Rising Edge Digital
Hardware & Embedded Systems for Software Developers
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.
Make a DIY Pocket LED Gamer – Tiny Tetris!
The article details a DIY project for building a pocket-sized LED gaming device called Tiny Tetris. This handheld console lets you play classic games like Tetris and Snake, as well as a simple paint program. You can navigate through the game options using left and right buttons, and once you select a game, you can tweak settings like brightness while holding down the center button.
Dynamic CPU Power Management with cpufreq and schedutil
The article discusses how the cpufreq subsystem in the Linux kernel, particularly its advanced governor called schedutil, enables efficient Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS). This technology allows the operating system to adjust CPU frequency and voltage dynamically based on the workload, optimizing power consumption and performance.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: Trellis Wordle Scoreboard
John Park's latest project involves creating a pixel-art scoreboard for the popular game Wordle using the NeoTrellis, a hardware platform designed for interactive projects, along with CircuitPython, a version of Python tailored for microcontrollers. This project showcases how to integrate fun design elements into a simple game scorekeeper while also providing a practical example of using hardware in a creative way.
Convenience Gone Wrong: A C++ auto Story
The article discusses a frustrating debugging experience the author had while working with C++ and the `auto` keyword. While revisiting a driver for a sensor, he encountered incorrect readings that turned out to be caused by a simple mistake: he forgot to include an ampersand (`&`) when declaring an `auto` variable. This oversight resulted in a local copy of a calibration data structure being created, which was then destroyed at the end of the function, leaving the actual calibration data empty.
EEVblog 1735 – Power Rail Probing & Oscilloscope DC Offset EXPLAINED
This article from EEVblog dives into the nuances of measuring DC power rail waveforms using oscilloscopes, particularly focusing on the offset control feature. It compares various probing methods, including Active Probes, Passive Probes, Zero Ohm (Z0) Probes, and specialized DC Power Rail Probes. The video provides practical insights into selecting the right probe for high-bandwidth measurements while discussing the potential pitfalls of input referred offset.
Turn your Raspberry Pi into an AI agent with OpenClaw
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that enhances traditional chatbots by allowing them to perform tasks and actions instead of just responding to prompts. While generative AI tools like ChatGPT can simulate conversation and generate text, they typically require users to execute actions themselves. OpenClaw changes this dynamic by enabling an AI to interact with tools, run commands, and manage workflows autonomously.
Arduino UNO Q solves the classic resistor pile issue
The Arduino UNO Q has been transformed into a clever resistor sorting machine by Zach Hipps, tackling the common problem of managing loose resistors. Instead of sifting through a messy bin, users can simply present a resistor to a camera connected to the UNO Q. The system analyzes the resistor’s color bands to determine its resistance value, making it easy to sort them back into their respective groups.
Creating the World’s Most Efficient Quadcopter Drone
[Luke Maximo Bell] is working on creating the world's most efficient quadcopter drone, aiming to break the endurance record currently held at 3 hours and 11 minutes. Inspired by his previous experience with a solar-powered quadcopter, he is focused on maximizing performance per watt, which involves a careful balance of weight, power output, and design.
Professor Bubbleton’s Breathing Head in a Jar #Sensors #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
Professor Bubbleton’s Breathing Head in a Jar is a quirky project that combines art and technology to create a captivating display for your curiosities cabinet. The project uses a Circuit Playground Express (CPX) microcontroller along with an air pump and CircuitPython code to animate a 3D printed head that glows and simulates breathing bubbles when tapped.
Putting a modern NVMe SSD drive on a vintage computer PCI bus
O_MORES on Reddit has come up with a clever solution to connect a modern NVMe solid-state drive (SSD) to a vintage computer that only has PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots. The process involves using an M.2-to-PCIe Add-in Card (AIC) to house the NVMe SSD. This AIC is then inserted into a PCIe-to-PCI adapter, allowing it to fit into the older PCI slot on the motherboard. Although PCI and PCIe have different pinouts and are physically distinct, they can be used together because they are logically compatible.
Open-source Real-time Driver MOD for the LEGO Orrery
Görkem Bozkurt has created an open-source modification for the LEGO Orrery, which is a model that illustrates the positions of celestial bodies in the solar system. This mod features a custom printed circuit board (PCB) that can be directly affixed to a NEMA17 stepper motor. By replacing the manual crank with this setup, users can control the Orrery’s movement with ease, only needing to remove five LEGO pieces to install it.
Secret Knock Activated Drawer Lock #adafruitlearnsystem
The Secret Knock Activated Drawer Lock is a fun DIY project that allows you to unlock a drawer using a specific pattern of knocks. Instead of a traditional key, this lock utilizes a hidden mechanism that responds to a sequence of taps, making it discreet and engaging. A solenoid latch secures the drawer, while a piezo buzzer detects the knock pattern. A small microcontroller, the Trinket, processes the knocks and compares them to a pre-set secret pattern to grant access.
NEW GUIDE: Adafruit SGP41 Multi-Pixel Gas Sensor Breakout #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
The Adafruit SGP41 Multi-Pixel Gas Sensor Breakout is a sophisticated air quality sensor designed to measure both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This sensor, developed by Sensirion, integrates multiple metal-oxide sensing and heating elements into one chip, eliminating the need to handle the heater and analog readings manually. The breakout uses I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) for communication, making it straightforward to connect to a variety of microcontrollers.
The Raspberry Pi as a Studio Camera
The article discusses a project by Martijn Braam, who is building a studio camera using a Raspberry Pi 5, touchscreen, and an HD camera module. The setup is housed in a basic wooden box, but the highlight of the project is the custom software he developed. This software creates a low-latency graphical user interface (GUI) that outputs via HDMI, allowing one output to show the GUI and another to display the raw video feed. This design is particularly useful for integrating with video mixing equipment, like OBS Studio.
Coming Soon – Adafruit AS7343 14-Channel Multi-Spectral Sensor Breakout
The Adafruit AS7343 is a new 14-channel multi-spectral sensor breakout that enhances the capabilities of its predecessor, the AS7341. This updated version now includes 12 channels that range from visible light into near-infrared (380nm to 1000nm), along with clear and flicker detection. It maintains the same footprint and pinout as the AS7341, making it easy to integrate into existing projects without needing to modify wiring or enclosures.
Serial Studio: see data from Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and other devices in real-time
Serial Studio is a versatile tool that allows you to visualize data from various devices like Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi in real-time. It supports multiple communication protocols, including serial ports (UART), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and TCP/UDP networks. You can create custom dashboards to monitor sensors and troubleshoot hardware without needing to write any code.
NEW LEARN GUIDE: Tiny Wiki for CircuitPython #CircuitPython #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
Tiny Wiki is a lightweight web server designed to run on microcontrollers, providing a minimalistic Wiki system backed by markdown files. Originally developed by Kevin McAleer for MicroPython devices, this guide introduces a version tailored for CircuitPython, specifically using Adafruit's HTTPServer and TemplateEngine libraries. While it was designed for the Adafruit Fruit Jam, it can also be adapted for other CircuitPython devices equipped with WiFi and a microSD card.
This LEGO alarm clock is as loud as a rocket launch
Milos Rasic created a unique alarm clock using LEGO's NASA Artemis Space Launch System kit, which is designed to be as loud as a rocket launch. The project involves a 3D-printed launch pad that houses an Arduino UNO R4 WiFi board, which controls the clock and the alarm function. The board displays the time on an LED matrix and operates a stepper motor to simulate the rocket launch mechanism.
A modern 6502 based laptop design
Paula Maddox designed a fully custom laptop around the classic 6502 microprocessor, a chip that has a nostalgic place in computing history. With her project, known as LT6502, she set out to create a portable device that pays homage to retro computing while incorporating modern conveniences. This isn't just about building a laptop; it's about reimagining the computing experience of the past for today's world.
A program to monitor serial ports in Windows
Monitoring serial ports on Windows can feel like a frustrating scavenger hunt, especially for those of us coming from a software background. You plug in a device, like an Arduino board or a USB-to-serial adapter, and suddenly you're faced with the challenge of figuring out which COM (Communication) port it’s attached to. This is a common scenario that Lucadentella experienced, leading to the creation of a nifty little Python program called SerialPortMonitor.
CircuitPython 10.1.0 Released!
CircuitPython, a version of Python tailored for tiny microcontroller boards, has just rolled out its latest stable release, version 10.1.0. This release isn’t a huge leap forward but combines previous beta versions into a polished package. For those of you diving into embedded systems, CircuitPython makes it much easier to interface with hardware using Python syntax, so if you're comfortable with Python, you’re in for a treat when working with microcontrollers!
Reverse engineering the Dash learning robot
Jonathan Diamond recently took on the challenge of reverse engineering a Dash learning robot, which he stumbled upon at a thrift shop. His goal was to enhance the existing open-source interface for this quirky little robot, making it more accessible for developers like you. Using Ghidra, a powerful reverse engineering tool, he dove back into the original programming of the Dash, aiming to unlock its capabilities and make it easier to control.
A Novelty Clock Makes The Best Tiny Mac Yet
In 2026, the world of single-board computers has made it possible to emulate classic machines from the 1990s, including the iconic Apple Macintosh. A particularly clever project by [This Does Not Compute] showcases how a novelty alarm clock, modeled after an early Mac, has been transformed into a functional Mac emulator. This project taps into the nostalgia of the 68000 era, which many software developers may recognize as a pivotal moment in computing history.
Object detection with Ultralytics YOLO26 on Raspberry Pi
Ultralytics YOLO26 is making waves in the world of object detection, particularly for makers using the Raspberry Pi. This exciting technology allows you to identify and classify objects in images and videos efficiently. With the release of YOLO26n, a variant designed for speed and accuracy, you can easily integrate this powerful model into your Raspberry Pi projects, creating systems that can react to their surroundings in real-time.
Project Aura – A neat, easy-to-assemble, DIY Air quality monitor compatible with Home Assistant
Project Aura is a fascinating DIY air quality monitor that leverages the capabilities of the ESP32-S3 microcontroller. This neat little project combines a touchscreen display with industrial-grade sensors to provide real-time data on air quality, all while being fully compatible with Home Assistant, an open-source platform for home automation. What makes this project stand out is its simplicity; you don’t need to be a soldering whiz or have advanced electronics skills to get it up and running. Instead of assembling a custom circuit board, you’ll be connecting off-the-shelf components via cables, making it accessible for software developers dipping their toes into hardware.
Microfluidic Display Teaches The Basics
Soiboi has created an intriguing project that dives into the world of microfluidics by designing a multiplexed dot matrix display using silicone and a vacuum. Instead of relying on traditional electronic components, this display uses air to control the flow of liquid, demonstrating how you can design systems that operate on fluidic logic. It’s a fascinating shift from the usual bits and bytes, and it showcases a creative way to visualize data without conventional electronics.
Building a Desk Sized Kodak Photo Kiosk
Snappiness has built a mini Kodak Picture Maker that fits right on their desk, and it's a pretty cool project that showcases the blend of hardware and software. This compact photo kiosk not only prints photos but also serves as a neat conversation starter for anyone venturing into the world of embedded systems and hardware tinkering. If you’re a software developer looking to dip your toes into hardware, this project is a fantastic example of how electronics and programming can come together seamlessly.
Here’s Our First Gemini Deep Think LLM-Assisted Hardware Design
Adafruit has taken a leap into the world of hardware design by utilizing a language model (LLM) to assist in creating a library for the MAX44009 lux sensor. This breakthrough showcases how AI can streamline the hardware design process, particularly for software developers venturing into embedded systems. Instead of manually creating a component in CAD software, the team fed the sensor's datasheet into the Gemini Deep Think model. The result? A perfectly formatted EagleCAD library file generated in about ten minutes, complete with pin assignments, dimensions, and features like the all-important pin 1 dot. This kind of automation could save engineers countless hours in their design workflows.
Adafruit Weekly Editorial Round-Up: Full-circle Test-driven Firmware Development with OpenClaw, Hacking Yoto Music Players, & More
Adafruit's latest editorial round-up dives into some exciting projects that bridge the gap between software and hardware, perfect for developers looking to expand their skill set into the world of embedded systems. One highlight is the exploration of full-circle test-driven firmware development with OpenClaw, a framework that helps streamline the creation of reliable firmware. It emphasizes the importance of testing at each stage of development, creating a robust process that mirrors the practices software developers are already familiar with.
From PDF to .LBR: Using Deep Think to Write Custom CAD Parts
Creating custom component libraries for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools used in hardware design can often feel like a daunting task for software developers venturing into the world of embedded systems. The blog post dives into an innovative approach using Gemini Deep Think, an AI model from Google, to streamline this process. By simply feeding datasheets into this AI, developers can generate production-ready library files (specifically .lbr files for EAGLE, a popular PCB design software) without needing to interact with a graphical CAD interface. This can save a ton of time and eliminate the tedious manual work that typically comes with creating footprints and schematic symbols from scratch.
John Park’s CircuitPython Parsec: Trellis Line Fill
John Park has created an intriguing project using CircuitPython, which is a version of Python specifically designed to run on microcontroller boards. His latest adventure involves filling a line of NeoPixels—those colorful addressable LEDs—between two points on NeoTrellis driver boards, which are designed for interactive projects. If you're new to hardware, think of NeoTrellis as a grid of buttons or pads that can light up in various colors and respond to touch, making it a fun interface for DIY electronics.