Rising Edge Digital
Hardware & Embedded Systems for Software Developers
Constructing a Solar-Powered Snake Robot
The article details a project for building a solar-powered snake robot that operates without a battery. The design uses basic electronic components and features a 3D-printed chassis, making it accessible for hobbyists and makers interested in robotics and renewable energy.
5 fun sci-fi ideas you can bring to life with Arduino
The article highlights five imaginative sci-fi projects that you can create using Arduino, showcasing how this versatile platform can bring your favorite sci-fi concepts to life. Each project combines creativity with technical skills, making them perfect for fans looking to add a unique touch to their hobbies.
PycoClaw – A MicroPython-based OpenClaw implementation for ESP32 and other microcontrollers
PycoClaw is a new MicroPython-based implementation of the OpenClaw workspace for AI agents, designed to run on ESP32 and similar microcontrollers. Developed by Jonathan Peace, it builds on the capabilities of the earlier C-based Miniclaw, offering a "full OpenClaw-compliant agent" that connects with several large language model (LLM) providers like OpenAI and Gemini. The platform boasts features such as over-the-air (OTA) updates, battery optimization, and support for multiple interfaces, including Telegram and WebRTC.
Review of Open Nextion ESP32-S3-based HMI displays with the Arduino IDE and the ESP-IDF framework
ITEAD has introduced the Open Nextion line of HMI (Human-Machine Interface) displays, which are based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This new series includes the ONX3248G035 with a 3.5-inch screen and the ONX2432G028 with a 2.8-inch screen. Unlike the original Nextion displays that rely on a dedicated software editor and UART communication, these new models integrate everything into one package, handling display control and wireless connectivity directly through the ESP32-S3.
NEW GUIDE: Adafruit STCC4 and SHT41 CO2, Temperature & Humidity Sensor #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The Adafruit STCC4 is a compact sensor designed to measure CO₂ levels, along with temperature and humidity. It stands out because it uses thermal conductivity (TC) for gas measurement, a method that relies on the thermal properties of gases rather than traditional techniques like Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) or photoacoustic methods. This makes it versatile enough to fit into various enclosures, making it ideal for a range of projects.
Power Control for a Busy Workbench
[Jeroen Brinkman] created a multi-way switch box to manage the power needs of his busy workbench. This project goes beyond a simple power strip; it incorporates microcontrollers to control relays, allowing each toggle switch to manage individual sockets. Additionally, it features status LEDs for visual feedback and a master switch for centralized control.
Diagnosing a Mysterious Fault with a Commodore 1541 Disk Drive
The article details the troubleshooting process of a faulty Commodore 1541 floppy disk drive, which was exhibiting a strange behavior: the activity LED blinked just once on power-up while the motor kept spinning. This confusing symptom prompted a deeper investigation into potential undocumented error codes, as the documented codes for this drive start at two flashes.
Building a Class 100 Semiconductor Cleanroom Inside a Shed
[Dr. Semiconductor] transformed a typical garden shed into a Class 100 cleanroom suitable for semiconductor manufacturing. This project showcases that the principles of cleanroom design apply just as effectively in a backyard setting as they do in high-tech fabrication facilities. The key components include HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration and maintaining positive air pressure, which keeps contaminants out.
Making a Poor Man’s Polaroid @raspberry_pi
The Poor Man's Polaroid is a DIY instant camera project that combines a Raspberry Pi Zero with a camera and a small thermal printer, similar to the ones used for printing receipts. While the photo quality doesn't match that of traditional Polaroid film, the results have their own quirky appeal. The project involves 3D printing the necessary parts and using Python to handle the code.
48×32, a 1536 LED game device
Jacques Mattheij created a game device using a 48×32 LED display, made by combining six 32×8 addressable LED panels. This project arose from a desire to shift his children's focus from passive gaming on their smartphones and laptops to something more interactive and creative. He used an Arduino R4 as the main controller along with standard wiring and connectors to assemble the hardware.
Orbigator is an open-source, physical satellite tracker
Orbigator is an open-source satellite tracker that allows you to physically follow satellites, like the International Space Station (ISS), in real-time. Built around the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and equipped with precision DYNAMIXEL servos, it offers continuous tracking without the need to reset or unwind, thanks to its innovative rotating globe design.
Disassemble Z80 instructions by changing the font
Nevesnunes on GitHub has created a unique font that allows users to disassemble Z80 (Zilog Z80) instructions simply by changing the typeface. This innovative approach utilizes OpenType's Glyph Substitution Table (GSUB) and Glyph Positioning Table (GPOS) to convert sequences of hexadecimal characters directly into readable Z80 assembly code.
Flashing Yocto Images from MacOS
The article provides a step-by-step guide on how to flash Yocto images from a MacBook, primarily for those working with embedded systems. The author walks through the installation of `bmaptool`, a utility designed to copy disk images efficiently, using Homebrew. The specific commands for installing the tool and finding the target device are included, helping readers navigate the macOS terminal easily.
Opening the Flipper One source code repositories step by step
Flipper R&D has begun releasing the source code for the Flipper One device, starting with the MCU (Microcontroller Unit) firmware. This initial repository is now available on GitHub and can be found at the link provided in the article. The Flipper One features a dual-processor architecture, integrating both a low-power MCU and a high-performance Linux CPU.
Introducing Arduino® VENTUNO™ Q: your new AI, robotics, and actuation platform!
Arduino has unveiled the VENTUNO Q, a new single-board computer designed for AI, robotics, and actuation. This board features a dual-brain architecture that includes a Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ8 Series processor, which is optimized for AI tasks with NPU (Neural Processing Unit) acceleration, and an STM32H5 microcontroller for real-time control. With 16 GB of RAM and 64 GB of expandable storage, it’s built to handle complex multitasking while maintaining low-latency performance.
Turn your smartphone into a real-time vision input for Arduino® UNO™ Q
The Arduino IoT Remote App has introduced a feature that allows you to use your smartphone as a real-time camera input for the Arduino UNO Q board. This means you can stream high-resolution video directly from your phone to the board without needing any additional hardware, cloud setup, or cables. It simplifies the process of integrating computer vision into your projects, enabling faster prototyping.
Exploring the ocean with Raspberry Pi–powered marine robots
MDM Team is developing autonomous marine robots powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, aimed at facilitating underwater exploration and environmental monitoring. These robots, which include autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) like Cariddi and micro-autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) like Stok, are designed to operate without human intervention, using advanced sensors and onboard computing for navigation and data collection.
Doomscroll without walking into poles with this handy device
The DOOMSCROLLER 3000 is a creative device designed to help smartphone users avoid walking into obstacles while engrossed in their screens. Created by Dylan Benzekry, this gadget attaches to your phone and utilizes sensors to detect nearby obstacles like poles and walls. When an obstacle is detected, it alerts the user with blinking lights and an audible alarm, guiding them to navigate safely without needing to look up.
NEW GUIDE: MIDI Breath Controller #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
Adafruit has released a guide on building a MIDI breath controller using the BMP585 air pressure sensor. This sensor is designed to measure air pressure changes, and in this project, it connects to a tube that captures breath input. The setup involves a QT Py RP2040 microcontroller running CircuitPython, which translates the pressure readings into MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages.
Build Your Own Clock With Analog Dials, Part 2
This article delves into the design of a unique clock that uses analog ammeters to display both time and temperature. It focuses on the second circuit crucial for timekeeping, detailing how it integrates with the overall clock system. The project leverages basic electronic components and principles to create an engaging and functional timepiece.
Cornell students’ 2025 Pico projects
Cornell University's Electrical and Computer Engineering students recently showcased their projects built around the Raspberry Pi Pico, a compact and versatile microcontroller. In the course "Digital Systems Design Using Microcontrollers," students create innovative and often playful applications using the RP2040 chip found in the Pico boards.
Implementing a clear room Z80 / ZX Spectrum emulator with Claude Code
Salvatore Sanfilippo, known as antirez, has developed a "clean room" emulator for the Z80 microprocessor and the ZX Spectrum, along with an emulator for CP/M. This approach emphasizes building the emulator from scratch based on high-level specifications rather than reverse engineering existing software. Antirez drafted a markdown document outlining the emulator's goals, such as executing complete instructions at once and accurately tracking clock cycles, which is particularly important for mimicking the ZX Spectrum's memory access behaviors.
Adapting the SpaceOrb 360 Controller for USB @Raspberry_Pi
Jacek Fedoryński has developed a project that retrofits the SpaceOrb 360 controller for modern USB use, allowing it to work with contemporary software and operating systems. This adaptation enables two main functionalities: it can simulate a 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro for software like Fusion, 3ds Max, and SolidWorks, or it can function as a six-axis generic joystick suitable for games such as Descent.
Coreboot has been ported to the Thinkpad X270
Coreboot, an open-source firmware project aimed at replacing proprietary BIOS firmware, has been successfully ported to the Lenovo ThinkPad X270. The detailed process of this porting effort is documented by Kat at dork.dev, showcasing the steps taken to adapt Coreboot for this specific laptop model.
How to repair the Mashine Mikro MK3 Pads
The article provides a practical guide on repairing the touch pads of the Maschine Mikro MK3 MIDI controller. The author shares their personal experience with a malfunctioning pad, specifically PAD# 8, which wasn’t triggering consistently despite showing a MIDI signal in the Control Editor app. After determining it was a hardware issue, they decided to document the repair process since they couldn't find a specific tutorial for the Mikro version.
You can now use Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® LE simultaneously on Arduino NINA-based boards! Here’s how
Arduino has announced a significant update for boards using the NINA-W102 module, like the MKR WiFi 1010, Nano RP2040 Connect, and Nano 33 IoT. Users can now run Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) simultaneously in the same sketch. Previously, due to hardware limitations, you had to choose one or the other, but this update eliminates that restriction, allowing for more versatile IoT applications.
Raspberry Pi Pico projects
The article highlights various projects that can be built using the Raspberry Pi Pico, a compact and affordable microcontroller board designed for low-power applications. It features several models, including the Pico W with wireless capabilities, making it versatile for different types of projects. Key features include analogue inputs and programmable input/output (PIO) state machines that help with handling tasks efficiently.
Simple D-STAR Transceiver Uses Inexpensive Hardware
[Yeckel] has developed a simple D-STAR (Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio) transceiver using affordable hardware, specifically the LilyGO TTGO T-Beam. This ESP32-based development board incorporates an SX1278 radio module and a GPS receiver, and it features a web interface for easy configuration. The project, called D-StarBeacon, allows for low-speed data transmission, making it possible to send text messages, GPS coordinates, and even images without needing a full-fledged radio setup.
Making a 286 Think It’s Alive Again
Nagy Krisztián has revived an Intel 286 CPU by creating a simulated system using a Raspberry Pi Pico. With just 68 pins to manage, the project involved wiring the CPU to the microcontroller, which emulates the other components the 286 expects to communicate with. The setup includes a PLCC-68 socket, an adapter PCB, a breadboard, and MCP23S17 logic expanders to increase I/O capability.
3D Printed Lithophane Lampshade – Tutorial
This article provides a tutorial on creating a 3D printed lithophane lampshade, using free online design software called itslitho.com and an IKEA STRÅLA table lamp base. The process involves converting any image into a lithophane, which can then be integrated into a custom lampshade, making it a unique decorative piece for your home or a thoughtful gift.
How RFID Labels Could Help Tackle $540B Food Waste Losses in 2026
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) labels are being highlighted as a potential solution to significantly reduce food waste, which is expected to cost the retail food sector around $540 billion by 2026. These labels can track food items throughout the supply chain, providing real-time data on their freshness and expiration dates. By improving visibility, retailers and consumers can make better decisions about inventory management and consumption, ultimately reducing the amount of food that goes to waste.
Running UniFi OS Server on the Raspberry Pi
The article discusses how to run UniFi OS Server on a Raspberry Pi, providing a straightforward guide for setting up this self-hosted network controller solution. UniFi OS Server is designed to offer the capabilities of the official UniFi hardware without the need to own one, making it an attractive option for those wanting to manage their network at home.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: NeoTrellis MIDI Keyboard
John Park created a USB MIDI keyboard using the Neotrellis, a flexible keypad designed for music projects, and programmed it with CircuitPython, which is a version of Python tailored for microcontrollers. The project is well-documented, and he provides a code example that shows how to set up the keyboard functionality effectively.
Turning a climbing wall into an interactive game
Superbender transformed an indoor climbing wall into an interactive game to keep training sessions engaging. The wall isn’t very tall, but it wraps around two sides of a room and includes various holds, allowing climbers to explore different routes. To add a gaming element, Superbender integrated LEDs and buttons that indicate which paths are available and set goals for climbers.
M5Stack Unit PoE-P4 – A tiny PoE-powered ESP32-P4 development kit with MIPI DSI/CSI and USB-C connectors
The M5Stack Unit PoE-P4 is a compact development kit powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE) and based on the ESP32-P4NRW32 system-on-chip (SoC). It features a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet PHY and supports the IEEE 802.3at standard, allowing it to receive both power and data through a single cable. This kit includes interfaces for MIPI DSI (Display Serial Interface) and MIPI CSI (Camera Serial Interface), making it versatile for various applications.
From theory to hardware: Cristian Castro Lagos on control engineering with Arduino
Cristian Castro Lagos is an electronics engineer specializing in control engineering, focusing on making theoretical concepts applicable to physical systems. He has a decade of experience in the industry and teaches at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile. His work emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between control theory and real-world hardware, where issues like noise and actuator limits often complicate implementation.
Build Your Own Clock With Analog Dials, Part 1
This article outlines a project that repurposes old analog ammeters into a functioning clock with the added feature of displaying ambient temperature. The creator shows how these vintage devices can be transformed using basic electronic components and a microcontroller, providing a unique blend of retro aesthetics and practical functionality.
This musical payphone rings on rainy days
Estefannie has created a unique musical payphone that rings on rainy days to lift her spirits. With payphones becoming increasingly rare, she salvaged one from a surplus pile and set out to transform it into a jukebox-like device. Using an Arduino UNO Q, she programmed the payphone to read key presses and play different songs based on the number dialed, adding sounds like dial tones for an authentic touch.
Stop Ironing 3D Prints
The article discusses an alternative approach to achieving smooth surfaces on 3D printed parts without relying on the traditional "ironing" technique. Instead of having the print head drag across the top layer and apply additional material, [Make Wonderful Things] uses statistical analysis to find optimal settings that can ensure a smooth finish from the start.
Building An Interactive Climbing Wall
[Superbender] has created an interactive climbing wall that combines a traditional climbing structure with colorful LED lighting and engaging games. The wall measures 10 meters long and 2.5 meters high, featuring a wooden frame covered in climbing holds. The electronic setup includes an Arduino Due, which manages the LED displays and buttons, while an Arduino Nano adds sound effects. To control the system from a distance, [Superbender] incorporated a 433 MHz remote.
3D Printed Dragon Lamp #AdafruitLearnGuide
This article covers a fun project where you can create a 3D printed Dragon Lamp inspired by Game of Thrones, featuring a detailed dragon model with the Night King riding on its back. The design is crafted by the 3Demon team and includes a hollow flame that fits over a light bulb, printed in translucent filament to help diffuse the light from LEDs.
Control Your Smart Home With Trek-Inspired Comm Badge
[SpannerSpencer] created a smart home control device inspired by the iconic Comm Badge from *Star Trek: The Next Generation*. This project integrates a metal comm badge with an M5StickC PLUS2, an ESP32 development kit, allowing for a unique and nostalgic way to manage smart home commands without relying on constant voice activation. The M5Stick is worn under the shirt, with its magnet holding the badge in place, while the badge itself functions as an input device.
ICYMI Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: MicroPython AI Disclosure, Overclocking, Teensy’s Story and More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
This week’s Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter highlights several interesting updates in the world of MicroPython and CircuitPython. One significant change is MicroPython's new requirement for AI disclosure on every pull request. Contributors must now specify whether they used generative AI tools in their code, which aims to maintain transparency and quality in contributions. This move reflects a growing trend in software projects to navigate the implications of AI-generated content.
LIVE! 3D Hangouts with Noe and Pedro
Adafruit recently launched a new project featuring an LED Shoji lamp that utilizes the Circuit Playground Express microcontroller. This lamp is designed to be both functional and visually appealing, offering a modern twist on traditional Japanese shoji screens. The accompanying guide provides step-by-step instructions for building the lamp, making it accessible for hobbyists looking to incorporate LED lighting into their projects.
The new Arduino® Matter Discovery Bundle™ is everything you need to learn, experiment, and build with Matter!
The new Arduino® Matter Discovery Bundle is now available and aims to help users learn and build projects using the Matter protocol, which facilitates seamless communication between smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) devices from different manufacturers. This open-source protocol, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, simplifies the smart home ecosystem by providing a universal “language” for devices, making it easier for both developers and users to integrate and manage their devices.
When and why you might need the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2
The Raspberry Pi AI HAT+ 2 is a new add-on for the Raspberry Pi 5, featuring a Hailo-10H AI accelerator that delivers up to 40 TOPS of inference performance and includes 8GB of dedicated LPDDR4X memory. This hardware is designed for efficient on-device generative AI applications, emphasizing low power consumption, no need for cloud connectivity, and maximum data privacy, making it suitable for edge devices.
ICYMI – Adafruit IoT Monthly: Accidental Antennas, Hardware Catalog, and more!
The February 2026 issue of Adafruit's IoT Monthly newsletter covers a range of interesting projects and updates in the Internet of Things (IoT) space. One highlight is a novel approach to antenna design using a cluster of Nvidia B200 GPUs that allows for innovative, brute-force exploration of antenna configurations. This could open up new possibilities for hardware engineers looking to create more effective antennas.
Pip-Boy 2040 Wrist-Mounted Prop Guide #AdafruitLearnSystem
The article discusses a guide for building a Pip-Boy 2040, a wrist-mounted prop inspired by the Fallout video game series. This project utilizes the Feather RP2040 microcontroller and CircuitPython, allowing you to create a compact and stylish wrist-computer that can be used for cosplay or everyday wear.
Make a T³ Time Triangle Thing with Adafruit 1.2″ 8×8 LED Matrix, Currently on Sale!
This article introduces a fun project called the T³ Time Triangle Thing, which utilizes Adafruit's 1.2″ 8×8 LED Matrix. This mini LED matrix is currently on sale, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists looking to create a unique physics-based hourglass gadget.
Inkplate 13SPECTRA 13.3-inch E-ink Spectra smart color display supports Arduino, MicroPython, ESPHome (Crowdfunding)
The Inkplate 13SPECTRA is a new 13.3-inch E-Ink color display developed by Soldered Electronics, based on the ESP32-S3 WiFi and Bluetooth System on Chip (SoC). It features a resolution of 1600 x 1200 and includes a variety of connectivity options, such as a microSD card slot for storage, a USB-C port for power and data, and multiple expansion connectors for further development.