How to build a IoT device? Cloudwash – Creating the Technical Prototype is an interesting project description how to design and build a connected washing machine. Cloudwash developers understood that to understand and design for this type of device, the designers need to have a working technical prototype that allows experimenting and getting experience. So →
Raspberry Pi A+ details have leaked: Despite trying to keep it secret, a major Raspberry Pi retailer has published some details of the upcoming model A+ Raspberry Pi thanks to a product page that went live early. The board layout looks different and is much smaller (56x65mm) than the model A or B+. New Raspberry →
I got interested interested in ESP8266 WiFi module after reading New Chip Alert: The ESP8266 WiFi Module (It’s $5) article. Why is it cool? It’s a WiFi module with an SOC, making it somewhat similar to TI’s CC300. ESP8266 is an UART to WiFi module that you can pick for less than $5 USD. ESP8266 is →
USB to serial port adapters are gadgets that we have a love/hate relationship. We love that we can add serial port to a new PC, but we hate that many of those adapters do not feel reliable in use. Counterfeit copies of USB to serial ICs have caused headaches for users and manufacurers. And it →
Nowadays it is typical that small embedded platforms and modules offer TTL level (5V or 3.3V) serial port interfaces in them. The easiest way to interface such port to PC is to use USB to TTL level serial port converter (it is easier than adding external TTL-RS232 converter board and then connect to normal serial →
Android devices can be used as signal generators and signal analyzers. It is easy when all you want is to get the signal out of the speaker or headphone connector, and you are happy to analyze what internal microphone in the device receives. But what if you want to feed some external signal into your →
There are many initiatives to get people to know basics of programming. The current thinking seems to be that anybody can learn to code if concepts are introduced in the right way. Code.org‘s mission is to get coding into curriculums for students. It is known for example on projects like Computer Science Education Week and →
Intel has been active in Internet of Things product releases. As part of IDF 2014 keynote, Intel has announced that their Edison development platform is now shipping. First announced back at CES, Edison is a development platform for Intel’s burgeoning Internet of Things development initiative. Intel is upping their bid for a place at the →
Farnell/Newark/Element14 has been running a Conductive Ink Challenge with deadline of 31st August 2014. In it the competition the plan is to draw artistic circuits by hand using nickel or silver-laced “ink”. The aim is to make eye-catching piece of art. Judging is based on creativity, originality and technical and is final To test conductive →
I saw an interesting kit at banggood.com and decided to try it: DIY Meter Tester Kit For Capacitance ESR Inductance Resistor NPN PNP Mosfet M168 . The reasons for interests are good specifications, based on open source hardware design and price is reasonable ($12.22 / 9.37 Euro). DIY Meter Tester Kit For Capacitance ESR Inductance →