Tag Archives: how-to

QTPy-knob: Simple USB knob w/ CircuitPython

A how-to on making a simple USB media knob using rotary encoder and Neopixel ring: I like minimal solutions to problems. I was playing with a CircuitPython-enabled QT Py on a breadboard with and a rotary encoder and I ended up making a USB knob, like many others have done before. But I realized: waitaminute, […]

MetaClockClock build

Erich shared detailed instructions of how to build the MetaClockClock project, a set of individual analog ‘clocks’: The ‘MetaClockClock’ project is using multiple small dual-shaft stepper motors which are usually used in instrumentation clusters. In this project multiple such motors are interconnected on a RS-485 bus and can be controlled by a master to display […]

Over engineered true random value generator

maker_ATOM shared detailed instructions of how to build over engineered true random value generator, project instructables here: Random numbers are often used daily, for example in encryption, gambling, gaming, and much more. These numbers are generated by computers using complex algorithms, but they can be predicted if we know the seed value and the algorithm. […]

DIY MechBoard64

DIY MechBoard64 @ breadbox64.com: When the MechBoard64 was finally realized and presented on my blog, it soon came clear that a new mechanical keyboard was the missing piece in the creation of a brand new Commodore 64 (…well that and some new keycaps…). As I have no intention to become a Commodore 64 mechanical keyboard […]

How to correctly set the motor current limit on an A4988 stepper motor driver

Michael posted detailed instructions of how to set up your A4988 stepper motor driver’s motor current limit: One important thing to set up when using these drivers is the motor current limit. This is especially important when you’re using a higher input voltage than what the motor is rated for. Using a higher voltage generally […]

DIY ARC reactor CPU performance monitor, powered by an Arduino

Michael @ the-diy-life.com posted detailed instructions of how to build your own Arc reactor CPU performance monitor: In this project, I’m going to be showing you how to turn one of these popular DIY arc reactor kits into a useful Arc Reactor CPU performance monitor for your computer. I usually have a dozen things running […]

Tutorial: Rename, copy or clone Eclipse projects with MCUXpresso

Erich writes: Especially in a lab or classroom environment it is convenient to start with a template project, and then explore different ways to shape the project for different needs. As for any IDE of this world, this requires an understanding of the inner workings to get it right. So in this article I show […]

DIY Arduino RC receiver for RC models and Arduino projects

Dejan @ howtomechatronics.com shows how to make an Arduino based RC receiver: Now these two devices can easily communicate and we can use them for controlling many things wirelessly. I will explain how everything works through few examples. In the first example we will use this Arduino RC receiver to control a simple car consisting […]

Tutorial: Maximum clock Frequency for Kinetis using MCUXpresso clock tools

Erich Styger writes, “This tutorial is about how to use the NXP MCUXpresso Clock configuration and configure the board to the maximum clock frequency of 120 MHz. The same steps apply to many other boards, including the FRDM-K22F one. The tinyK22 has the K22FN512 ARM Cortex-M4F on it which runs up to 120 MHz. It […]

How to make analog sensor readings with digital I/O pins

Edward Mallon wrote an article describing a technique he used to make analog sensor readings with digital I/O pins: Will this method replace our pin-toggled oversampling? Perhaps not for something as simple as a thermistor since that method has already proven itself in the real world, and I don’t really have anything better to do […]

DIY Analog resource monitor for your PC

Sasa Karanovic posted detailed instructions of how to build a physical dashboard for your PC, that is available on GitHub: The overall architecture is very simple; There is a python script that is running on a PC and collects CPU, memory, network and GPU usage. Then, it sends that information over serial COM port to […]

How to design and build your own Lithium battery pack

Adam Bender posted detailed instructions of how to design and build a custom DIY lithium battery pack with 18650 cells: Designing a custom lithium battery pack is a fun way to learn about electricity and engineering. Lithium batteries can be used for countless applications including electric bikes, scooters, vehicles, backup power suppliers, off the grid […]

Build an ESP8266 web server – Code and schematics (NodeMCU)

A detailed instructions of how to build an ESP8266 Web Server using NodeMCU firmware: This tutorial is a step-by-step guide that shows how to build a standalone ESP8266 Web Server that controls two outputs (two LEDs). This ESP8266 NodeMCU Web Server is mobile responsive and it can be accessed with any device with a browser in […]

Wifi based DIY 5V switcher for led-lights

Albert posted a detailed how-to on building DIY ESP-12F based USB-5V switcher: 5V powered 100LED circuit was consuming around ~1.8Watts(though 5.1Ohm series resistor was really hot) and the brightness of the LED’s were not bad, especially difference between first led and last led brightness didnt bother me it was hardly noticeable when seen from distance. So […]

Remote debugging with USB based JTAG/SWD debug probes

Erich Styger wrote an article on how to turn a USB debug probe into a IP-based debug solution: For some projects it is not possible to have the device under debug available on my desk: the board might be in another room, on another site or in a place where physical access is not possible […]