Building a Safe ESP32 Home Energy Monitor
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/building-a-safe-esp32-home-energy-monitor/
The first step to reducing the energy consumption of your home is figuring out how much you actually use in the first place. After all, you need a baseline to compare against when you start making changes. But fiddling around with high voltage is something a lot of hackers will …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/building-a-safe-esp32-home-energy-monitor/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/building-a-safe-esp32-home-energy-monitor/
The first step to reducing the energy consumption of your home is figuring out how much you actually use in the first place. After all, you need a baseline to compare against when you start making changes. But fiddling around with high voltage is something a lot of hackers will …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/building-a-safe-esp32-home-energy-monitor/)
Build Your Own LED Glow Poi
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/build-your-own-led-glow-poi/
Spinning poi is an entertaining pastime, and LEDs can make a great addition to the experience. [MilanDer] built some LED poi of their very own, using a few maker staples along the way.
A 3D printed enclosure is first created, using “clear” PLA that in practice produces translucent white parts. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/build-your-own-led-glow-poi/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/build-your-own-led-glow-poi/
Spinning poi is an entertaining pastime, and LEDs can make a great addition to the experience. [MilanDer] built some LED poi of their very own, using a few maker staples along the way.
A 3D printed enclosure is first created, using “clear” PLA that in practice produces translucent white parts. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/build-your-own-led-glow-poi/)
Lack Of Space Is No Longer An Excuse For Not Having A Pen Plotter
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/lack-of-space-is-no-longer-an-excuse-for-not-having-a-pen-plotter/
Pen plotters, those mechanical X-Y drawing machines that have in many cases been superseded by inkjet and other printer technologies, exert a fascination from a section of our community. Both analogue and digital machines are brought out of retirement for some impressive graphical effects, and we suspect that more than …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/lack-of-space-is-no-longer-an-excuse-for-not-having-a-pen-plotter/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/lack-of-space-is-no-longer-an-excuse-for-not-having-a-pen-plotter/
Pen plotters, those mechanical X-Y drawing machines that have in many cases been superseded by inkjet and other printer technologies, exert a fascination from a section of our community. Both analogue and digital machines are brought out of retirement for some impressive graphical effects, and we suspect that more than …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/27/lack-of-space-is-no-longer-an-excuse-for-not-having-a-pen-plotter/)
3D Printing A NAS Server Case
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/3d-printing-a-nas-server-case/
It’s good to back up, and despite that, few of us do. [Brian] we suspect is of the more diligent persuasion, given his strong enthusiasm for network attached storage. Recently, he found himself looking for a new case for his DIY build, and decided to go the 3D printed route. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/3d-printing-a-nas-server-case/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/3d-printing-a-nas-server-case/
It’s good to back up, and despite that, few of us do. [Brian] we suspect is of the more diligent persuasion, given his strong enthusiasm for network attached storage. Recently, he found himself looking for a new case for his DIY build, and decided to go the 3D printed route. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/3d-printing-a-nas-server-case/)
Russian eBike Goes Everywhere, Possibly Legal
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/russian-ebike-goes-everywhere-possibly-legal/
Electric bikes may be taking the world by storm, but the world itself doesn’t have a single way of regulating ebikes’ use on public roads. Whether or not your ebike is legal to ride on the street or sidewalk where you live depends mostly on… where you live. If you’re …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/russian-ebike-goes-everywhere-possibly-legal/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/russian-ebike-goes-everywhere-possibly-legal/
Electric bikes may be taking the world by storm, but the world itself doesn’t have a single way of regulating ebikes’ use on public roads. Whether or not your ebike is legal to ride on the street or sidewalk where you live depends mostly on… where you live. If you’re …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/russian-ebike-goes-everywhere-possibly-legal/)
A 3D-Printable Mecanum Wheeled Robot Platform
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/a-3d-printable-mecanum-wheeled-robot-platform/
If your interest lies with robotics there are a multitude of different platforms for you to build. [Teemu Laurila] was frustrated with what was on offer, so designed his own with four-wheel double wishbone suspension and mecanum wheels for maximum flexibility.
It’s a design that has been through multiple revisions …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/a-3d-printable-mecanum-wheeled-robot-platform/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/a-3d-printable-mecanum-wheeled-robot-platform/
If your interest lies with robotics there are a multitude of different platforms for you to build. [Teemu Laurila] was frustrated with what was on offer, so designed his own with four-wheel double wishbone suspension and mecanum wheels for maximum flexibility.
It’s a design that has been through multiple revisions …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/a-3d-printable-mecanum-wheeled-robot-platform/)
Lego-Powered Sub Built In A Water Jug
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/lego-powered-sub-built-in-a-water-jug/
Submarines are universally considered cool, but bring several challenges to the RC modeller that aren’t there with land and air builds. Water ingress can ruin your project, and there’s always the possibility of it sinking to the bottom, never to return. That didn’t phase [Brick Experiment Channel], however, and thus …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/lego-powered-sub-built-in-a-water-jug/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/lego-powered-sub-built-in-a-water-jug/
Submarines are universally considered cool, but bring several challenges to the RC modeller that aren’t there with land and air builds. Water ingress can ruin your project, and there’s always the possibility of it sinking to the bottom, never to return. That didn’t phase [Brick Experiment Channel], however, and thus …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/lego-powered-sub-built-in-a-water-jug/)
Take Control of your DSLR with PiXPi
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/take-control-of-your-dslr-with-pixpi/
If you’ve ever tried to take a picture of a fast moving object, you know how important timing is. You might only have one chance, and if you hit the shutter a bit too early or too late, the shot could be ruined. Past a certain point, no human camera …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/take-control-of-your-dslr-with-pixpi/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/take-control-of-your-dslr-with-pixpi/
If you’ve ever tried to take a picture of a fast moving object, you know how important timing is. You might only have one chance, and if you hit the shutter a bit too early or too late, the shot could be ruined. Past a certain point, no human camera …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/take-control-of-your-dslr-with-pixpi/)
Hackaday Links: July 28, 2019
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/hackaday-links-july-28-2019/
It looks like Apple is interested in buying Intel’s modem chip business. Seriously interested; a deal worth $1 billion could be announced as early as this week. That might look like a small potato purchase to the world’s biggest company – at least by market capitalization – but since the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/hackaday-links-july-28-2019/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/hackaday-links-july-28-2019/
It looks like Apple is interested in buying Intel’s modem chip business. Seriously interested; a deal worth $1 billion could be announced as early as this week. That might look like a small potato purchase to the world’s biggest company – at least by market capitalization – but since the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/hackaday-links-july-28-2019/)
ESP8266 Sound Machine Soothes Baby Remotely
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/esp8266-sound-machine-soothes-baby-remotely/
[Zack] had trouble getting his six-month-old to sleep through the night. That was before he found out about ‘shh’ videos on YouTube. These are exactly what they sound like: eight hours of someone whooshing white noise into a microphone. He set a phone up on a charger in the nursery …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/esp8266-sound-machine-soothes-baby-remotely/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/esp8266-sound-machine-soothes-baby-remotely/
[Zack] had trouble getting his six-month-old to sleep through the night. That was before he found out about ‘shh’ videos on YouTube. These are exactly what they sound like: eight hours of someone whooshing white noise into a microphone. He set a phone up on a charger in the nursery …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/esp8266-sound-machine-soothes-baby-remotely/)
Fail of the Week: The Arduino Walkie That Won’t Talkie
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/fail-of-the-week-the-arduino-walkie-that-wont-talkie/
There’s something seriously wrong with the Arduino walkie-talkie that [GreatScott!] built.
The idea is simple: build a wireless intercom so a group of motor scooter riders can talk in real-time. Yes, such products exist commercially, but that’s no fun at all. With a little ingenuity and a well-stocked parts bin, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/fail-of-the-week-the-arduino-walkie-that-wont-talkie/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/fail-of-the-week-the-arduino-walkie-that-wont-talkie/
There’s something seriously wrong with the Arduino walkie-talkie that [GreatScott!] built.
The idea is simple: build a wireless intercom so a group of motor scooter riders can talk in real-time. Yes, such products exist commercially, but that’s no fun at all. With a little ingenuity and a well-stocked parts bin, …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/28/fail-of-the-week-the-arduino-walkie-that-wont-talkie/)
A New KiCAD Tutorial Hits the Scene
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-new-kicad-tutorial-hits-the-scene/
KiCAD has a rightfully earned image problem regarding beginners. The shiny new version 5 has improved things (and we’re very excited for v6!) but the tool is a bit obtuse even when coming from a electronics design background, so we’re always excited to see new learning material. [Mike Watts] is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-new-kicad-tutorial-hits-the-scene/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-new-kicad-tutorial-hits-the-scene/
KiCAD has a rightfully earned image problem regarding beginners. The shiny new version 5 has improved things (and we’re very excited for v6!) but the tool is a bit obtuse even when coming from a electronics design background, so we’re always excited to see new learning material. [Mike Watts] is …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-new-kicad-tutorial-hits-the-scene/)
Taking a Peek Inside Amazon’s Latest Dot
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/taking-a-peek-inside-amazons-latest-dot/
Like a million or so other people, [Brian Dorey] picked up a third generation Echo Dot during Amazon’s big sale a couple weeks ago. Going for less than half its normal retail price, he figured it was the perfect time to explore Amazon’s voice assistant offerings. But the low price …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/taking-a-peek-inside-amazons-latest-dot/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/taking-a-peek-inside-amazons-latest-dot/
Like a million or so other people, [Brian Dorey] picked up a third generation Echo Dot during Amazon’s big sale a couple weeks ago. Going for less than half its normal retail price, he figured it was the perfect time to explore Amazon’s voice assistant offerings. But the low price …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/taking-a-peek-inside-amazons-latest-dot/)
USB-C: One Plug To Connect Them All, And In Confusion Bind Them
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/usb-c-one-plug-to-connect-them-all-and-in-confusion-bind-them/
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and ever since its formation, the USB Implementers Forum have been working hard on the “Universal” part of the equation. USB Type-C, which is commonly called USB-C, is a connector standard that signals a significant new chapter in their epic quest to unify all …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/usb-c-one-plug-to-connect-them-all-and-in-confusion-bind-them/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/usb-c-one-plug-to-connect-them-all-and-in-confusion-bind-them/
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus and ever since its formation, the USB Implementers Forum have been working hard on the “Universal” part of the equation. USB Type-C, which is commonly called USB-C, is a connector standard that signals a significant new chapter in their epic quest to unify all …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/usb-c-one-plug-to-connect-them-all-and-in-confusion-bind-them/)
Micro-Sized Flex for Commercial Quality Bodging
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/micro-sized-flex-for-commercial-quality-bodging/
We love watching the creativity unleashed by the democratization of once-exotic technologies. The casualness by which one can order a cheap, small run of PCBs has unlocked a flood of fine pitch components and projects which look commercial quality even with a total build volume of one. Now the once …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/micro-sized-flex-for-commercial-quality-bodging/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/micro-sized-flex-for-commercial-quality-bodging/
We love watching the creativity unleashed by the democratization of once-exotic technologies. The casualness by which one can order a cheap, small run of PCBs has unlocked a flood of fine pitch components and projects which look commercial quality even with a total build volume of one. Now the once …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/micro-sized-flex-for-commercial-quality-bodging/)
Quick-Turn PCB Fab Hack Chat
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/quick-turn-pcb-fab-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, July 31st at noon Pacific for the Quick-Turn PCB Fab Hack Chat with Mihir Shah!
We’ve all become used to designing a PCB and having it magically appear at our doorstep – after a fashion. Modern PCB fabs rely on economies of scale to deliver your …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/quick-turn-pcb-fab-hack-chat/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/quick-turn-pcb-fab-hack-chat/
Join us on Wednesday, July 31st at noon Pacific for the Quick-Turn PCB Fab Hack Chat with Mihir Shah!
We’ve all become used to designing a PCB and having it magically appear at our doorstep – after a fashion. Modern PCB fabs rely on economies of scale to deliver your …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/quick-turn-pcb-fab-hack-chat/)
Hands-On: AND!XOR DEF CON 27 Badge Ditches Bender, Adopts Light Pipes
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/hands-on-andxor-def-con-27-badge-ditches-bender-adopts-light-pipes/
The newest offering from the AND!XOR team is out and it delivered exactly what hardware badges were missing: light pipes. No joke, the DEF CON 27 edition AND!XOR badge will be most recognizable because of two arcs of light pipe material blinging RGB goodness in three dimensions. But if you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/hands-on-andxor-def-con-27-badge-ditches-bender-adopts-light-pipes/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/hands-on-andxor-def-con-27-badge-ditches-bender-adopts-light-pipes/
The newest offering from the AND!XOR team is out and it delivered exactly what hardware badges were missing: light pipes. No joke, the DEF CON 27 edition AND!XOR badge will be most recognizable because of two arcs of light pipe material blinging RGB goodness in three dimensions. But if you …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/hands-on-andxor-def-con-27-badge-ditches-bender-adopts-light-pipes/)
The Bluetooth LCD Sniffer You Didn’t Know You Needed
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/the-bluetooth-lcd-sniffer-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
At one time or another, we’ve all suffered through working with a piece of equipment that didn’t feature a way to export its data to another device. Whether it was just too old to offer such niceties, or the manufacturer locked the capability behind some upgrade, the pain of staring …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/the-bluetooth-lcd-sniffer-you-didnt-know-you-needed/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/the-bluetooth-lcd-sniffer-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
At one time or another, we’ve all suffered through working with a piece of equipment that didn’t feature a way to export its data to another device. Whether it was just too old to offer such niceties, or the manufacturer locked the capability behind some upgrade, the pain of staring …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/the-bluetooth-lcd-sniffer-you-didnt-know-you-needed/)
Punch The World With A Raspberry Pi
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/punch-the-world-with-a-raspberry-pi/
Robots have certainly made the world a better place. Virtually everything from automobile assembly to food production uses a robot at some point in the process, not to mention those robots that can clean your house or make your morning coffee. But not every robot needs such a productive purpose. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/punch-the-world-with-a-raspberry-pi/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/punch-the-world-with-a-raspberry-pi/
Robots have certainly made the world a better place. Virtually everything from automobile assembly to food production uses a robot at some point in the process, not to mention those robots that can clean your house or make your morning coffee. But not every robot needs such a productive purpose. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/punch-the-world-with-a-raspberry-pi/)
A Simple Way To Analyze Guitar Pickups
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-simple-way-to-analyze-guitar-pickups/
To the uninitiated an electric guitar seems fairly simple: you pluck a string and the electronics send the corresponding audio signal on the 6.3 mm jack output, all ready for for the amplifier to work its magic. Much of what makes a guitar like that sound good depends on the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-simple-way-to-analyze-guitar-pickups/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-simple-way-to-analyze-guitar-pickups/
To the uninitiated an electric guitar seems fairly simple: you pluck a string and the electronics send the corresponding audio signal on the 6.3 mm jack output, all ready for for the amplifier to work its magic. Much of what makes a guitar like that sound good depends on the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/07/29/a-simple-way-to-analyze-guitar-pickups/)