Erich Styger has written an article on how to boot the NXP i.MX RT from Micro SD card: It is a common thing to boot a Linux system (see the Raspberry Pi) from a micro SD card. It is not that common for a microcontroller. The NXP i.MX RT ARM Cortex-M7 fills that gap between these two […]
Tag Archives: how-to
Viewing ARM CPU activity in real time
Jeremy Bentham writes: In previous blog posts, I have described how an FTDI USB device can be programmed in Python to access the SWD bus of an ARM microprocessor. This allows the internals of the CPU to be accessed, without disrupting the currently running program. In this blog I take the process one step further, […]
DIY Arduino based RC transmitter
Dejan over at HowToMechatronics posted a detailed how-to on building DIY Arduino RC transmitter: Now I can wirelessly control any Arduino project with just some small adjustments at the receiver side. This transmitter can be also used as any commercial RC transmitter for controlling RC toys, cars, drones and so on. For that purpose it […]
Regaining debug access of NXP i.MX RT1064-EVK executing WFI
Erich Styger writes: Working with low power modes can be challenging. It can severely affect debugging capabilities of a microprocessor or microcontroller. I ported a FreeRTOS application using the Tickless Idle Mode to the NXP i.MX RT1064 board, and all of a sudden, the board was unresponsive to any debugger connection. Luckily the board was […]
Relays (DC): 99.9% less power and latching option
Technovative writes, “The purpose of this article, is to show a simple method to increase the power efficiency, and functionality, of standard DC actuated electromagnetic relay switches.” Project instructables here.
Vintage headset conversion
Quinn Dunki wrote a great article describing the conversion process of a 1980s-era Earmark into a bluetooth headset: The obvious thing is to convert it to a bluetooth headset for modern use, right? As I previously warned, converting a 1980s-era air traffic control headset into bluetooth headphones is probably the most hipster thing possible. Normally, […]
Tutorial: Git with Eclipse
A detailed tutorial on Eclipse with the EGit plugin by Erich Styger: There are things which are game changer in the world of software development: one such event was when I started using a VCS (Version Control System): it changed for me how I keep and store my projects and settings. It even changed the way how […]
How to build your Energy Load manager
A detailed instructions of how to build an Energy Load manager from Open Electronics: When the instantaneous power consumption exceeds the set values, it selectively disconnects the users, in order to prevent the electric meter to cut the power to disconnect. The management of the electricity users at home, intended as the possibility to define […]
Build a Multisensor Shield for ESP8266
Rui Santos has a great write-up on building a Multisensor Shield for ESP8266, that is available on GitHub: In this project you’ll discover how to design and create a Multisensor Shield for the ESP8266 Wemos D1 Mini board. The shield has temperature sensor (DS18B20), a PIR motion sensor, an LDR, and a terminal to connect […]
How to use I2C LCD with ESP32 on Arduino IDE
A how-to on using an I2C LCD display with the ESP32 using Arduino IDE from Random Nerd Tutorials: This tutorial shows how to use the I2C LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with the ESP32 using Arduino IDE. We’ll show you how to wire the display, install the library and try sample code to write text on […]
3D printed stirling engine gas burner and flywheel
The 3D printed Stirling Engine with its new gas burner and heavier flywheel from Do It Yourself Gadgets: Take a look at my upgraded Stirling Engine with its new gas burner and flywheel! If you take a look at my previous post you’ll see how I built a 3D printed holder for my Stirling Engine […]
Amiga 500 power supply build
A how-to on building an Amiga 500 power supply from Inkoo Vintage Computing: The power supply of my Amiga 500 is a bit unreliable. I’ve had some issues with the machine where the PSU could be the culprit, so I thought that it would be better to get a new power supply. There are used Amiga 500 power […]
A software only solution to the vexing Beagle Bone Black PHY issue
Josh Levine has a nice write-up about a software only workaround for the Beagle Bone Black PHY issue: Sometimes the Ethernet port on a Beagle Bone Black does not work on power up. It takes either a physical reset button press or a power cycle to fix it. This problem affects all BBB’s and until […]
Tutorial: Setting up a low cost QRP (FT8, JT9, WSPR etc) monitoring station with an RTL-SDR v3 and Raspberry pi 3
A detailed tutorial on how to set up a cheap QRP monitoring station using an RTL-SDR V3 and a Raspberry Pi 3 from rtl-sdr.com This tutorial is inspired by dg0opk’s videos and blog post on monitoring QRP with single board computers. We’ll show you how to set up a super cheap QRP monitoring station using an […]
ETA Nixie tube clock
Mark Smith over at surfncircuits has a nice write-up about building an ETA Nixie Tube Clock: This DIY project will combine the estimated time of arrival function with a Nixie tube display to create an estimated time of arrival (ETA) Nixie tube clock. It is all easily controlled by a Raspberry Pi Zero W that […]
Arduino time attendance system with RFID
A how-to on building a time attendance system with MFRC522 RFID Reader and Arduino from Random Nerd Tutorials: Before getting started it’s important to layout the project main features: *It contains an RFID reader that reads RFID tags; *Our setup has a real time clock module to keep track of time; *When the RFID reader reads an […]
DIY Moteino guide
Felix writes, “I posted a short illustrated guide for making your own Moteino from SMD components. It also includes details how to burn the bootloader and fuses. Check it out here. Thanks and credit goes to forum user LukaQ for his contribution of the images and test sketches in this guide! See the full post […]
Why electrolytic capacitors are actually kinda shitty
Afroman writes, “Electrolytic capacitors are common, but knowledge of their limitations is uncommon. A demonstration is shown highlighting the difference in performance between electrolytic and ceramic capacitors in power supplies. Other topics discussed in the video: Electrolytic capacitor construction, ceramic capacitors, ESR, ESL, impedance curves, why “0.1uF”, and more.” Via Afrotechmods. Check out the video after […]
Yet another ARM development tutorial
ARM development tutorial at smdprutser.nl: It has been a while since I wrote about ARM development. I recently made a Black Magic Probe (BMP) clone which acts different then the original. The BMP can source power to the target, but on my version control signal is inverted. Not a big deal, but can give unintentional […]
ESP8266 voltage regulator (LiPo and Li-ion batteries)
Rui Santos writes, “In this guide, you’re going to build a voltage regulator for the ESP8266 that can be used with LiPo and Li-ion batteries.” More details at RandomNerdTutorials.com. Check out the video after the break.