The Ultimate Hacker’s Compact 4WD!
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/the-ultimate-hackers-compact-4wd/
If you’ve spent any time at one of the larger European hacker camps over the last few years you’ll have seen the invasion of little electric vehicles sporting hoverboard motors as an all-in-one propulsion system. German hackers, in particular, have incorporated them into the iconic Bobby Car children’s toy, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/the-ultimate-hackers-compact-4wd/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/the-ultimate-hackers-compact-4wd/
If you’ve spent any time at one of the larger European hacker camps over the last few years you’ll have seen the invasion of little electric vehicles sporting hoverboard motors as an all-in-one propulsion system. German hackers, in particular, have incorporated them into the iconic Bobby Car children’s toy, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/the-ultimate-hackers-compact-4wd/)
Making Models with Lasers
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/making-models-with-lasers/
Good design starts with a good idea, and being able to flesh that idea out with a model. In the electronics world, we would build a model on a breadboard before soldering everything together. In much the same way that the industrial designer [Eric Strebel] makes models of his creations …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/making-models-with-lasers/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/making-models-with-lasers/
Good design starts with a good idea, and being able to flesh that idea out with a model. In the electronics world, we would build a model on a breadboard before soldering everything together. In much the same way that the industrial designer [Eric Strebel] makes models of his creations …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/making-models-with-lasers/)
Behind the Scenes of the 2019 Superconference Badge
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2019-superconference-badge/
If you count yourself among the several hundred of our closest friends that have joined us at Supplyframe HQ for the 2019 Hackaday Superconference, then by now you’ll have your hands on one of this year’s incredible FPGA badges. It should come as no surprise that an incredible amount of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2019-superconference-badge/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2019-superconference-badge/
If you count yourself among the several hundred of our closest friends that have joined us at Supplyframe HQ for the 2019 Hackaday Superconference, then by now you’ll have your hands on one of this year’s incredible FPGA badges. It should come as no surprise that an incredible amount of …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2019-superconference-badge/)
FieldKit is the Grand Prize winner of the 2019 Hackaday Prize
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/fieldkit-is-the-grand-prize-winner-of-the-2019-hackaday-prize/
FieldKit, an open-source, modular sensor system for conducting research in harsh environments has just been named the Grand Prize winner of the 2019 Hackaday Prize. The award for claiming the top place and title of “Best Product” in this nine-month global engineering initiative is $125,000. Five other top winners and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/fieldkit-is-the-grand-prize-winner-of-the-2019-hackaday-prize/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/fieldkit-is-the-grand-prize-winner-of-the-2019-hackaday-prize/
FieldKit, an open-source, modular sensor system for conducting research in harsh environments has just been named the Grand Prize winner of the 2019 Hackaday Prize. The award for claiming the top place and title of “Best Product” in this nine-month global engineering initiative is $125,000. Five other top winners and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/fieldkit-is-the-grand-prize-winner-of-the-2019-hackaday-prize/)
How To Design A BGA breakout Module
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/how-to-design-a-bga-breakout-module/
Surface mount devices can take some adjusting to for hackers primarily used to working with through-hole components. Despite this, the lure of the hottest new parts has enticed even the most reticent to learn to work with the technology. Of course, time rolls on and BGA parts bring further difficulties. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/how-to-design-a-bga-breakout-module/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/how-to-design-a-bga-breakout-module/
Surface mount devices can take some adjusting to for hackers primarily used to working with through-hole components. Despite this, the lure of the hottest new parts has enticed even the most reticent to learn to work with the technology. Of course, time rolls on and BGA parts bring further difficulties. …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/16/how-to-design-a-bga-breakout-module/)
Harmonic Analyzer Does It With Cranks And Gears
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/harmonic-analyzer-does-it-with-cranks-and-gears/
Before graphic calculators and microcomputers, plotting functions were generally achieved by hand. However, there were mechanical graphing tools, too. With the help of a laser cutter, it’s even possible to make your own!
The build in question is nicknamed the Harmonic Analyzer. It can be used to draw functions created …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/harmonic-analyzer-does-it-with-cranks-and-gears/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/harmonic-analyzer-does-it-with-cranks-and-gears/
Before graphic calculators and microcomputers, plotting functions were generally achieved by hand. However, there were mechanical graphing tools, too. With the help of a laser cutter, it’s even possible to make your own!
The build in question is nicknamed the Harmonic Analyzer. It can be used to draw functions created …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/harmonic-analyzer-does-it-with-cranks-and-gears/)
The ESP32, Laid Bare
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/the-esp32-laid-bare/
Most readers will be familiar with the ESP32, Espressif’s dual-core processor with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. Few of us though will have explored all of its features, including its built-in encryption facilities and secure booting capability. With these, a developer can protect and secure their code, and keep their devices …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/the-esp32-laid-bare/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/the-esp32-laid-bare/
Most readers will be familiar with the ESP32, Espressif’s dual-core processor with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. Few of us though will have explored all of its features, including its built-in encryption facilities and secure booting capability. With these, a developer can protect and secure their code, and keep their devices …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/the-esp32-laid-bare/)
UNIX Version 0, Running On A PDP-7, In 2019
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/unix-version-0-running-on-a-pdp-7-in-2019/
WIth the 50th birthday of the UNIX operating system being in the news of late, there has been a bit of a spotlight shone upon its earliest origins. At the Living Computers museum in Seattle though they’ve gone well beyond a bit of historical inquiry though, because they’ve had UNIX …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/unix-version-0-running-on-a-pdp-7-in-2019/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/unix-version-0-running-on-a-pdp-7-in-2019/
WIth the 50th birthday of the UNIX operating system being in the news of late, there has been a bit of a spotlight shone upon its earliest origins. At the Living Computers museum in Seattle though they’ve gone well beyond a bit of historical inquiry though, because they’ve had UNIX …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/unix-version-0-running-on-a-pdp-7-in-2019/)
Arduino Does Multitouch
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/arduino-does-multitouch/
A lot of consumer gadgets use touch sensors now. It is a cheap and reliable way to replace a variety of knobs and switches on everything from headphones to automobiles. However, creating a custom touch controller for a one-off project can be daunting. A recent ACM paper shows how just …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/arduino-does-multitouch/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/arduino-does-multitouch/
A lot of consumer gadgets use touch sensors now. It is a cheap and reliable way to replace a variety of knobs and switches on everything from headphones to automobiles. However, creating a custom touch controller for a one-off project can be daunting. A recent ACM paper shows how just …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/arduino-does-multitouch/)
Tangible Programming Brings Code into The Real World
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/tangible-programming-brings-code-into-the-real-world/
We love the idea of [Amos]’s Tangible Programming project. It reminds us of those great old Radioshack electronics labs where the circuitry concepts took on a physical aspect that made them way easier to digest than abstractions in an engineering textbook.
MIT Scratch teaches many programming concepts in an easy …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/tangible-programming-brings-code-into-the-real-world/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/tangible-programming-brings-code-into-the-real-world/
We love the idea of [Amos]’s Tangible Programming project. It reminds us of those great old Radioshack electronics labs where the circuitry concepts took on a physical aspect that made them way easier to digest than abstractions in an engineering textbook.
MIT Scratch teaches many programming concepts in an easy …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/tangible-programming-brings-code-into-the-real-world/)
Hackaday Links: November 17, 2019
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/hackaday-links-november-17-2019/
Friday, November 15, 2019 – PASADENA. The 2019 Hackaday Superconference is getting into high gear as I write this. Sitting in the Supplyframe HQ outside the registration desk is endlessly entertaining, as attendees pour in and get their swag bags and badges. It’s like watching a parade of luminaries from …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/hackaday-links-november-17-2019/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/hackaday-links-november-17-2019/
Friday, November 15, 2019 – PASADENA. The 2019 Hackaday Superconference is getting into high gear as I write this. Sitting in the Supplyframe HQ outside the registration desk is endlessly entertaining, as attendees pour in and get their swag bags and badges. It’s like watching a parade of luminaries from …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/hackaday-links-november-17-2019/)
Rotary Dial Becomes USB Keyboard
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/rotary-dial-becomes-usb-keyboard/
[Max] had a rotary dial from an old telephone and — unsurprisingly — had nothing in particular to do with it. The simple answer? Use an Arduino Leonardo to turn it into a USB keyboard device.
Of course, the Leonardo can easily impersonate a USB keyboard, so that’s the easy …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/rotary-dial-becomes-usb-keyboard/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/rotary-dial-becomes-usb-keyboard/
[Max] had a rotary dial from an old telephone and — unsurprisingly — had nothing in particular to do with it. The simple answer? Use an Arduino Leonardo to turn it into a USB keyboard device.
Of course, the Leonardo can easily impersonate a USB keyboard, so that’s the easy …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/rotary-dial-becomes-usb-keyboard/)
Building a 3D Scanner with a 3D Printer
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/building-a-3d-scanner-with-a-3d-printer/
Using a 3D printer to make high quality parts is a great way to improve the look and appeal of any project. If you want to replicate something exactly, though, you’ll need either a very good set of calipers and a lot of time or a 3D scanner. Using the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/building-a-3d-scanner-with-a-3d-printer/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/building-a-3d-scanner-with-a-3d-printer/
Using a 3D printer to make high quality parts is a great way to improve the look and appeal of any project. If you want to replicate something exactly, though, you’ll need either a very good set of calipers and a lot of time or a 3D scanner. Using the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/17/building-a-3d-scanner-with-a-3d-printer/)
SiCK Mechanical Keyboard is 3D Printed
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/sick-mechanical-keyboard-is-3d-printed/
We’ve noticed a rash of builds of [ FedorSosnin’s] do-it-yourself 3D-printed mechanical keyboard, SiCK-68 lately. The cost is pretty low — SiCK stands for Super, Inexpensive, Cheap, Keyboard. According to the bill of materials, the original cost about $50. Of course, that doesn’t include the cost of the 3D printer …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/sick-mechanical-keyboard-is-3d-printed/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/sick-mechanical-keyboard-is-3d-printed/
We’ve noticed a rash of builds of [ FedorSosnin’s] do-it-yourself 3D-printed mechanical keyboard, SiCK-68 lately. The cost is pretty low — SiCK stands for Super, Inexpensive, Cheap, Keyboard. According to the bill of materials, the original cost about $50. Of course, that doesn’t include the cost of the 3D printer …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/sick-mechanical-keyboard-is-3d-printed/)
Add A Bit Of PCB Badge Glamour To Your Boring ID Badge
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/add-a-bit-of-pcb-badge-glamour-to-your-boring-id-badge/
When we talk about badges and printed circuit boards, it is usually in the context of the infinite creativity of the Badgelife scene, our community’s own art form of electronic conference badges. It’s easy to forget when homing in on those badges that there are other types of badge, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/add-a-bit-of-pcb-badge-glamour-to-your-boring-id-badge/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/add-a-bit-of-pcb-badge-glamour-to-your-boring-id-badge/
When we talk about badges and printed circuit boards, it is usually in the context of the infinite creativity of the Badgelife scene, our community’s own art form of electronic conference badges. It’s easy to forget when homing in on those badges that there are other types of badge, and …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/add-a-bit-of-pcb-badge-glamour-to-your-boring-id-badge/)
Optical Keyboards Have Us Examining Typing at Light Speed-ish
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/optical-keyboards-have-us-examining-typing-at-light-speed-ish/
There’s a newish development in the world of keyboards; the optical switch. It’s been around for a couple years in desktop keyboards, and recently became available on a laptop keyboard as well. These are not replacements for your standard $7 keyboard with rubber membrane switches intended for puttering around on …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/optical-keyboards-have-us-examining-typing-at-light-speed-ish/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/optical-keyboards-have-us-examining-typing-at-light-speed-ish/
There’s a newish development in the world of keyboards; the optical switch. It’s been around for a couple years in desktop keyboards, and recently became available on a laptop keyboard as well. These are not replacements for your standard $7 keyboard with rubber membrane switches intended for puttering around on …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/optical-keyboards-have-us-examining-typing-at-light-speed-ish/)
Used EDM Electrodes Repurposed as Air Bearings for Precision Machine Tools
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/used-edm-electrodes-repurposed-as-air-bearings-for-precision-machine-tools/
If you’ve ever played air hockey, you know how the tiny jets of air shooting up from the pinholes in the playing surface reduce friction with the puck. But what if you turned that upside down? What if the puck had holes that shot the air downward? We’re not sure …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/used-edm-electrodes-repurposed-as-air-bearings-for-precision-machine-tools/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/used-edm-electrodes-repurposed-as-air-bearings-for-precision-machine-tools/
If you’ve ever played air hockey, you know how the tiny jets of air shooting up from the pinholes in the playing surface reduce friction with the puck. But what if you turned that upside down? What if the puck had holes that shot the air downward? We’re not sure …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/used-edm-electrodes-repurposed-as-air-bearings-for-precision-machine-tools/)
A Newbie Takes the SMD Challenge at Supercon
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-newbie-takes-the-smd-challenge-at-supercon/
First-time visitors to Disneyworld often naively think they’re going to “do” the park in three days: one day for the Magic Kingdom, one day for Epcot, and one day for everything else. It’s easy to spot such people, collapsed on a bench or dragging exhausted kids around while trying to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-newbie-takes-the-smd-challenge-at-supercon/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-newbie-takes-the-smd-challenge-at-supercon/
First-time visitors to Disneyworld often naively think they’re going to “do” the park in three days: one day for the Magic Kingdom, one day for Epcot, and one day for everything else. It’s easy to spot such people, collapsed on a bench or dragging exhausted kids around while trying to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-newbie-takes-the-smd-challenge-at-supercon/)
This RGB Tree Has its Roots in a PCB
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/this-rgb-tree-has-its-roots-in-a-pcb/
[Paczkaexpress]’s RGB tree is a mix of clever building techniques and artistic form that come together into quite a beautiful sculpture.
The branches of his tree are made from strands of enameled copper wire capped with an RGB LED and terminated in a female header. The separate wires are all …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/this-rgb-tree-has-its-roots-in-a-pcb/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/this-rgb-tree-has-its-roots-in-a-pcb/
[Paczkaexpress]’s RGB tree is a mix of clever building techniques and artistic form that come together into quite a beautiful sculpture.
The branches of his tree are made from strands of enameled copper wire capped with an RGB LED and terminated in a female header. The separate wires are all …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/this-rgb-tree-has-its-roots-in-a-pcb/)
A Mechanical Shutter Release For A Digital Camera
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-mechanical-shutter-release-for-a-digital-camera/
Most digital cameras these days come with some kind of electronic remote shutter release. Various solutions exist, using USB cables, smartphone apps, or dedicated remotes. [Steloherd] wasn’t happy with the options available for his Ricoh GRII, though, so built a rig to do things the old fashioned way.
[Steloherd] wanted …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-mechanical-shutter-release-for-a-digital-camera/)
https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-mechanical-shutter-release-for-a-digital-camera/
Most digital cameras these days come with some kind of electronic remote shutter release. Various solutions exist, using USB cables, smartphone apps, or dedicated remotes. [Steloherd] wasn’t happy with the options available for his Ricoh GRII, though, so built a rig to do things the old fashioned way.
[Steloherd] wanted …read more (https://hackaday.com/2019/11/18/a-mechanical-shutter-release-for-a-digital-camera/)