community news
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OpenMV AE3 and N6 - Python Programmable AI Cameras for Embedded Vision OpenMV has launched a new Kickstarter campaign introducing the OpenMV N6 and AE3, two low-power AI-enabled cameras designed to bring machine vision to a wider range of applications. Known for its previous OpenMV Cam H7, a compact, open-source MicroPython-powered vision system from 2019, the company continues to focus on making embedded vision accessible. The new models enhance this legacy with… |
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ESP FLY - The Smallest ESP32 Powered Drone The ESP-FLY is a palm-sized drone powered by the XIAO ESP32S3 microcontroller, combining compact design with impressive performance. Measuring just 50 mm, its 3D-printed frame weighs only 4 grams, while a PVC alternative is also available. The drone’s custom 4-layer PCB integrates an MPU-6050 motion sensor, a 4-channel motor driver, and LEDs, all optimized for… |
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An open-source Pedometer based on ESP32 This DIY step counter is built around the Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.8" AMOLED Touch Display Board, designed for precise step tracking without the drawbacks of accidental counts. Unlike smartwatches, which often record unintended movements, this device focuses on purposeful walking sessions, allowing users to calibrate step sensitivity, adjust step length for accurate… |
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Laser Microphone - Capturing Sound Through Reflected Light A YouTuber recently showcased a homemade laser microphone, a surveillance device capable of picking up sound from a distance by analyzing how a window vibrates. Originally used in espionage, this technology converts tiny light fluctuations into audio signals, demonstrating how sound waves can be captured without placing a microphone inside a room. … |
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Enhancing Micro Robotic Arm with a Smart Counterweight A hobbyist has shared his recent project on building a micro robot arm with balanced counterweights, designed for compact yet efficient robotic manipulation. Unlike conventional designs that rely on high-torque servos, this arm uses counterweights to reduce motor strain, enabling the use of smaller, low-power servos. The project… |
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DIY Ionic Plasma Thruster Built with a Homemade Transformer Inspired by NASA aerospace engineering, this project features a plasma thruster, designed to maximize efficiency and increase the voltage output. For that, Maker created a homemade ionic plasma thruster to harness the high-voltage generators (50,000+ volts) to accelerate ionized gas and create thrust. This experiment is based on how electrons collide with neutral gases to form… |
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Espressif Shuts Down “Backdoor” Hysteria: ESP32 Debugging Feature Misrepresented as Security Threat A recent controversy has emerged around Espressif’s ESP32 microcontroller, following the discovery of undocumented Bluetooth HCI commands by security researchers at Tarlogic Security. Initially described as a "backdoor," this characterisation sparked significant debate and was later revised to acknowledge these commands as debugging features rather than a deliberate security vulnerability. The… |
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OpenMote: An ESP32-S3 Based Smart Controller for Makers We have seen many DIY Smart remotes, just like the Smart Universal Remote we have built a while back or the OMOTE, yet another ESP3 based smart remote. OpenMote, created by Los Angeles-based team Hat & Hammer, is a fully programmable controller designed for makers. Resembling the classic Nintendo Wii Remote, it merges retro-style input with powerful features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a six-… |
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DIY Brain Scanner: A Custom-Built Cyberdeck for Meditation and Focus Tracker What if you could track your brain activity while focusing or unwinding? Maker The Civitas Universe took that curiosity to the next level by repurposing a brain scanner, designing a custom macro keypad, and 3D-printing a cyberpunk-inspired console, complete with its own power supply and interactive features. Showcasing a Cyberdeck that helps track brain activity and even gamifies meditation.… |
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Interfacing a Digital Caliper with Raspberry Pi to Measure CNC Lead Screw Accuracy A hobbyist assessed CNC lead screw accuracy by building a setup using digital calipers interfaced with a Raspberry Pi. These calipers transmit data via a 76 kbps synchronous serial protocol, requiring precise timing. Python proved inefficient, so the code was rewritten in C for better performance. The calipers output two 24-bit… |
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DIY Staircase Lighting with mmWave Radar and ESP32 A youtuber has developed a lighting system for staircases using the ESP32 module, the RD D03E mmWave radar sensor, and the WS2812 RGB LED strip. The system dynamically illuminates stairs based on a person’s movement, enhancing both aesthetics and energy efficiency. The RD D03E mmWave sensor detects motion and distance, allowing… |
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Meet ESP-SparkBot: An Open Source AI-Powered Desktop Companion ESP-SparkBot is a compact AI-powered robot built on the ESP32-S3, offering voice interaction, image recognition, and multimedia capabilities. Despite its small size, it integrates a wide range of features, including an AI assistant for conversations, weather updates, and music playback. Users can interact with it through touch sensors or voice commands, allowing for a seamless experience. The… |
