up. This project not only helps him test his own knowledge but also aims to provide a learning resource for others interested in hardware design.