November Roundup
November Roundup
It's the end of November - have you sent you your list of gadgets off to Santa yet?
Welcome to the November Roundup!
It’s the end of November and we’ve got another round of exciting projects and thought-provoking reads.
There’s been some fantastic content over the last month: Jump into the world of affordable, compact display solutions with Brian Lough’s latest obsession, the CYD. Get a better understanding of virtual memory with Low Byte Productions. Follow along with Clem from element14 as he discusses the journey from prototyping to production. Share in Atomic14's PCB troubleshooting challenges and James Sharman's SNES controller interface endeavour. And finally, watch a nice bit of geek bling being created.
Read on, watch closely, and get ready to expand your horizons.
Things To Watch
Say Hello To The Cheap Yellow Display (CYD)
Join Brian Lough as he presents his current favourite device for building projects - the inexpensive and easy-to-use ESP32-2432S028R - now christened as the 'CYD'. The CYD is a feature-packed platform with an ESP32 microcontroller, a touchscreen LCD, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, SD Card, RGB LED and an audio amplifier! All for the princely sum of $15!
Deconstructing Virtual Memory
Low Byte Productions continue their deep dives into the world of operating system concepts as they examine the intricate workings of the virtual memory subsystem. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced enthusiast in operating systems, this video promises invaluable insights.
Transforming a Prototype into a Product
Over on element14 Clem takes you on the journey of turning a prototype USB hack-tool dubbed 'sudostick' into a practical, manufacturable product. Uncover interesting conversations around the drastic differences between making a prototype and a manufacturable product.
The Pitfalls of PCB Prototyping
Atomic14's ESP32 TV board prototype encounters a series of problems. Among them lies a potentially catastrophic error. Can you spot the issue?
SNES Controller Interface Part 3
James Sharman has a go at creating a custom PCB for a SNES controller interface. From an initial look at a breadboard prototype, James walks us through every step of the process - from the detailed schematic to creating the PCB layout.
Glamorous Geek Jewellery
Channeling his inner Mr T, Matt Venn showcases the intersection of fashion and technology, detailing the construction of a one-of-a-kind piece featuring gold anodised aluminium, printed circuit boards, and exclusive ASIC chips.
It’s Another Audio Analyzer!
The Electronic Engineer is at it again with another audio analyzer. This time there’s something special about it!
Things To Look Forward To!
It’s the event of the year! The atomic14 Christmas Quiz!!
Things To Read
Microscopic Marvels Showcase
It’s the winners of the 2023 Photomicrography Competition - amazing really close up photography. I’m often looking at things through a microscope as my eyesight is terrible, but I’ve never captured photos like this!
Emergency GPS Board
We don’t know if this was some promotional board, or an actual product that was shipped, but it’s pretty cool. It’s even got a flashing red light on it! There’s not much information on it, but there’s short thread with some ideas around it.
No CM5 Module? No Problem!
Frustrated by the lack of a CM5 module? Well, fret no more - here we have the power of RPi 5 in the CM4 form-factor.
$5 ESP32 Based Occupancy Sensor
This clever maker revamped college dining hall occupancy sensors using a budget-friendly ESP32 microcontroller.
Robotic Hand Breakthrough
Researchers at ETH Zurich have made significant advancements in 3D printing, enabling the creation of robotic hands that closely mimic human anatomy with precise bones, ligaments, and tendons.
ESP32-S3 Which Pins Should I use?
Ever wondered which pins on the ESP32-S3 you can use? Here’s a handy guide that should prove useful.
Closing Thoughts
That’s it for November, the next edition will drop just before Christmas so I expect it to be full of festive fun and cheer!
I’m always impressed at the projects and content that appear in each newsletter whether it’s the clever use of new displays like the CYD, revelations in virtual memory, or the magic of microelectronics and 3D printing, each project brings us closer to understanding the sheer potential that lies in the fusion of technology and imagination.
As always, we’re incredibly grateful for your continued readership and enthusiasm for the newsletter. Your support is what keeps us going!
Please continue to share your projects, insights, and feedback with us - they're what make the maker community such an extraordinary place.