Makers and open hardware for innovation

Just like the garage computer explosion of the 70’s through the 80’s, which brought us such things as Apple, pong, Bill Gate’s hair, and the proliferation of personal computers, the maker movement is the new garage hardware explosion. Today, 135 million adults in the United States alone are involved in the maker movement.

Enthusiasts who want to build the products they want, from shortwave radios to personal computers, and to tweak products they’ve bought to make them even better, have long been a part of the electronics industry. By all measures, garage-style innovation remains alive and well today, as “makers” as they are called continue to turn out contemporary gadgets, including 3D printers, drones, and embedded electronics devices.

Making is about individual Do-It-Yourselfers being able to design and create with tools that were, as of a decade or two ago, only available to large, cash-rich corporations: CAD tools, CNC mills, 3D printers, low-quantity PCB manufacturing, open hardware such as Arduinos and similar inexpensive development boards – all items that have made it easier and relatively cheap to make whatever we imagine. For individuals, maker tools can change how someone views their home or their hobbies. The world is ours to make. Humans are genetically wired to be makers. The maker movement is simply the result of making powerful building and communication tools accessible to the masses. There are plenty of projects from makers that show good engineering: Take this Arduino board with tremendous potential, developed by a young maker, as example.

The maker movement is a catalyst to democratize entrepreneurship as these do-it-yourself electronics are proving to be hot sellers: In the past year, unit sales for 3D printing related products; Arduino units, parts and supplies; Raspberry Pi boards; drones and quadcopters; and robotics goods are all on a growth curve in terms of eBay sales. There are many Kickstarter maker projects going on. The Pebble E-Paper Watch raises $10 million. The LIFX smartphone-controlled LED bulb raises $1.3 million. What do these products have in common? They both secured funding through Kickstarter, a crowd-funding website that is changing the game for entrepreneurs. Both products were created by makers who seek to commercialize their inventions. These “startup makers” iterate on prototypes with high-end tools at professional makerspaces.

For companies to remain competitive, they need to embrace the maker movement or leave themselves open for disruption. Researchers found that 96 percent of business leaders believe new technologies have forever changed the rules of business by democratizing information and rewiring customer expectations. - You’ve got to figure out agile innovation. Maybe history is repeating itself as the types of products being sold reminded us of the computer tinkering that used to be happening in the 1970s to 1990ssimilar in terms of demographics, tending to be young people, and low budget. Now the do-it-yourself category is deeply intertwined with the electronics industry. Open hardware is in the center in maker movement – we need open hardware designs! How can you publish your designs and still do business with it? Open source ecosystem markets behave differently and therefore require a very different playbook than traditional tech company: the differentiation is not in the technology you build; it is in the process and expertise that you slowly amass over an extended period of time.

By democratizing the product development process, helping these developments get to market, and transforming the way we educate the next generation of innovators, we will usher in the next industrial revolution. The world is ours to make. Earlier the PC created a new generation of software developers who could innovate in the digital world without the limitations of the physical world (virtually no marginal cost, software has become the great equalizer for innovation. Now advances in 3D printing and low-cost microcontrollers as well as the ubiquity of advanced sensors are enabling makers to bridge software with the physical world. Furthermore, the proliferation of wireless connectivity and cloud computing is helping makers contribute to the Internet of Things (IoT). We’re even beginning to see maker designs and devices entering those markets once thought to be off-limits, like medical.

Historically, the education system has produced graduates that went on to work for companies where new products were invented, then pushed to consumers. Today, consumers are driving the innovation process and demanding education, business and invention to meet their requests. Makers are at the center of this innovation transformation.

Image source: The world is ours to make: The impact of the maker movement – EDN Magazine

In fact, many parents have engaged in the maker movement with their kids because they know that the education system is not adequately preparing their children for the 21st century. There is a strong movement to spread this DIY idea widely. The Maker Faire, which launched in the Bay Area in California in 2006, underlined the popularity of the movement by drawing a record 215,000 people combined in the Bay Area and New York events in 2014. There’s Maker Media, MakerCon, MakerShed, Make: magazine and 131 Maker Faire events that take place throughout the world. Now the founders of all these Makers want a way to connect what they refer to as the “maker movement” online. So Maker Media created a social network called MakerSpace, a Facebook-like social network that connects participants of Maker Faire in one online community. The new site will allow participants of the event to display their work online. There are many other similar sites that allow yout to present yout work fron Hackaday to your own blog. Today, 135 million adults in the United States alone are involved in the maker movement—although makers can be found everywhere in the world.

 

7,074 Comments

  1. Tomi Engdahl says:

    LED retrofit for antique stage lights
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03tyXny8srA

    A high school in my area had a whole bunch of these beauties slated for the dumpster but I was not about to allow that to happen! Here is a demo of a tricked out 1000 watt scoop and 500/750 watt Fresnel, each originally manufactured by Kliegl Brothers in the early 60′s. I put a fan cooled, massively heat sinked 100 watt RGB element in the scoop and a scaled down 30 watt version of that rig in the Fresnel. These run with an easy to use IR remote control but they can also be made to run via DMX (for a lot more $$$).

    Reply
  2. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Probably The Simplest Radiation Detector You Already Own
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/26/probably-the-simplest-radiation-detector-you-already-own/

    Dr. Brucer‘s detector is simplicity itself, and it relies on the erosion of a static electric charge by radiation.

    Reply
  3. Tomi Engdahl says:

    OpenLD: Lucid Dreaming Research Platform
    https://hackaday.io/project/13285-openld-lucid-dreaming-research-platform

    An open source platform to help induce and explore the realm of Lucid Dreaming for Research and Personal Well-being

    Lucid dreams: They can be used for scientific research, mental therapy, personal welfare, and much more. The Lucid Dreaming Research Platform (OpenLD) is an open-source project (GPLv3) that aims to bring the world of lucid dreaming to the Hacker community. This tool aims to assist in inducing lucid dreams and act as a means of communication between the dream and the outside world. This project utilizes an 8-channel EEG acquisition device, with an on-board ARM microcontroller, along with an accompanying software that performs real-time brainwave analysis.

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  4. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Lending A Helping Hand To Hens With AI
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/26/lending-a-helping-hand-to-hens-with-ai/

    IoT AI-driven Poultry Feeder and Egg Tracker
    https://hackaday.io/project/187429-iot-ai-driven-poultry-feeder-and-egg-tracker

    Detect when the poultry feeder needs to be refilled and track unhatched eggs in the coop w/ object detection to get informed via WhatsApp.

    Reply
  5. Tomi Engdahl says:

    When 3D Printing Gears, It Pays To Use The Right Resin
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/26/when-3d-printing-gears-it-pays-to-use-the-right-resin/

    There are plenty of resins advertised as being suitable for functional applications and parts, but which is best and for what purpose?

    According to [Jan Mrázek], if one is printing gears, then they are definitely not all the same. He recently got fantastic results with Siraya Tech Fast Mecha, a composite resin that contains a filler to improve its properties, and he has plenty of pictures and data to share.

    Testing Siraya Tech Fast Mecha: A (r)evolution In Functional 3D-printing?
    https://blog.honzamrazek.cz/2022/02/testing-siraya-tech-fast-mecha-a-revolution-in-functional-3d-printing/

    There are many resin printing materials out there marketed as “engineering”, “for functional parts”, “heavy-duty”. Since I got into the resin printing world, I tried a large number of them. However, none of them in my opinion didn’t deliver what was promised. The main challenges are not only low strength but also low impact resistance and most notably insufficient surface properties. Most of the 3D-printing resins out there are easy to scratch and when two surfaces mate, they have relatively high friction, and, most notably, they grind each other and form a white powder.

    I was given the opportunity to test a new material – Siraya Tech Fast Mecha that claims to be suitable for articulated functional parts. The marketing is that the material doesn’t grind when two surfaces interact. Is it true? We will find out in this hands-on review. For clarity; I was given a sample of Siraya Tech Fast Mecha for free before it was available to the general public.

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  6. Tomi Engdahl says:

    So How Do You Make A Self-Destructing Flash Drive?
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/26/so-how-do-you-make-a-self-destructing-flash-drive/

    A self-destructing storage device that vaporizes its contents at the first sign of trouble would be an invaluable tool for many people, but good luck getting your hands on such a thing if you don’t work for a three-letter agency. Or at least, that’s what we would have said before [Walker] got on the case. He’s working on an open source self-destructing USB flash drive for journalists, security researchers, whistleblowers, or anyone else who really values their privacy.

    But how exactly do you pull that off? Sure we’d love to see a small thermite charge or vial of acid packed in there, but obviously that’s not very practical. It needs to be safe to carry around, and just as importantly, unlikely to get you into even more trouble with whoever is searching through your belongings. To that end, [Walker] thinks he’s come up with an elegant solution.

    The datasheet for his flash memory chip says the maximum voltage it can handle before releasing the Magic Smoke is a meager 4.6 V. So he figures running a voltage doubler on the nominal 5 V coming from a USB port should disable the chip nicely with a minimum of external drama. Will it be enough to prevent the data from being recovered forensically? We don’t know, but we’re eager to find out.

    I’m Building a Self-Destructing USB Drive Part 2
    https://interruptlabs.ca/2022/08/31/I-m-Building-a-Self-Destructing-USB-Drive-Part-2/

    I’m building an open-source USB drive with a hidden self-destruct feature. Say goodbye to your data if you don’t lick your fingers before plugging it in.

    Reply
  7. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Your Drill Has a Secret Feature That Brands Are Hiding
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1QHOKF8NO4

    Viewer comments:

    My 20 year old Bosch mentioned this in the user’s manual.
    That “locked in place” is not 100% either, a cylindrical drill bit can still slip if stuck in the material.
    Chucks are usually designed and manufactured by an external company, like Röhm or Jacobs. Maybe you should contact them too, maybe they will give more insight how this mechanism actually works. That would be interesting, Im sure. Kudos for the thorough investigation. Cheers!

    I discovered a long time ago on various cordless drills (most of my experience was with DeWalt) that you could back it off a bit where the chuck suddenly moves freely a small amount) without loosening it, but I always just assumed it was some play in the locking mechanism during a change in the direction of the chuck rotation. I never considered it might be a feature. I’ll have to test it out a bit as I do occasionally have issues with heavier bits falling out if I start and stop the drill a number of times at high speed.

    Yes this is a feature. I run Makita and tend to find that when using something other than a small drill bit in the drill (such as paint mixers etc.) the vibrations tend to loosen the chuck and drop the attachment out quite quickly if I don’t lock it in. I was having a bunch of issues with this some time ago and, completely by chance, happened across this feature somewhere on the internet. Started locking the chuck and stopped losing attachments the same day.

    I’ve been doing this for years with my Bosch drills in the UK and it totally works. I never realized it wasn’t in the manual anymore though. Like others have said here it may be worth looking up the chuck companies they use and see if they know more or if it makes a difference by company. If it isn’t in the manual anymore you can bet they don’t think to check it and it won’t be officially supported should they change the chuck company they buy from.

    Reply
  8. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Affordable Holographic/VR/3D Scanner
    The Makerfabs Yscanner 3D scanner, resolution 0.2mm, <$300, wil be availible soon…
    https://hackaday.io/project/164454-affordable-holographicvr3d-scanner

    Reply
  9. Tomi Engdahl says:

    The Mathboard
    A side keyboard for scientists and engineers
    https://hackaday.io/project/186205-the-mathboard

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    keyboard macro keyboard typing math
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    Odd Inputs and Peculiar Peripherals

    This project was created on 07/04/2022 and last updated 3 days ago.
    Description
    The Mathboard is a side keyboard that simplifies typing of mathematical equations.

    It works both as plaintext Unicode, and in the Microsoft Office equation editor. Support for LaTeX is currently in development, and support for Open Office is planned.

    The Mathboard gives you effortless access to the Greek alphabet and more than 80 of the most commonly used mathematical operators. Gone are the days of looking up Unicode symbols on Google or clicking around in the Office equation editor.

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  10. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Scalable Silent Air Compressor
    Powerful silent air compressor made from multiple fridge compressors
    https://hackaday.io/project/186236-scalable-silent-air-compressor

    Reply
  11. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Casting Metal With A Microwave And Vacuum Cleaner
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/29/casting-metal-with-a-microwave-and-vacuum-cleaner/

    Metalworking might conjure images of large furnaces powered by coal, wood, or electricity, with molten metal sloshing around and visible in its crucible. But metalworking from home doesn’t need to use anything more fancy than a microwave, at least according to [Denny] a.k.a. [Shake the Future]. He has a number of metalworking tools designed to melt metal using a microwave, and in this video he uses them to make a usable aluminum pencil with a graphite core.

    Melting Pencil Sharpeners in the Microwave to make a Pencil
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8YNvOlKt-4

    Reply
  12. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Hackaday Prize 2022: An Old (and Distinguished) Camera Learns New Tricks
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/29/hackaday-prize-2022-an-old-and-distinguished-camera-learns-new-tricks/

    In the 1950s the major Hollywood studios needed impressive cinematic technologies for their epic movies, to both see off the threat from television, and to differentiate themselves from their competitors. For most of them this meant larger screens and thus larger frame film, and for Paramount, this meant VistaVision. [Steve Switaj] is working on one of the original VistaVision cameras made for the studio in the 1950s, and shares with us some of the history and the work required to update its electronics for the 2020s.

    VistaVision camera electronics rebuild
    https://hackaday.io/project/186456-vistavision-camera-electronics-rebuild

    Project – Rebuild the electronics for a huge VistaVision motion picture camera from the 1950′s so it can make movie magic once more

    Reply
  13. Tomi Engdahl says:

    A Drone For The Rest Of Us
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/29/a-drone-for-the-rest-of-us/

    As anyone who’s spent Christmas morning trying to shake a quadcopter out of a tree can attest, controlling these fast moving RC vehicles can be tricky and require a bit of practice to master. [Erik] wanted to simplify this a little bit so his children and friends could race with him, and the end result is a drone that only needs two inputs to fly.

    https://sites.google.com/view/ejowerks-speeder/

    Reply
  14. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Give an old toy car new life
    https://hackaday.io/project/185549-give-an-old-toy-car-new-life

    A short show and tell on giving an old toy car new life by changing all the circuitry on the inside.

    A short show and tell on giving an old toy car new life by changing all the circuitry on the inside.
    This project will show the design and implementation of a new motor driver controller ( dual h-bridge), as well as obstacle avoidance sensors and a microcontroller to manage all of that.

    Part 1 will focus on the motor driver, where I will make use of a custom-designed dual H-Bridge controller with PWM speed control.

    Reply
  15. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Self-Driving Laboratories Do Research On Autopilot
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/29/self-driving-laboratories-do-research-on-autopilot/

    Scientific research is a messy business. The road to learning new things and making discoveries is paved with hard labor, tough thinking, and plenty of dead ends. It’s a time-consuming, expensive endeavor, and for every success, there are thousands upon thousands of failures.

    It’s a process so inefficient, you would think someone would have automated it already. The concept of the self-driving laboratory aims to do exactly that, and could revolutionize materials research in particular.

    Intelligent Fluidic Robo-Chemist
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_DyV-hohLw

    We have developed an intelligent robotic material synthesizer to accelerate the development and manufacturing of semiconductor nanomaterials for use in next-generation photonic devices. This is the second generation of the Artificial Chemist technology, that is, a fluidic robo-chemist operated with an artificial intelligence-guided decision-making agent.

    Self-Driven Multistep Quantum Dot Synthesis Enabled by Autonomous Robotic Experimentation in Flow
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aisy.202000245

    Reply
  16. Tomi Engdahl says:

    AC to DC for Welding Machine Output Voltage (Under 10$)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpq2rS6H4gE

    In this video, as I promised to many of my viewers, I tried to show how to convert the output voltage from AC to DC in an affordable way for the Arc Welding Machine I made before. Of course, the process I did is not only valid for this machine. You can convert the output voltage of your welding machine with AC output to DC with this method. The materials I use are quite affordable. Total price under $10. For the rectification process, I used 5 bridge diodes of 50 Ampere KPBC5010. By connecting the bridge diodes in parallel, I have increased the current resistance to 250 Amps. You can use 5 bridge diodes in the same way for your 200 Amp welding machines. For higher current welders, the number of diodes needs to be increased. I connected a 4700 microfarad capacitor to the output. In this way, the AC output voltage from 40V has increased to 60 Volts. Of course this voltage will drop during welding, but for the first start of the arc it is better to have a higher voltage.
    We can weld materials such as stainless steel by converting our output voltage to DC. In addition, the weld seam is smoother. Besides, you can use your welding machine as a TIG welding machine. Of course, there will be other materials needed for this as well. Maybe we can try that in the future.
    I hope you enjoyed my video and my procedures were clear. If there are places that are not understood, you can ask by writing in the comment section of the video.
    You can click on the link below for my Welding Machine making video.

    Reply
  17. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Slap This Big Red Button For An Instant Social Media Detox
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/30/slap-this-big-red-button-for-an-instant-social-media-detox/

    Dangerous machines, like ones that can quickly reduce you to a fine red mist or a smoking cinder, tend to have a Big Red Button™ to immediately stop whatever the threat is. Well, if a more dangerous machine than social media has ever been invented, we’re not sure what it would be, which is why we’re glad this social media kill switch exists.

    The idea behind [Gunter Froman]’s creation is to provide a physical interface to SocialsDetox, a service that blocks or throttles connectivity to certain apps and websites. SocialDetox blocks access using either DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or, for particularly pesky and addictive apps, a service-specific VPN. The service does require a subscription, the cost of which varies by the number of devices you want to protect, but the charges honestly seem pretty reasonable.

    While SocialsDetox can be set up to block access on a regular schedule, say if you want to make the family dinner a social-free time, there may be occasions where killing social access needs to happen right now.

    The Big Red Button for Social Media
    Block access to social media at the touch of a big red button
    https://hackaday.io/project/187435-the-big-red-button-for-social-media

    Reply
  18. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Peer-Reviewed Continuity Tester
    https://hackaday.com/2022/09/30/peer-reviewed-continuity-tester/

    One of the core features of the scientific community is the concept of “peer review” where any claims made by a scientist are open to be analyzed and reproduced by others in the community for independent verification. This leads to either rejection of ideas which can’t be reproduced, or strengthening of those ideas when they are. In this community we typically only feature the first step of this process, the original projects from various builders, but we don’t often see someone taking those instructions and “peer reviewing” someone’s build. This is one of those rare cases.

    [oxullo] came across [Leo]’s original build for the ultimate continuity tester. This design is much more sensitive than the function which is built in to most multi-meters, and when building this tool specifically some other refinements can be built in as well. [oxullo] began by starting with the original designs, but made several small modifications. Most of these were changing to surface-mount parts, and switching some components for ones already available. Even then, there was still a mistake in the PCB which was eventually corrected. The case for this build is also 3D printed instead of being made out of metal, and with the original video to work from the rest fell into place easily.

    [oxullo] is getting comparable results with this continuity tester, so we can officially say that this design is peer reviewed and tested to the highest of standards.

    The Ultimate Continuity tester
    https://www.xul.it/blog/index.php/2020/08/15/the-ultimate-continuity-tester/

    Reply
  19. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Open Source Science Tricorder
    https://hackaday.io/project/1395-open-source-science-tricorder

    Science in your hand. A pocket-sized instrument capable of visualizing and exploring the world around you.

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    Official Hackaday Prize Entry

    This project was created on 06/07/2014 and last updated 7 hours ago.
    Description
    It is my deep belief that knowledge brings about positive change.

    We could live in a world where the same instrument that can show a child how much chlorophyll is in a leaf could also show how them much pollution is in the air around us, or given off by one’s car. As an educator and a researcher, I feel that if people could easily discover things about their worlds that were also important social topics, that they would then make positive social choices, like reducing their emissions, or petitioning for cleaner industry in their communities.

    By having access to general inexpensive sensing tools, people can learn about healthy leaves, clean air, clouds and the water cycle, energy efficient homes — and visualize abstract concepts like spectra or magnetism.

    As a tool for exploration, we can discover things around us that we don’t already know. And that’s what it’s about. Little discoveries, everywhere.

    Reply
  20. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Stepper Driver for Dash/Panel Instruments
    Controller for car/plane/boat instrument motors like X27 or VID29.
    https://hackaday.io/project/187630-stepper-driver-for-dashpanel-instruments

    Reply
  21. Tomi Engdahl says:

    4 joystick (6-axis 6-dof) game controller
    a 4 joystick game controller for 6axis+ games (inertial thrust space games)
    https://hackaday.io/project/180884-4-joystick-6-axis-6-dof-game-controller

    https://youtu.be/nidjVPqeTGg
    4 joystick game controller made with arduino, programmed with code and driver taken from Cleric-K’s github page. The controller is designed to be used for space games, particularly space games that are simple enough that they could be enjoyed from a casual posture (simple navigation and shooting). The game controller allows for all 6 axis of control to be on joysticks. To make the coordination of your pointer fingers easier to learn, simply use each front stick to control one axis. My config is:
    - left thumb: strafe updownleftright
    - left pointer: pull trigger for throttle, push trigger for reverse thrust
    - right thumb: pitch/yaw
    - right pointer: roll
    some logic: I chose yaw and pitch on the thumb, and only play games that allow for rapid yaw (Orbital Racer, simulation mode, float on). Although many players will prefer to roll and pitch for control, and a lot of games optimize this motion, it is still extra moves when only one is required.

    Reply
  22. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Low cost solar panel solution (MPPT + sun tracker)
    https://hackaday.io/project/185105-low-cost-solar-panel-solution-mppt-sun-tracker

    portable flexible panel + MPPT controller + solar tracker system
    less than 55 USD ????

    Reply
  23. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Doomba: Purifying Your Floors With Fire
    https://hackaday.com/2022/10/04/doomba-purifying-your-floors-with-fire/

    If you’ve ever thought that your floor cleaning robot eating the fringe on your rug wasn’t destructive enough, [Kyle Brinkerhoff] is working on a solution — Doomba.

    This blazingly fast RC vehicle has a tank of butane/propane gas nestled snugly amid its electronics and drive system to fuel a (not yet implemented) flamethrower. Watching how quickly this little bot can move in the video below certainly made our hearts race with anticipation for the inevitable fireworks glory of completed build. Dual motors and a tank-style drive ensure that this firebug will be able to maneuver around any obstacle.

    doomba
    this is a bad fun idea…
    https://hackaday.io/project/187567-doomba

    Reply
  24. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Thank Magnesium For Water-Activated Batteries
    https://hackaday.com/2022/10/04/thank-magnesium-for-water-activated-batteries/

    Most of the batteries we use these days, whether rechargeable or not, are generally self-contained affairs. They come in a sealed package, with the anode, cathode, and electrolyte all wrapped up inside a stout plastic or metal casing. All the reactive chemicals stay inside.

    However, a certain class of magnesium batteries are manufactured in a dry, unreactive state. To switch these batteries on, all you need to do is add water! Let’s take a look at these useful devices, and explore some of their applications.

    Reply
  25. Tomi Engdahl says:

    TTP223 Brings Simple Touch Controls To A LED Lamp
    https://hackaday.com/2022/10/04/ttp223-brings-simple-touch-controls-to-a-led-lamp/

    ou can buy small modules with capacitive touch detection ICs — most often it’s the TTP223, a single-button capacitive model with configurable output modes. These are designed to pair with a microcontroller or some simple logic-level input, but [Alain Mauer] wanted was to bring touch control to a simple LED strip. Not to be set deterred, he’s put together a simple TTP223-based switch board.

    5-12V Capacitive Touch Switch
    Capacitive Touch Switch for direct control of LED stripes or a relais
    https://hackaday.io/project/187363-5-12v-capacitive-touch-switch

    I built another LED lamp and wanted to use a TTP223 capacitive switch as usual. But Led Stripes have 12V and there was my problem again, the available TTP223 boards are 3-5V and have only a small switching current. Besides, I don’t need the LED on the board. So I’ve build my own

    Reply
  26. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Home Brew Sandblaster Is A Junk Bin Delight
    https://hackaday.com/2022/10/04/home-brew-sandblaster-is-a-junk-bin-delight/

    Opinions vary as to what actually constitutes a “complete” shop, but one thing is for sure: the more tools, the better. That doesn’t mean running out to buy a tool every time you have a need, of course. Sometimes you can throw together what you need from scrap, as with this ad hoc sandblaster.

    the best tool for your workshop| diy sandblaster
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jsb8BjT4_lA

    Reply
  27. Tomi Engdahl says:

    Custom Macro Pad Helps Deliver Winning Formulas
    https://hackaday.com/2022/10/05/custom-macro-pad-helps-deliver-winning-formulas/

    For those of us with science and engineering backgrounds, opening the character map or memorizing the Unicode shortcuts for various symbols is a tedious but familiar part of writing reports or presentations. [Magne Lauritzen] thought there had to be a better way and developed the Mathboard.

    With more than 80 “of the most commonly used mathematical operators” and the entire Greek alphabet, the Mathboard could prove very useful to a wide number of disciplines. Hardware-wise, the Mathboard is a 4×4 macro pad, but the special sauce is in the key set implementation firmware. While the most straightforward approach would be to pick 16 or 32 symbols for the board, [Magne] felt that didn’t do the wide range of Unicode symbols justice. By implementing a system of columns and layers, he was able to get 6+ symbols per key, giving a much greater breadth of symbols than just 16 keys and a shift layer. The symbols with a dot next to them unlock variants of that symbol by double or triple-tapping the key. For instance, a lower or capital case of a Greek letter.

    The Mathboard
    A side keyboard for scientists and engineers
    https://hackaday.io/project/186205-the-mathboard

    The Mathboard is a side keyboard that simplifies typing of mathematical equations.

    It works both as plaintext Unicode, and in the Microsoft Office equation editor. Support for LaTeX is currently in development, and support for Open Office is planned.

    The Mathboard gives you effortless access to the Greek alphabet and more than 80 of the most commonly used mathematical operators. Gone are the days of looking up Unicode symbols on Google or clicking around in the Office equation editor.

    Github project repository : https://github.com/nup002/Mathboard

    The ultimate goal of the Mathboard is to make my life easier. I often write equations, and I have long been frustrated by the amount of time spent looking up special Unicode symbols on Google, clicking around in the Equations Editor in Word and Powerpoint, and looking up LaTeX math codes. I feel like I would save time if I had a keyboard that could insert the correct symbols, operators, and LaTeX codes automatically.

    The Mathboard aims to do all this. It is a 4×4 macro keyboard from 1UP Keyboards with custom firmware.

    https://1upkeyboards.com/shop/keyboard-kits/macro-pads/sweet16-macro-pad-white/

    Reply
  28. Tomi Engdahl says:

    DIY Mouth Joystick Mouse. Vol1
    https://hackaday.io/project/186535-diy-mouth-joystick-mouse-vol1

    Low-cost controller for computers and others devices
    Eliminating the assistive technology gap against low-income PWD

    Reply

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