VoltJots

We have another packed newsletter for you this week, especially on the project and product front. Here's a small selection to whet your appetite:

• Discover the Raspberry Pi RP2040 bug that impacts pull-down resistor functionality.

• Learn how to set up a web serial camera stream with Arduino.

• Explore transforming an ATmega328P into a fully-functional Programmable Logic Controller on a PCB.

• Check out an advanced air sensing module featuring seven sensors, a microcontroller, and AI-driven firmware.

• Enhance your home automation with the ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit for improved voice recognition.

• See LilyGo's new compact T-Display-S3 AMOLED variant for vibrant visuals and versatile capabilities.

Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller has a bug that causes faulty pull-down behavior on resistors

The Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller has a glitch that messes with the expected behavior of pull-down resistors, potentially leading to faulty readings in your projects. If you're working with this chip, you might want to dig into the details to avoid any frustrating troubleshooting!

Electronica 2024 Paves the Way for the All-Electric Society

Electronica 2024 is gearing up to showcase innovative technologies that push us closer to an all-electric society, highlighting electrification in transportation, renewable energy, and smart grids.

Picade Max Review: Two-Player DIY Retro Arcade for Raspberry Pi

The Picade Max packs a punch for retro gaming enthusiasts, combining a sleek arcade cabinet design with impressive specs that support various classic games. With its vibrant 24-inch display and customizable controls, this mini arcade delivers a nostalgic gaming experience that's both fun and stylish.

The Past, Present, and Future of Electronics as a Hobby

Explore the evolution of electronics as a hobby, from its DIY roots to today's tech-savvy landscape, highlighting how amateur enthusiasts have shaped the field. Dive into the tools, trends, and community spirit that keep this vibrant hobby alive and thriving!

Web Serial Camera stream with Arduino

Discover how to set up a web serial camera stream using Arduino, allowing you to capture and transmit images directly to your browser. This guide breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for anyone looking to dive into DIY electronics and web connectivity!

PLC on a PCB with ATmega328P

Dive into the fascinating world of PLCs with an innovative project that integrates the ATmega328P microcontroller onto a PCB, turning it into a fully-functional Programmable Logic Controller.

Adding real-time local voice controls to a SMARS Quad Mod robot with an Arduino RP2040 Connect

Unlock the potential of your Smars Quad Mod robot by adding real-time local voice controls using a sleek Arduino RP2040 Connect setup. This guide dives into the step-by-step process of integrating voice commands, making your robotic companion even cooler and more interactive.

One Button for IO and Power Control

Check out how a simple button can revolutionize the way you manage your devices with a super handy hack for controlling both I/O and power.

MIFARE Poetry with Arduino UNO R4 WiFi

Take a dive into the fascinating blend of poetry and technology with Roni Bandini's MIFARE Poetry project! Using an Arduino Uno R4 WiFi, Bandini creates a unique interactive experience where NFC cards reveal poetic verses, merging literature with innovative electronics in a way that's both thought-provoking and fun.

DinoLogic Leap

Adam Taylor’s DINOlogic Leap project is a fascinating FPGA-based solution for playing the Google Chrome Dino Game.

HDSP-2000 Wrist Watch

The HDSP-2000 wristwatch is a project that combines vintage technology with modern elements. It features a classic LED display, blending creativity and nostalgia into a distinctive timepiece.

Pi in Disguise

A Raspberry Pi sneaks into classic gaming with a unique case design that transforms it into a retro console. This clever project combines nostalgia with modern tech, appealing to gamers and makers alike—check it out to see how you can jump into the gaming renaissance!

Fuel Level Monitor with 15 Segments Bar-Graph Display

Here’s a nifty project that showcases how to create a fuel level monitor using a 15-segment bar graph display. It’s a great blend of electronics and practicality, perfect for anyone looking to spruce up their DIY skills while keeping an eye on fuel levels!

Air sensing module boasts 7 sensors, MCU and AI firmware

Discover a cutting-edge air monitoring module that packs seven sensors, a microcontroller, and AI-driven firmware all into one compact package. This innovative tech not only enhances air quality analysis but also makes it smarter and more efficient, setting the stage for a new era in environmental monitoring.

Raspberry Pi CatBot monitors for stray cats and texts you a photo

Meet the genius CatBot, a Raspberry Pi-powered invention that snaps photos of stray cats and texts them straight to your phone!

Card-playing robot has Raspberry Pi brain and 3D printed arm

A clever card-playing robot is turning heads with its Raspberry Pi brain and a snazzy 3D-printed arm, showcasing a fun blend of tech and creativity. Check out how this little gizmo manages to outsmart its human opponents at the card table!

Automotive ideal diode protects against -65V

Learn about how a new automotive ideal diode offers robust protection against voltage spikes up to 65V, ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical components in vehicles.

Integrated motor driver and controller bundles ESP32-S3 and TMC2209 for IoT applications

Explore the latest innovation in IoT applications with the integrated motor driver and controller combo featuring the ESP32-S3 and TMC2209.

ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit: XMOS XU316 and XIAO ESP32S3 Integration for Voice Recognition and Home Automation

Discover how this nifty kit can transform your living space into a smart haven with just your voice! The ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit combines the power of the XMOS XU316 and the Xiao ESP32S3 to enhance your voice recognition capabilities and streamline home automation.

LILYGO Refreshes the Circular T-RGB with a New, More Compact T-Display-S3 AMOLED Variant

LilyGo has unveiled a sleeker version of their Circular T RGB, now featuring a compact T-Display S3 AMOLED that packs a punch with enhanced visuals and performance. This exciting upgrade is set to energize your projects with its vibrant display and versatile capabilities, making it a must-check-out for tech enthusiasts and makers!

Why Class D Amplifiers Need Anti-Parallel Diodes

Class D amplifiers rely on efficient switching to deliver powerful sound, but they need anti-parallel diodes to prevent issues like voltage spikes and distortion. Discover how these diodes work their magic, enhancing performance and reliability in your audio systems!

B4 Thinker - 4 bit home brewed computer

Check out the B4 Thinker, a quirky 4-bit home brewed computer project that showcases the unique challenges and creative triumphs of building a simple, yet functional, computing machine from scratch, making it a nostalgic trip for tech enthusiasts and a great example of hands-on innovation.

Microcontrollers Are Great — But Don’t Pass Up Conventional Electronics

Microcontrollers may seem like the ultimate solution for all your electronic projects, but the article makes a compelling case that sometimes good old conventional electronics can do the job better and more efficiently. It dives into the balance between embracing modern tech and recognizing the practicality of simpler solutions, making you rethink how you tackle your next project!

Hints for designing your first boost converter

Transform your power electronics skills with practical tips for designing your first boost converter! This insightful guide breaks down essential concepts and best practices, helping you navigate the challenges and achieve efficient voltage amplification.

Digital pot can control gain over a 90 dB span like an electromechanical

Discover how a digital potentiometer can dynamically manage gain over an impressive 90 dB range, rivaling traditional electromechanical solutions. This tech offers precision and versatility, making it a game-changer for audio processing and control applications!

You can run a minimal Linux distro on Raspberry Pi’s new RP2350 microcontroller

Raspberry Pi's new RP2350 microcontroller opens the door to running a lightweight Linux distro, showcasing its potential far beyond simple tasks. This intriguing development promises to boost the versatility of Raspberry Pi devices, making them even more appealing for tech enthusiasts and makers alike!

September 2024