September 2023 Round Up
Autumn is just around the corner and right on cue, we're back with another array of thrilling videos and a delightful mix of articles in our September edition.
Welcome to the September Edition!
Winter is coming and the long summer days are starting to disappear - but don’t feel down - that just means that you’ll have more time for projects! September was a bumper month for videos and we’ve got a fantastic selection of things to watch from building mechanical keyboards all the way through to streaming video on your ESP32.
Tiny Tapeout 5 is launching soon as well - so if you’ve ever wanted to design your own ASIC, now’s your chance.
We’ve also got a bunch of interesting articles to read from the history of the C language, watch hacking, musical calculators to a looking deep inside how coffee is made.
Things To Watch
Mechanical Keyboard - From Scratch
Join Clem from element14 presents as he embarks on a mission to craft a wireless keyboard entirely from scratch. With his love for open-source, he challenges the status quo with his own custom firmware and eccentric keyboard layout.
KiCad Error Fixes with Mayer Makes
Mayer Makes breaks down an elusive error in the new version of KiCad and offers an easy fix. Join him as he locates and corrects a missing element in a schematic file, ensuring a smooth operation of your KiCad software.
How an Operating System Boots
Explore programming at its core with Low Byte Productions as they delve into the fascinating world of Operating Systems, specifically the Unix-based XV6, in their new series 'Source Dive'.
Solar-Powered RC Buggy: How To Guide
Join Jonathan R as he upgrades his own RC buggy into an innovative, sun-tracking, solar energy-powered machine. Learn from his step-by-step guide, as he meticulously details the necessary materials and wiring process, plus a few handy tips and tricks.
TinyTV Triumph: Wi-Fi and Remote Control
Dive into a riveting journey with atomic14, as they successfully navigate the complexities of creating a working version of TinyTV. In this video, atomic14 walks us through the challenging process of securing a smooth stream over Wi-Fi, decoding JPEGs, and even adding a remote control.
Mastering Microelectronics with the Tigard
Dive into the awe-inspiring world of microelectronics with the channel Psychogenic Technologies! In this engaging tutorial, viewers are introduced to the powerful Tigard, a multipurpose USB interface that streamlines the process of programming microcontrollers and testing chip APIs.
Things To Do!
Tiny Tapeout 5
Tiny Tapeout 5 has launched and you can submit a design now for the next ASIC tapeout. Submissions close on the 4th of November. To see what other people made, check out the Tiny Tapeout 4 project page here.
Things To Read
The Genesis of the C Language
Walk through the intriguing history of the C programming language, originated in the early 1970s as a system implementation language for the Unix operating system. Follow the language's evolution from its humble beginnings on the DEC PDP-7 to becoming one of the most dominant languages in the computing industry.
Discovering the Potential of the Timex m851
Ever thought of a runner's watch doubling as an ultra-low power digital device? The Timex m851 does exactly that, using an 8-bit Seiko SC188 CPU, equipped with a battery lasting up to 3 years! The real surprise comes with its Software Development Kit (SDK), turning this handy timepiece into a playground for makers and tinkerers. Despite an outdated development wizard, it offers an unexpectedly fun hacking experience.
The Kraftwerk Pocket Calculator
In 1981, pioneering electronic band Kraftwerk not only celebrated the emerging digital age with their hit song “Pocket Calculator” but also released their own promo item, a Casio calculator that doubled as a musical synthesizer. This fascinating throwback highlights how the band intersected music, technology, and playfulness, even providing simple 'sheet music' for fans to recreate Kraftwerk classics.
Spot Robot Dog Now Available
Summary: Boston Dynamics has now put up its Spot robot dog for sale, yours for just $74,500! If you've ever wanted a dog that never ages, never needs to eat, and never poops, this may be your only chance - or the start of a new robotic pet revolution. Claim your piece of the future today!
Scan of The Month - Coffee
Take a journey through the tools and techniques that have shaped modern coffee culture. From the advent of the Moka Express to the scientific precision of the AeroPress, this article showcases how coffee apparatus have developed over time.
Final Thoughts
Another month, another wonderful array of ideas shared with you in our humble newsletter. As the evenings draw in, it's the perfect time to delve into your next project with some inspiration from our featured content.
We always appreciate your feedback and suggestions - don't forget to leave a comment below! Please make sure you share this newsletter with anyone you know who'd enjoy it as much as you do. Until next time, stay inspired and keep creating!