Got a heads up from Amazon that one of my device batteries was low. Gotta give it to the battery, it lasted quite longer than I anticipated. So, I peeked into the device usage history, which was a trove of data Amazon has kindly stored. In fact, I wrote a web scraper to download all this data. Sadly, records only go back to two weeks. Nevertheless, I plotted the data and surprisingly the pattern revealed that battery level gets affected by temperature change. Cool, isn't it? Finally managed to change the battery. Also, I might just plug in a rechargeable...
In this video, I engage in a deeper exploration of USB testing, encountering a range of trials and tribulations along the way. First up, I attempt to test a couple of USB cables and discuss their data lines' peculiar situatedness. Then, I delve into the assembly of the PCB boards, sourced from PCBWay, which surely turned into a learning voyage than an easy sail. The first version faced challenges of misordered large-frame stencil, unseen connection problems, and even DRC errors in the submission process. Not dwell on that, I redesign and bring to table Version 2, complete with USB connectors...
In this video, I dive into the exciting world of the ejection mechanism for a DVD player. The hook which mechanically keeps the DVD player in check is an essential piece of the puzzle. Also noteworthy is a small micro switch, which ensures the device acknowledges when a DVD is fully in. With a bit of blue-tack trickery, we convince the DVD player there's a DVD inserted. The key players are this cam-shaped, blue protrusion and worm gear. In a clever turn of events, the movement of these components manipulates the hook controlling the ejection. Quite astute of our humble...
In this experiment-filled video, I explore the inner workings of a resistor box I spotted on the EEVBlog channel. With its ability to adjust in increments down to 0.1 ohms, I was fascinated, but also noticed the binding posts could do with an upgrade. Upon inspection, I was intrigued by the simple yet clever construction and the possibility of enhancing the durability of the copper with some nickel plating. Navigating through the potential challenge of the resistors on the PCB, I embark on the journey of creating a homemade nickel plating solution. A few hiccups, adjustments, and an hour later,...
In this video, I walk you through the transition from EasyEDA to KiCad for your PCB designs. While we lose the tight integration with LCSC parts, we gain the ability to export 3D models in KiCad. I discuss the challenges of finding certain components and how a handy script can help pull LCSC components into KiCad. We also explore how to position and adjust components correctly. Needing enclosures for your design? We discuss how to export these 3D models for review and even import them into Fusion360. To top it off, I mention the value in using PCBWay for your...
In this video, I explore and dissect a 16-bit handheld gaming machine that hosts 160 Sega games. This interesting gadget priced at twenty dollars is surprisingly accurate to the original Sega console. After unboxing and testing the game Golden Axe, I opened it up to check out the internal components like the pcb, chips, battery pack and controls. Although it's not very hackable, as the functionality lies under an epoxy blob, this little machine was a treat to disassemble and reassemble, all while still keeping its functionality intact. With a dash of nostalgia and quality gaming in a handheld package,...
In today's project update, I'm excited to share that my ESP32-TV boards, fresh from PCBWay, are operating flawlessly! We've successfully dealt with the USB2244 conflict with the ESP32, and the battery charging issue is now a thing of the past. We've also made some awesome additions like a microphone to our board. The real MVP though, is the USB2244 chip that’s given us significantly improved read/write speeds - making it perfect for handling video files. Next on the agenda, figuring out a solution for the non-standard display connector. As ever, there’s progress, there’s problems, and there's David Bowie animated gifs!...
In this video, I've made some fascinating explorations with the ESP32 S3 chips and TinyS3 boards from Unexpected Maker. Intriguingly, even without a DAC converter, S3 chips can produce an audio waveform. I've played around with a basic RC filter to reconstruct the analogue audio signal from a PDM signal. The result was quite impressive for a board without a native DAC! I also discussed the possibility of creating a simple amplifier using just a MOSFET as a switch. Finally, I gave a peek into some of my new boards from PCBWay and looked at how Delta Sigma modulation can...
In my latest discovery, I found an incredibly efficient visualization tool from the last outpost workshop that upgrades how I check the status of the GPIO pins on my ESP32. It's super simple to use and allows me to monitor pin activities directly. I set up a couple of LEDs and a button on various GPIO pins to demonstrate its effectiveness and the results were fantastic. Although it currently supports only digital input and output and PWM, I'm optimistic it will expand with time. Thanks to the open-source community, you can find the setup instructions in a GitHub repo. This...
In this festive video, I did an unboxing of unexpected gifts I received from Australia by The Unexpected Maker! Among the cool stuff I got included a TinyC6, Bling and its box, and an amazing Unexpected Maker watch with a number of impressive features like time display, message options, and accelerometer. Pushing my luck, I also got my Christmas present a day early and gave it a quick Wi-Fi connection. Overall, an exciting watch with a microphone, buzzer and an esp32 S3. Also, I gave a brief look at my new USB 32 TV boards being manufactured and contemplated running...
We had a blast going live for our exciting Christmas quiz! We started by whipping up some suspense, dealing with a few technical glitches, a tiny bit of trippy feedback, and some legendary guests. We had James, Brian, Pat, and Desi – the real stars of live streaming! With the rules set out - not questioning Santa, we navigated through a wave of Christmas and science-themed questions. From 1980s computers and the first SMS message to hormones, physics, electronics, and space exploration – we had it all. We even added a splash of math and popular culture into the mix....
So, I got this nifty 2x2 meter 400 LED curtain and immediately went to work dismantling it. The LED strands are tapped off the main wire, rather than daisy-chained, which is a departure from the norm. Turns out, these LEDs are pre-programmed, allowing them to intelligently latch onto the right serial data. Unraveling the control unit, we see an IR receiver and other key components responsible for driving the LED strings. Despite my misgivings about deciphering in-built Bluetooth characteristics, I hooked the circuit back up with our dependable WLED software and got some amazing grid patterns. Interestingly, the LEDs operated...
In this video, I've decided to dive deep into the ESP32-S3, a module ruling my lab recently due to its plug-in-and-play functionality, and the flexibility offered by its GPIO matrix. However, working with it requires vigilance, especially with regard to the strapping pins and USB data pins, among others. Discovering such quirks, I've encountered unexpected values, short glitches and the occasional code crash. To help you avoid these bumps, I've documented everything I've learned on my GitHub repo, where I'm inviting you, my fellow makers and engineers, to contribute your valuable experiences and findings. After a minor hiccup with my...
Buckle up folks, this video is a thrilling one! There's everything from unboxing my new ESP32 TV boards that arrived from PCB Way to discovering some hidden issues. We're talking about some pesky problems, surprises, and even a potential catastrophic error that could've led to a disaster. The main dish is the high-speed SD card access over USB - ultimately achieving a whooping transfer rate! But, the journey is a roller-coaster ride, from the project completely failing initially, to some smart hacks and triumphant moments. All the peripherals worked well, from the display to the sound amplifier and even the...
In today's captivating episode, I take a shot at home printed PCBs rather than buying from our faithful PCBWay, leading to some riveting discoveries. Using a stunning Voltera machine, my single-sided print echoed a glistening marshmallow-like texture that was cured just lovely in the oven. Encountering limitations, such as weak conductive ink bonds and layout tricks, brought on new challenges but also widened my horizon for potential improvements, such as considering a direct USB connection experiment. Despite issues, our creation came to life through intriguing stages of soldering, placement, and reflow, resulting in a successful quick prototype with operational LEDs...
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With my growing list of USB-C powered devices and just one cable, I found myself underpowered on my bench. My solution? Scouring the depths of AliExpress for USB-C power delivery, QC2, and QC3 step-down converters. After initially purchasing individual boards, I struck gold with an ultra-convenient 4-in-one board. Paired with a Meanwell power supply, I enjoyed pushing my new setup to its limits with the MiniWare electronic load tester. Although managing to pull a decent 65W, I'm dreaming up a 3D printed enclosure and eyeing up MiniWare's display modules for future improvements. I reckon, while I'm battling delayed PCBs and...
In this DIY assembly venture, I decided to tackle the challenge of designing a safer casing for the bare, open mains connections on my LRS-200-24 power supply. To add to the challenge, the connector size was surprisingly wide and deep, which created hurdles in 3D printing the perfect box. I tried several renditions, from printing in separate parts to changing the design into a tubular construction, but these ventures resulted in a bit of a printing scrap heap. After discovering a sturdy, push-fit, slimmer connector online, my 3D printing journey went a little smoother, resulting in a front panel that...
In this video, we explore the disappointingly slow data writing speed of the ESP32 when reading and writing to an SD card in our TinyTV project. With 500 kilobytes/sec reading and a dismal 270 kilobytes/sec writing, we embark on an adventure to find a solution. After ditching the Arduino code in favor of IDF functions, we discover incredible improvements. Seeing potential risks, I propose a truly bonkers plan: using a IC to interface SD cards with USB with a USB multiplexer switch and another switch to alternate between ESP32 and the GL823. This could be a total disaster, but I'm...
In my exploration for the fastest JPEG decoder for the ESP32, I trod a path from the original JPEG decoder library at 109 milliseconds, to the accelerated TJPEG decoder at 55 milliseconds, and finally the impressive JPEG dec library at 32 milliseconds. But wait, there's more. Along came a GitHub issue suggesting decoding JPEG with SIMD, efficiently working wonders at a decoding speed of just 20 milliseconds. However, it threw a curveball when it came to drawing. The decoding process doesn't overlap with the pixel transfer making it slower than expected. It does bring great benefits for streaming JPEGs though,...
In this video, we successfully navigated the convoluted process of setting up movie file playback from an ESP32 with an SD card. There were a few bumps along the way, such as confusing USB data pins and the intricacies of various video container formats, but our quirky PCBWay board came through. Discussed an ingenious method of creating a simple custom video container format with ffmpeg that can be effortlessly parsed by the ESP32. And yes, even though the tiny TV guys use AVI files, we pushed boundaries and learned a thing or two about list chunks, sub formats, and hex...