An open source Arduino-based CNC machine from Brazil. Jeferson, the Protoptimus founder, writes: It’s time for Brazil to show its strength in the maker movement” My name is Jeferson, the Protoptimus founder. I’m on a Catarse.me campaing, the largest Brazilian crowdfunding website, and I need your help. We yearn to be the first big manufacturer of low […]
Author Archives: DP
TI MSP430 Emulating calculator build
Chris of simpleavr documented a TMS0803/5 Emulating calculator build: As this project emulates the original TI DataMath and Sinclair Scientific calculators, it operates exactly the same as the original ones. The keyboard layouts are similar in both calculators. On the PCB, the dominant key legends (on top of each key) are for TI DataMath, while […]
GPIBUSB Adapter update
Another update on Scasagrande’s project, GPIBUSB Adapter rev4: After working closely with a few individuals it was discovered that some of the pre-existing GPIB software (such as KE5FX’s tools) has some hardcoded serial port settings, one of which being the use of hardware flow control. After getting builds of the software tools with these disabled, some […]
Programming an ATMega128
Chris Holden of NerdClub shares his tips on how he successfully program an ATMega128: Finally got an ATMega128 chip coded and programmed successfully. The great news is it doesn’t require Arduino. The even better news is, we can use Oshonsoft to write the code! Yay.
blueShift – An OpenXC LED tachometer
In this video Pete Mills demonstrates his blueShift project, an OpenXC LED tachometer he is working on: An Arduino, some addressable LED’s, a bluetooth module, code and a 3D printer come together to make blueShift – An OpenXC LED Tachometer. blueShift is so named for the Bluetooth protocol used for data communication, and the use of […]
Temperature and humidity measurement with DHT11
Ondrej Karas of DoItWireless writes: This article describes temperature and humidity measurement with DHT11 sensor connected to TR module. Circuit diagram is very simple. You need only power supply for sensor and one wire for data line. This line has to be “pull-uped” – sensor has open colector output.
Attiny25/45/85 police light with Arduino
Another Instructables by Jan Henrik, a police light with a Attiny25/45/85. He writes: Hello, in this project I want to show you how to build a multi functional Police Light with a Attiny25/45/85 . It will have serval animations , which can be changed with a button on the circuit board, it has 2 channels, […]
Free PCB Sunday: Pick your PCB
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service. This week two random commenters […]
App note: Tips for writing bulletproof real-time clock control code
Here’s a good app note from Maxim on writing real-time clock code to get a stable system operation. With the use of proper device initialization and code sequencing, accurate timekeeping and clock alarm operations become a more manageable task.
App note: Water and condensation safe touch sensing with the NXP capacitive touch sensors
App note (PDF) from NXP on water and condensation resistant capacitive touch sensors. This application note explains the unique auto-calibration feature of the touch sensor family from NXP and provides guidelines for enhanced water and condensation safe operation, focusing on applications with capacitive touch buttons.
Recommended usage of Microchip serial RTCC devices
Another good app note from Microchip, a guidance in using the Microchip RTCC family of devices (PDF): This application note provides assistance and guidance in using the Microchip RTCC family of devices. This application note covers both the I 2C™ (MCP794XX) and SPI (MCP795XXX) family of devices. These recommendations are not meant as requirements, however, their […]
Simple link budget estimation and performance measurements of Microchip sub-GHz radio modules
Assessing the link budget with this app note (PDF) from Microchip: This application note describes a simple link budget analysis, measurement and techniques to evaluate the range and performance of wireless transmission with results, and uses developed models to estimate the path loss for short range Microchip Sub-GHz modules using MRF89XA and MRF49XA radios both for […]
Arduino based waveform generator
Hemal Chevli made this Arduino based waveform generator. He wrote a post on his blog detailing its assembly: Finally, after sitting in the TODO list for a long time, I’ve made a basic wavefrom generator based on arduino, made using this instructable as reference. I had an enclosure laying around which has incorrect dimensions for […]
Naze32 on Mini quad setup quadcopter
Oscar Liang wrote a post on his blog detailing how to setup a Naze32 Flight contoroller on his mini quad: I have finally decided to swap out the KK2.1.5 with the Naze32 on my FPV250 mini quad. I have to say IMHO after a couple of test flight, the Naze32 Flight controller does perform better […]
Free PCB coupon via Facebook to 2 random commenters
Every Friday we giveaway some extra PCBs via Facebook. This post was announced on Facebook, and on Monday we’ll send coupon codes to two random commenters. More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three times every week: Free PCB Sunday. The classic. Every week, get free […]
Week in (p)review July 04, 2014
Here’s a summary of major developments over the last week. Free PCB Friday is coming up soon. Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build Check out Geir Andersen’s solder paste dispenser, and Diogoc’s Hakko T12 soldering controller in the project log forum Coming up: Free PCBs via Facebook on Friday App notes on the weekend Free […]
Bus Pirate v3.8 free PCB build
Iñigo built a free Bus Pirate v3.8 PCB. The Bus Pirate is an open source hacker multi-tool that talks to electronic stuff. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, whatever – we’ll send you a coupon code for the free PCB drawer. Get […]
Remotely flash a weather station with a custom MSP430F5529 bootloader
Tml over at the 430h forum writes: This project is fully functional and I use it to remotely reflash my weather station. I just push the new application image onto the web server, then the application working on the target device downloads it, parses and puts onto the flash and then lets the bootloader to the […]
DIY 3D printer project
Nerdipedia documented a 3D printer build, called Huey: This is not a general purpose 3D printer. It is the size of a small chest freezer and has a expected build volume over 200 litres. It uses eight drive motors and may require a lot of setting up compared to printrbot or similar. The parts […]
OpenBuilds Open Source Embroidery machine
sausagePaws over at OpenBuilds shared his open source embroidery machine project: A simple Embroidery machine using an XY belt and pinion drive to drive a hoop under a standard sewing machine. Needle timing, machine power and stepper control are all provided by a PIC processor. A tablet provides the higher level formatting required for communicating with […]