VoltJots

Issue 6

WELCOME

Welcome to the latest edition of the VoltJots newsletter, providing you hand-curated links to the very best articles, tutorials, and sites to help you get your regular electronics fix.

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This issue is packed with exciting projects and new tech to explore. Learn how to display images on your ESP32's Cheap Yellow Display using the LVGL library, and discover the innovative features of third-party boards built around the new Raspberry Pi RP2350 MCU. For those interested in security, there's a guide on building custom tools using a Raspberry Pi, offering a hands-on approach to enhancing your tech skills.

You'll also find a creative project that turns a budget electronic game into a fun Arduboy, perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts. And don't miss out on the latest Raspberry Pi 5, now available in a wallet-friendly 2GB version, offering great performance and compact design for your next big idea.

Imagine running Arduino and MicroPython side-by-side on multi-core microcontrollers, with seamless communication between the two environments and unlocking new possibilities for innovative projects and applications. Imagine no longer!

CircuitPython 9.1.2 just dropped, packing in some exciting updates and bug fixes that aim to enhance your coding experience! Dive into the latest features and improvements that make programming even smoother, whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro.

Apple’s latest patent hints at an exciting innovation: temperature detection technology for future Vision Pro headsets and smart glasses, paving the way for smarter augmented reality experiences.

Electrical engineering students are making waves with their innovative smart glasses designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate public spaces safely. These glasses feature obstacle detection, promising to enhance mobility and independence for their users in bustling environments.

Pulsiv is set to shake up the fast-charging game with its innovative USB-C reference design, which promises to make charging quicker and more efficient than ever. With a focus on sustainability and advanced tech, this design could be a game-changer for both consumers and manufacturers looking to enhance their devices’ performance.

Researchers at Mississippi State University have crafted low-cost sensors that empower farmers to optimize irrigation and better manage plant diseases. This groundbreaking technology promises to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health while reducing water waste—definitely something every farmer would want to check out!

The new Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller is attracting a ton of attention, with a variety of third-party boards hitting the market, each showcasing unique designs and features.

Microchip Technology is facing disruptions in production following a ransomware attack that compromised some of its internal systems. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical supply chains, raising concerns about potential impacts on the semiconductor industry.

Unlock the power of your ESP32 with a step-by-step guide on displaying images using the LVGL library! This tutorial walks you through the setup and coding process, making it easy to bring your projects to life with vibrant visuals.

Discover how smart home assistants are transforming houses into customizable hubs that simplify daily routines and enhance convenience. This article dives into the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of smart living, making it a must-read for everyone!

Get hands-on with security by creating your own tools using a Raspberry Pi! This guide walks you through setting up custom projects like a network monitor and surveillance camera.

A tech enthusiast transforms a super affordable electronic game into a playful Arduboy, mixing nostalgia with creativity and showcasing how DIY projects can breathe new life into old tech. Dive into the step-by-step journey that highlights innovation and clever hacks, perfect for makers and retro gaming fans alike!

Turi Scandurra's library collection is a treasure trove for Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (RP2350-C) enthusiasts, offering a kickstart for your projects with easy-to-use resources and examples.

Discover three creative ways to use Arduino for MIDI input, each offering a unique approach to make your musical projects sing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these innovative hacks will inspire you to enhance your sound game with some hands-on coding fun!

Check out the innovative Raspberry Pi matrix display that lets you track flights in real-time!

Microchip just dropped their new PIC64 family of RISC-V multicore processor chips, designed to excel in both earthly applications and the harsh conditions of space. With enhanced performance and energy efficiency, these chips are gearing up to tackle everything from consumer electronics to advanced aerospace projects—talk about versatility!

Pimoroni's new Explorer Board for the Raspberry Pi brings a fun twist to learning about electronics with its 2.8-inch LCD, a breadboard-friendly design, and a range of sensors ready for experimentation.

The Raspberry Pi 5 has arrived, boasting notable upgrades like improved performance and a compact design. With the 2GB variant being especially wallet-friendly, it showcases the perfect blend of power and accessibility, enticing makers to bring their creative projects to life.

Flipper Zero's latest update introduces an add-on that turns the playful multi-tool into a powerful device for Wi-Fi security research, featuring an ESP8266 deauther. This new capability not only enhances its hacking prowess but also sparks intrigue for anyone keen on exploring network vulnerabilities.

Wi-Fi HaLow is stepping into the spotlight as it powers a new wave of smart IoT products, and real-world field trials are showing promising results. Discover how this low-power, long-range wireless technology is carving its niche in the ever-evolving landscape of connected devices!

Check out the CL-32, a nifty pocket-sized e-ink computer that packs a retro vibe with its sleek design, powered by an ESP32-S3. This little gadget combines nostalgic aesthetics with modern tech, making it a fun project for DIY enthusiasts and retro lovers alike!

A clever maker has designed a custom dev board that adds Wi-Fi capabilities to the Raspberry Pi Pico 2W using an ESP32 chip, opening up a whole new world of connectivity for this compact microcontroller.

Meet the Wican Pro, an innovative OBD scanner powered by the ESP32-S3 that not only tackles vehicle diagnostics but also seamlessly integrates with smart home systems.

Discover the cutting-edge benefits of silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics in a new ebook that highlights their efficiency, performance, and impact on various industries. Whether you're an engineer or just tech-curious, this resource dives into how SiC technology is revolutionizing power management.

Vitesco Technologies is shaking up the EV game by integrating gallium nitride (GaN) power devices into a sleek, passively cooled DC-DC converter. This innovative approach not only boosts efficiency but also cuts down on weight, making it a game-changer for electric vehicle performance and design.

The ESP32-C6 Trinkey packs a punch as a compact USB key that gives users Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Zigbee capabilities all in one sleek package.

Discover how electrostatic motors, which rely on electric fields rather than magnets, are poised to revolutionize small-scale applications with their incredible efficiency and minimal size. Engineers are exploring their potential in everything from micro-robots to aerospace technologies, making them a hot topic in the quest for greener energy solutions.

A groundbreaking collaboration between MIT and Harvard aims to revolutionize robot-human interactions by integrating sophisticated AI-driven language models into robotics. This innovative approach enhances communication, allowing robots to understand and respond to human instructions like never before, pushing the limits of automation and companionship.

Get ready to meet the upgraded Raspberry Pi Pico 2 microcontroller, boasting double the RAM, enhanced processing power, and better power efficiency. This new version is perfect for hobbyists and makers looking to turbocharge their projects with more capabilities and performance.

This week in the world of power tech, explore cutting-edge protection devices and innovative reference designs, along with a wild ride featuring one of the gnarliest e-bikes ever built. Gear up for some electrifying insights that push the boundaries of power technology!

Human-machine interfaces are rapidly evolving, reshaping how we interact with technology in our daily lives. From voice recognition to brain-computer interfaces, this piece dives into the fascinating developments that promise to make our connections with machines more intuitive and seamless than ever before.

Mouser Electronics and Infineon are hosting a webinar on August 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM CET. Attendees will learn about Matter protocol security, certificate management, and Infineon's provisioning services. Register to join live or receive a recording if you can't attend.

September 2024

IFA Berlin

Location: Berlin, Germany

Time: September 6-10, 2024

Description: IFA Berlin is a leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, showcasing the latest products and innovations.

Solar Power International (SPI)

Location: California, USA

Time: September 9-12, 2024

Description: Focuses on the solar energy industry, including solar electronics and photovoltaic technology.

International Conference on Quantum Technologies (ICQT)

Location: Berlin

Time: September 10-12, 2024

Description: Focuses on quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.

International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Electronics (ICEEE)

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Time: September 11-12, 2024

Description: Focuses on electrical engineering and electronics, including power systems, signal processing, and communication.

electronica India

Location: Uttar Pradesh, India

Time: September 11-13, 2024

Description: A key trade show in the Indian electronics industry, electronica India covers components, systems, applications, and more.

China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE)

Location: Shenzhen, China

Time: September 11-13, 2024

Description: Focuses on optoelectronic technologies, including optical communications, precision optics, and photonics.

PowerUP 2024

Location: Milan, Italy

Time: September. 18–19, 2024

Description: PowerUP 2024 is bringing the latest developments in power electronics engineering and renewable energy, debated by global industry leaders across keynotes, panels, and technical talks.

LED China

Location: Shanghai, China

Time: September 19-21, 2024

Description: Focuses on LED and LED lighting, displaying the latest products and technologies in the industry.

European Microwave Week (EuMW)

Location: Paris, France

Time: September 22-27, 2024

Description: A premier event for microwave, RF, wireless, and radar technologies, featuring conferences and an exhibition.

ECOC (European Conference on Optical Communication)

Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Time: September 23-25, 2024

Description: ECOC is a major conference and exhibition for the optical communication industry, featuring the latest in fiber optics and photonics.

European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC)

Location: Vienna, Austria

Time: September 23-27, 2024

Description: A leading event for the global solar PV sector, covering the latest research and developments in photovoltaic technology.

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