# Electronics Published articles for Electronics. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## DIY Puppet-Head Cyberdeck Packs a Linux Single-Board Computer, Display, Keyboard, and Webcam DevFeed: [DIY Puppet-Head Cyberdeck Packs a Linux Single-Board Computer, Display, Keyboard, and Webcam]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: JC Torres Published: 2026-09-17T17:20:30Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Yanko Design]() Topics: [Single Board Computer](), [Linux](), [Three.js webcam](), [Hardware](), [hdmi](), [Bluetooth](), [keyboard](), [USB]() Tags: [accessories](), [accessories-fashion-gadgets-technology-cyberdeck-diy-purse](), [bluetooth](), [cyberdeck](), [diy](), [electronics](), [engineering](), [fashion](), [gadgets](), [hdmi](), [keyboard](), [linux](), [purse](), [single-board-computer](), [technology](), [usb](), [webcam]() ### AI overview A DIY cyberdeck places a Linux-running single-board computer inside a furry puppet head. It includes a 5-inch HDMI screen, Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad, USB battery bank, and webcam, while an internal frame and mounting platform make room for both the electronics and the puppeteer's hand. ### Source excerpt This DIY Computer Build Looks Like a Muppet and Works Like a Real PC Nearly every DIY computer build chasing the cyberdeck label ends up looking like a prop from a gritty sci-fi film, all exposed wires and grungy... ## FREE-WILi 2 portable hacking multitool features two RP2350 MCUs, ESP32-C5, ICE40 FPGA, and Raspberry Pi CM0 DevFeed: [FREE-WILi 2 portable hacking multitool features two RP2350 MCUs, ESP32-C5, ICE40 FPGA, and Raspberry Pi CM0]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Debashis Das Published: 2026-09-09T00:00:02Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [CNX Software - Embedded Systems News]() Topics: [Embedded Systems](), [Raspberry Pi](), [ESP32-C5](), [Hardware](), [Hacking](), [Linux]() Tags: [802-15-4](), [ble](), [bluetooth](), [broadcom-bcmxxxx](), [c-c-plus-plus](), [can](), [electronics](), [embedded](), [esp32](), [esp32-c5](), [espressif](), [fpga](), [hack](), [hacking](), [hardware](), [lattice](), [linux](), [lora](), [meshtastic](), [nfc](), [open-hardware](), [python](), [raspberry-pi](), [raspberry-pi-rp2350](), [rfid](), [rust](), [security](), [som](), [stm32](), [stmicro-stm32](), [texas-instruments-simplelink](), [thread](), [tools](), [video](), [wi-fi](), [wifi-6](), [wireless](), [zigbee]() ### AI overview The FREE-WILi 2 Founder Edition is an open-hardware, portable multitool for hardware hackers, pentesters, and embedded-system developers. It combines two Raspberry Pi RP2350 MCUs, an ESP32-C5, a Lattice ICE40UP5K FPGA, and a Raspberry Pi CM0 capable of running a full Linux OS, along with touchscreen controls, expansion headers, and multiple wireless interfaces. ### Source excerpt The FREE-WILi 2 (Founder Edition) is an open-hardware, portable hacking multitool and lab designed for hardware hackers, pentesters, and embedded system developers. Designed as an "open electronics multitool," it combines a range of chips and modules into a handheld device, including two Raspberry Pi RP2350 MCUs, an ESP32-C5 for wireless connectivity, a Lattice ICE40UP5K FPGA, and a Raspberry Pi CM0 for running a full Linux OS. The device also features a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, a 14-button physical interface, and modular "Orca" headers for hardware expansion. Its wireless features include 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, sub-GHz RF, NFC, 125kHz RFID, and IR. These features make it very suitable for wireless testing, embedded hardware debugging, real-time control, electronics development, and retro gaming, with support for Adafruit Fruit Jam, PICO-8, and Doom. FREE-WILi 2 specifications: Compute Main MCUs - 2x Raspberry Pi RP2350B (One for main controls, one dedicated to display) SoM - Raspberry [...] The post FREE-WILi 2 portable hacking multitool features two RP2350 MCUs, ESP32-C5, ICE40 FPGA, and Raspberry Pi CM0 appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News. ## GPIBee (UsbGpib V3) USB-to-GPIB adapter gains Ethernet (PoE), but launches as closed-source hardware DevFeed: [GPIBee (UsbGpib V3) USB-to-GPIB adapter gains Ethernet (PoE), but launches as closed-source hardware]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) Published: 2026-09-02T10:13:55Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [CNX Software - Embedded Systems News]() Topics: [Ethernet](), [Hardware](), [USB](), [Embedded Systems](), [Open Source]() Tags: [electronics](), [embedded-systems](), [ethernet](), [firmware](), [hardware](), [linux](), [oscilloscope](), [poe](), [tools](), [usb](), [video]() ### AI overview XyphroLabs' GPIBee, formerly UsbGpib V3, is a USB-to-GPIB adapter that adds Ethernet with PoE, faster USB 2.0 connectivity, and web-based instrument front ends. Unlike the earlier UsbGpib V1 and V2 products, GPIBee launches as closed-source hardware. ### Source excerpt Last December, we wrote about XyphroLabs's UsbGpib open-source hardware, affordable, and portable USB-to-GPIB adapter designed for legacy GPIB/IEEE-488 instruments and offering modern hardware and software. At the time, the UsbGpib V3 was also in the works with Ethernet (PoE) support, and the good news is that it's now available, but named GPIBee. The less good news is that while V1 and V2 were both open-source hardware products (and still are), the GPIBee has been released as closed-source hardware for reasons we'll explain below. GPIBee specifications: Microcontroller - Not disclosed. But not the Microchip ATMega32U4 8-bit AVR MCU found in V2 since its USB interface is limited to 12 Mbps Host interfaces USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) Type-C port with support for four modes Full USBTMC (USB Test and Measurement Class) VXI-11 over USB-Ethernet (CDC NCM) linux-gpib native interface Prologix-compatible (++ commands) via CDC UART (virtual COM port) 10/100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 port [...] The post GPIBee (UsbGpib V3) USB-to-GPIB adapter gains Ethernet (PoE), but launches as closed-source hardware appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News. ## This custom motorized turntable makes welding easier DevFeed: [This custom motorized turntable makes welding easier]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Arduino Team Published: 2026-08-28T12:14:44Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Arduino Blog]() Topics: [Arduino]() Tags: [arduino](), [electronics](), [motor](), [motorized-turntable](), [rotary-table](), [rotation](), [speed](), [uno](), [welding](), [welding-table]() ### AI overview Greenhill Forge built an Arduino-controlled rotary welding table to rotate round workpieces at an adjustable, consistent speed. The design uses an Arduino UNO Rev3, a stepper motor with a gear reducer, a rotary encoder, and an OLED screen, while a ground strap provides a current path that keeps welding current away from the electronics. ### Source excerpt MIG welding isn't very difficult -- at least not until you need to weld something at a weird angle or over a long seam. Those situations will make your welds look like they were done by an inebriated amateur. The best way to handle that is by setting yourself up to maintain stability through the [...] The post This custom motorized turntable makes welding easier appeared first on Arduino Blog. ## Don't Buy a Raspberry Pi Just to Learn Raspberry Pi DevFeed: [Don't Buy a Raspberry Pi Just to Learn Raspberry Pi]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Patrick Fromaget Published: 2026-08-12T05:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [RaspberryTips]() Topics: [coding](), [Linux](), [networking](), [Security](), [Software](), [Databases](), [Server](), [Cloud]() Tags: [cloud-computing](), [coding](), [databases](), [electronics](), [learn](), [linux](), [networking](), [programming](), [quick-tips](), [raspberry-pi](), [security](), [software-development]() ### AI overview Raspberry Pi should be treated as a practical training ground rather than a standalone skill. The article recommends using it to learn Linux, coding, electronics, networking, security, databases, and related software skills through focused projects. ### Source excerpt Raspberry Pi isn't really a skill in itself. It's not something you'll put on your CV like Windows administration or Office use. So if you're buying a Raspberry Pi just to become "good at Raspberry Pi", you're missing the point. For me, Raspberry Pi is like a training ground where I can try out different... ## ESPHome launches a Starter Kit with four modules and an ESP32-C6 microcontroller DevFeed: [ESPHome launches a Starter Kit with four modules and an ESP32-C6 microcontroller]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Paulus Schoutsen Published: 2026-08-12T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [ESPHome - Smart Home Made Simple - Blog](), [Home Assistant]() Topics: [Home Assistant](), [ESP32](), [Microcontroller](), [Hardware](), [Automation]() Tags: [announcements](), [automation](), [electronics](), [esp32](), [esp32-c6](), [esphome](), [home-assistant](), [product](), [sensor](), [smart-home](), [usb]() ### AI overview ESPHome has launched its first official product, a Starter Kit produced by Apollo Automation. It includes four modules--motion, temperature and humidity, notification, and button--built around an ESP32-C6 microcontroller and designed to work with Home Assistant. ### Source excerpt Back in April during State of the Open Home 2026, we gave you a sneak peek of ESPHome's very first official product... And after months of hard work alongside the community, the ESPHome Starter Kit is here! 🎉 ## Open Sauce and GPS time were my summer AI Antiseptics DevFeed: [Open Sauce and GPS time were my summer AI Antiseptics]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-07-22T14:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [Data visualization](), [MicroPython](), [Claude](), [datasets](), [Code]() Tags: [ai](), [badge](), [claude](), [coding](), [data-visualization](), [electronics](), [experimentation](), [gps](), [micropython](), [open-sauce](), [projects](), [time](), [videos](), [visualization]() ### AI overview The author describes using Claude to build a 2,141-line MicroPython Badgeware app for a Pimoroni Tufty 2350 and Adafruit PA1010D GPS module. The GPS Time Badge uses GPS data to discipline the badge's internal real-time clock, although timing accuracy was limited by the hardware and BadgeOS architecture. The author also logged GPS satellite and fix-quality data and used Claude to create an interactive visualization, highlighting data visualization as a practical use of AI tools. ### Source excerpt In the midst of our AI slop revolution, traveling to the West coast for Open Sauce this past weekend was the perfect antiseptic for rising costs, summer heat, and online divisiveness. It's ironic, then, that I used Claude to vibe code my Tufty GPS Time Badge. Partly due to time constraints, and partly because I wanted to see if I could complete a personal project end-to-end, without editing a line of code, I throw my requirements at Claude and ultimately came up with this 2141-line MicroPython app for Pimoroni's Badgeware ecosystem. ## Not Every Raspberry Pi Project Is Worth Building DevFeed: [Not Every Raspberry Pi Project Is Worth Building]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Patrick Fromaget Published: 2026-07-13T04:18:49Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [RaspberryTips]() Topics: [Hardware](), [Linux](), [Server]() Tags: [amazon](), [electronics](), [hardware](), [home-automation](), [linux](), [nas](), [quick-tips](), [raspberry-pi](), [servers]() ### AI overview An opinion article argues that not every Raspberry Pi project is worth building. It highlights messy setups, cost, reliability concerns, and hardware limitations, comparing DIY projects such as security cameras, NAS devices, password managers, home automation, and irrigation systems with cheaper, more reliable commercial products. ### Source excerpt After writing 600+ Raspberry tutorials on RaspberryTips, it's easy to think a Raspberry Pi can do pretty much everything. And basically, it does. But does that mean it's a good idea to use a Raspberry Pi for anything? Probably not. The Raspberry Pi is an excellent tool to experiment with Linux servers or electronics and... ## Inaugural Music Technology Research Showcase celebrates work of new graduate program's initial students DevFeed: [Inaugural Music Technology Research Showcase celebrates work of new graduate program's initial students]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Dan Pecci | MIT Music and Theater Arts Published: 2026-06-29T19:00:00Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [MIT AI News]() Topics: [Computing](), [Artificial Intelligence]() Tags: [agustin-rayo](), [ai](), [ai-in-music](), [algorithms](), [anna-huang](), [artificial-intelligence](), [arts](), [electrical-engineering-and-computer-science-eecs](), [electronics](), [eran-egozy](), [event](), [graduate-postdoctoral](), [grisha-coleman](), [hip-hop](), [human-computer-interaction](), [machine-learning](), [mark-rau](), [media-lab](), [mit-class-21m-369-569-tuning-attention-creative-practices-in-movement-sound-and-ai](), [mit-music-and-theater-arts](), [mit-music-technology-and-computation-mtc-graduate-program](), [mit-music-technology-research-showcase](), [mit-schwarzman-college-of-computing](), [mit-shass](), [mit-soe](), [music](), [music-and-theater-arts](), [music-in-eeg-signals](), [music-technology](), [network](), [paris-smaragdis](), [paula-hammond](), [performance](), [performances](), [real-time](), [research](), [school-of-engineering](), [school-of-humanities-arts-and-social-sciences](), [special-events-and-guest-speakers](), [students]() ### AI overview MIT's Music Technology and Computation Graduate Program held its inaugural research showcase on May 13, featuring presentations and performances by its initial students, PhD students, and faculty. Projects included AI-assisted piano improvisation visualization, sound art using noisy network communication, dance-generated music, and EEG-based musical tune identification. ### Source excerpt Associate Professor Anna Huang delivers the keynote address, "In Search of Human-AI Resonance," to a capacity crowd. ## Improving the speed and energy-efficiency of AI agents DevFeed: [Improving the speed and energy-efficiency of AI agents]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Adam Zewe | MIT News Published: 2026-06-25T04:00:00Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [MIT AI News]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [agentic workflows](), [Loop Engineering](), [Green Software](), [Cloud](), [Microsoft](), [microsoft-azure]() Tags: [adam-belay](), [agentic-workflows](), [agents](), [ai](), [ai-agents](), [algorithms](), [artificial-intelligence](), [cloud](), [computer-science-and-artificial-intelligence-laboratory-csail](), [computer-science-and-technology](), [data](), [data-centers](), [defense-advanced-research-projects-agency-darpa](), [deployment](), [efficiency](), [electrical-engineering-and-computer-science-eecs](), [electronics](), [energy](), [energy-efficiency](), [gohar-chaudhry](), [machine-learning](), [microsoft](), [microsoft-azure](), [mit-schwarzman-college-of-computing](), [murakkab](), [research](), [school-of-engineering](), [software](), [sustainability](), [sustainable-computing](), [workflows]() ### AI overview MIT and Microsoft researchers developed Murakkab, a system that automatically designs and deploys agentic workflows by selecting models, tools, hardware configurations, and computational resources according to user priorities. Tests found that it reduced computational requirements, energy use, and costs without reducing performance. ### Source excerpt A new system, known as Murakkab, optimizes the design and deployment of multistep workflows that power AI applications. ## Halloween Spooktacular: Fog Machine Madness DevFeed: [Halloween Spooktacular: Fog Machine Madness]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: James Heller Published: 2023-09-26T21:50:49Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Apartment 304]() Topics: [circuit](), [Microcontroller](), [Reverse Engineering](), [Hardware](), [MIDI](), [Requirements]() Tags: [apartment-304](), [circuit](), [custom-software-solutions](), [devops](), [devops-engineer](), [electronics](), [hardware](), [requirements](), [reverse-engineering](), [software-architecture](), [software-development](), [software-engineer]() ### AI overview A Halloween automation project uses reverse engineering and circuit design to control a fog machine when trick-or-treaters are nearby. The article describes investigating the machine's 5-pin MIDI remote, designing a circuit with a microcontroller and LEDs, and isolating the connections to protect the controller from potentially damaging voltages. ### Source excerpt Go, k3s, NATS, circuit design, and fog. Oh the madness. A tale of over engineering. ## Meet "YCharts": an Opensource Jetpack Compose chart library. DevFeed: [Meet "YCharts": an Opensource Jetpack Compose chart library.]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Codeangi Published: 2023-07-13T06:29:03Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [ymedialabs-innovation - Medium]() Topics: [Compose](), [Jetpack Compose](), [Android](), [Graphs](), [Library](), [ui](), [Code]() Tags: [android](), [charts](), [charts-and-graphs](), [color](), [compose](), [electronics](), [graphs](), [ios](), [jetpack-compose](), [kotlin](), [kotlin-multiplatform](), [library](), [maven](), [signal](), [time](), [ui]() ### AI overview This article introduces Y-Charts, an open-source Jetpack Compose chart library for Android. It explains how the library integrates charts into existing UI, can be added through Maven, and supports customizable Cartesian, bar, line, and wave charts. ### Source excerpt Meet "Y-Charts": an Opensource Jetpack Compose chart library. GitHub - yml-org/YCharts: YCharts is a graph library for Android. Y-Charts is a Jetpack Compose-based charts/graphs library that enables developers to easily integrate various types of charts/graphs into their existing UI to visually represent statistical data. Jetpack Compose is Android's recommended modern toolkit for building native UI. Y-Charts leverages on powerful features of Jetpack Compose to deliver accurate and accessible results for users, and many reusable components allow it to be concise and lightweight also enabling developers to customize and add new charts with ease. Y-Charts Sample in action.Adding Y-charts to your project. You can add the library via Maven: https://medium.com/media/f3feb939f36855b0cec632a08a6c6fa8/hrefCharts in Y-Charts:1. Cartesian Charts: Cartesian charts, also known as coordinate charts or xy-charts, utilize a rectangular coordinate system with two perpendicular axes: the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical). These charts are particularly effective for displaying quantitative data and relationships between variables. AxisData: The AxisData model supplied to each chart item controls the behavior and appearance of X and Y axis labels, user can opt for default behavior via the builder and can customize according to their needs. Bar Charts: Bar charts use rectangular bars to represent data, where the length or height of each bar corresponds to its value. Y-Charts provides many customization including the orientation of the bar chart to achieve a horizontal-scroll behavior, along with grouping and stacking of bars. This enables users to visualize different types of bar charts with very few code changes. BarchartData and GroupBarChartData enable users to customize this behavior, additionally, users can change the appearance of the bars by using the BarStyle property. BarData represents the data for each bar shown in the chart. Following snippet shows the BarchartD ## Building a Smart Curtains System with the ESP32 DevFeed: [Building a Smart Curtains System with the ESP32]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: John Lee Published: 2022-11-23T00:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog on Developer Portal]() Topics: [ESP32](), [Home Assistant](), [MQTT](), [Hardware]() Tags: [automation](), [blog](), [electronics](), [esp32](), [home-automation](), [mqtt](), [pcb](), [smart](), [smart-curtain](), [smart-home]() ### AI overview A project article describes building an adaptable smart curtain system controlled by an ESP32-DevKitC. It uses a stepper motor, light sensor, thermistor, reed switch, custom PCB, Home Assistant, and MQTT to automate curtain movement. ### Source excerpt Recently, I've been sitting behind my computer, which is unluckily situated against a window. Sharp late-afternoon sunlight made me think about some intelligent system that recognizes this light and closes the curtains. As home automation has become more and more widespread in recent years, there are many options available on the market that solve most of the common problems we have daily. ## Raspberry Pi Gardening: Monitoring a Vegetable Garden using a Raspberry Pi - Part 2: 3D Printing DevFeed: [Raspberry Pi Gardening: Monitoring a Vegetable Garden using a Raspberry Pi - Part 2: 3D Printing]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Christian Hollinger Published: 2021-07-03T00:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Christian Hollinger]() Topics: [Raspberry Pi](), [3D](), [Python](), [Go Language](), [SQL]() Tags: [3d-printing](), [api](), [cad](), [electronics](), [go](), [i2c](), [low-level](), [maker](), [python](), [raspberry](), [raspberry-pi](), [rest](), [spi](), [sql]() ### AI overview This tutorial documents the second iteration of a Raspberry Pi system for monitoring sun and water exposure in a vegetable garden. It focuses on reducing cost and power consumption while improving the prototype for indoor and outdoor use, with discussion of 3D printing, electronics, programming, data, and CAD-related lessons. ### Source excerpt Part 2 of throwing Raspberry Pis at the pepper plants in my garden: On the topics of 3D printing, more bad solder jobs, I2C, SPI, Python, go, SQL, and failures in CAD. ## Raspberry Pi Gardening: Monitoring a Vegetable Garden using a Raspberry Pi - Part 1 DevFeed: [Raspberry Pi Gardening: Monitoring a Vegetable Garden using a Raspberry Pi - Part 1]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Christian Hollinger Published: 2021-04-25T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Christian Hollinger]() Topics: [Raspberry Pi](), [Monitoring](), [data]() Tags: [api](), [electronics](), [go](), [i2c](), [low-level](), [maker](), [monitoring](), [pi](), [python](), [raspberry](), [raspberry-pi](), [rest](), [spi]() ### AI overview This introductory project post describes using a Raspberry Pi and physical electronics to collect data while monitoring a vegetable garden. It presents the motivation, project scope, and the author's early experience with microcontrollers and soldered circuits. ### Source excerpt On how growing vegetables is more complicated than it looks, why bad soldering still works, on moving individual bits around, and what I learned about using technology where one probably does not need technology. ## 4K display on MacOS: the saga DevFeed: [4K display on MacOS: the saga]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Carlos Alexandro Becker Published: 2020-02-05T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Carlos Becker]() Topics: [macOS](), [hdmi](), [Bluetooth](), [dell]() Tags: [4k](), [adapter](), [apple](), [bluetooth](), [display](), [electronics](), [hdmi](), [lag](), [mac](), [macos](), [pretty](), [solved]() ### AI overview A personal account of configuring a Dell U2718Q 4K display with a MacBook Pro. The initial USB-C-to-HDMI setup produced 4K resolution at 30 Hz, while a USB-C-to-miniDisplayPort cable resolved the display problems described. ### Source excerpt I recently got a 4K display, and it didn't work as I expected on my MacBook Pro. This is what I tried, what worked and what didn't. ## Android Things: Remote Controlled Car - What's Coming Up DevFeed: [Android Things: Remote Controlled Car - What's Coming Up]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Wolfram Rittmeyer Published: 2017-02-09T05:41:34Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Grokking Android]() Topics: [Raspberry Pi](), [Hardware](), [coding]() Tags: [android](), [android-things](), [coding](), [electronics](), [hardware](), [lego](), [motor](), [project](), [raspberry-pi]() ### AI overview The author describes planning a family project to build a remote-controlled car using Android Things, a Raspberry Pi, Lego, and electronic components. A Pimoroni STS-PI kit is used as an initial prototype to understand the coding involved. ### Source excerpt Being an Android Developer, Google's announcement of Android Things immediately piqued my interest. As all the others I started out with buying one of the developer kits and then making some lights blink. Nice. But, well, if I have to be honest with myself, that was fun but actually of only limited use 🙂 Then [...] Continue Reading "Android Things: Remote Controlled Car - What's Coming Up" The post Android Things: Remote Controlled Car - What's Coming Up appeared first on Grokking Android. ## Broken Hardware, Fixes and Hacks over 8 Years DevFeed: [Broken Hardware, Fixes and Hacks over 8 Years]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2016-06-20T22:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Dennis Felsing]() Topics: [Hardware](), [Image]() Tags: [article](), [durability](), [electronics](), [experience](), [hardware](), [personal]() ### AI overview A personal overview of eight years of using, repairing, and working around failures in computing hardware. The article emphasizes frugal reuse and discusses common problems such as failed capacitors in consumer electronics. ### Source excerpt After reading the feedback of my recent article about running DDNet, I noticed that people found it interesting how I'm trying to minimize money and resources. I also noticed that I had been doing something similar with my personal computing hardware setup for an even longer time. I've mostly been using the same hardware for personal computation purposes over the last 8 years. In this article I want to talk about some of the hardware I've been using, how it broke and how I fixed the problems or worked around them. My goal was to be frugal about hardware, to keep using the same hardware for a long time and repair it when possible instead of simply buying new hardware. The reason for this post is that I'm moving and abandoning my old hardware setup. There may be some interesting tales in here. Depending on how you value your time it is probably cheaper to simply buy new stuff instead of repairing old ones, but I consider it a fun activity and a much more rewarding experience. Whether you call it planned obsolescence or just cheap manufacturing, it's a fact that electronic hardware tends to break rather quickly. Most reviews don't take any note of this and so it is difficult to find out which hardware to buy if you value durability. The best I can do is tell you what you should and should not have bought 8 years ago. For each of these topics there are probably much more detailed reports and guides online, so I will keep it short and just give an overview. If you're interested in fixing your own hardware, a search engine of your choice is your friend. Tools used The tools I use are absolutely simple: Mostly I just used a Weller WECP-20 for soldering, regular screwdrivers and some other, older hardware to steal replacement parts from. Nothing fancy and I don't claim to do anything special with it. Liquid-Crystal Displays Let's start with what in my experience was the most common problem in consumer electronics, resulting in their failure: broken capacitors Or at least it ## My chip collection DevFeed: [My chip collection]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Oona Räisänen (noreply@blogger.com) Published: 2015-01-16T17:54:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Oona Räisänen]() Topics: [Microcontroller](), [Playback](), [intel]() Tags: [collection](), [electronics](), [encoding](), [intel](), [keyboard](), [motor](), [playback](), [radio](), [receiver](), [voice]() ### AI overview A personal overview of a collection of salvaged vintage integrated circuits, describing chips used in radios, answering machines, telephones, motor control, audio playback, and older devices. ### Source excerpt Old IC (integrated circuit) packages are fun and I collect them. This involves going to flea markets to look for cheap vintage electronics like telephones, answering machines, radios or toys, and then desoldering and salvaging all the ICs and other interesting parts. Selected packages from my disorganized pile of chips follow. Most are POTS-related. Sony CXA1619BS A "one-chip-wonder", this is an FM/AM radio in a small package. It takes an RF signal (from the antenna) and an IF oscillator frequency as inputs and outputs demodulated monaural audio. Sanyo LA2805 This chip does general answering machine related tasks. It has a tape preamp for recording and playback; voice detector logic; beep detection using zero-crossing comparation; power amplifier; line amplifier; and pins for interfacing with a microcontroller. Unicorn Microelectronics UM91215C The UM91215C is a tone/pulse dialer. A telephone keyboard matrix is connected to the input pins, and the chip outputs DTMF-encoded audio or pulsed digits, depending on the selected dialing mode. An external oscillator needs to be connected as well. It can do a one-key redial of the last dialed number, and it can also flash the phone line. Holtek HT9170 A DTMF receiver, reversing the operation of UM91215C above. The chip, employing filters and zero-crossing detectors, is fed an external oscillator frequency and telephone line audio, and it outputs a four-bit code corresponding to the DTMF digit present in the signal. The use of external components is minimal, but a crystal oscillator is needed in this case as well. SGS-Thomson TDA1154 A speed regulator for DC motors, this chip can keep a motor running at a very stable speed under varying load conditions. In an answering machine, it is needed to keep distortions in tape audio in the minimum. Toshiba TC8835AN This chip can store and play back a total of 16 audio recordings of 512 kilobits in size. It also contains a lot of command logic, explained in a 40-page datasheet. Type of ## Before Python DevFeed: [Before Python]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Guido van Rossum (noreply@blogger.com) Published: 2011-07-25T18:17:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Guido van Rossum]() Topics: [Programming](), [Programming language](), [Python](), [Mathematics]() Tags: [computer](), [cpu-time](), [electronics](), [languages](), [mathematics](), [network](), [personal](), [programming](), [programming-languages](), [python](), [students](), [university]() ### AI overview The author recounts his early experiences with electronics, mathematics at university, punch-card computing, and early programming before Python. He reflects on how programming languages have changed and how programmers may write software in the future. ### Source excerpt This morning I had a chat with the students at Google's CAPE program. Since I wrote up what I wanted to say I figured I might as well blog it here. Warning: this is pretty unedited (or else it would never be published :-). I'm posting it in my "personal" blog instead of the "Python history" blog because it mostly touches on my career before Python. Here goes. Have you ever written a computer program? Using which language? HTML Javascript Java Python C++ C Other - which? [It turned out the students had used a mixture of Scratch, App Inventor, and Processing. A few students had also used Python or Java.] Have you ever invented a programming language? :-) If you have programmed, you know some of the problems with programming languages. Have you ever thought about why programming isn't easier? Would it help if you could just talk to your computer? Have you tried speech recognition software? I have. It doesn't work very well yet. :-) How do you think programmers will write software 10 years from now? Or 30? 50? Do you know how programmers worked 30 years ago? I do. I was born in Holland in 1956. Things were different. I didn't know what a computer was until I was 18. However, I tinkered with electronics. I built a digital clock. My dream was to build my own calculator. Then I went to university in Amsterdam to study mathematics and they had a computer that was free for students to use! (Not unlimited though. We were allowed to use something like one second of CPU time per day. :-) I had to learn how to use punch cards. There were machines to create them that had a keyboard. The machines were as big as a desk and made a terrible noise when you hit a key: a small hole was punched in the card with a huge force and great precision. If you made a mistake you had to start over. I didn't get to see the actual computer for several more years. What we had in the basement of the math department was just an end point for a network that ran across the city. There were card readers a