I wrote a small application to generate random circle patterns. You just specify the width and height of the rectangle to fill and the application will fill the area with the circles you specified. The result can be exported in SVG format to use it in other applications. Interface Elements Width, Height: These define the…
Build a 3D Printer Enclosure
Today, something slightly off-topic. This post is a short tutorial on how to build a heavy and solid 3D-printer enclosure. It uses a fully parametric design, where you can adjust the important dimensions – therefore it should work with a wide range of 3D-printer and materials. Update 1: Added some photos, illustrating the process.Update 2:…
Always-On Firmware Example
Recently I published a simplified version of the Always-On project hardware. Read this post for details. Today I publish a firmware example for the Always-On project. This firmware is written for the PlatformIO environment using Visual Studio Code. It is using a special adaption of my HAL layer for PlatformIO using the Arduino layer for…
My Favourite Board Connectors
In most of my last projects, I used nice miniature connectors from TE. This is, again, no sponsored post. If you ever evaluated connectors, you may know how overwhelming the range of products is. I like to introduce these connectors to you, in the hope you find them as useful as I do. 😅 I…
Well Made Boards from PCBWay
I received new boards from PCBWay for the Always-On project. They are well made for a really low price. As you can see in the previous image, the layer alignment is very good. Also, I do not have to worry about small fonts on the silk layer. I use 1mm labels and fine 0.2mm lines…
Excellent Cases from Distrelec’s RND Brand
First, this is no sponsored post. I like to put my devices into a nice case. It does not only look more professional, but it also protects the electronics from dust and water. If you ever searched for a nice case, you probably know how overwhelming the offered range of enclosures is. Nicer ones, with…
Always-On Project
I just finished a new project, which is called Always-On. This project is a simple bidirectional bridge between the mains-voltage installation and an Adafruit Feather board as a controller. The idea is to have a device integrated into the electric installation. It works as a smart light switch, monitors power lines or works as a…
Stencils from OSH Stencils Arrived
Today the stencils from OSH Stencils arrived for the Swiss precision timer project. I used to work with steel stencils for all my previous projects, therefore the polyimide film (3mil) ones feel very flimsy to me. I will see how they will perform adding the solder paste. Pricing The cost of the two stencils, without…
Small Boards for the Swiss-Precision Timer
I am working on several projects and one of them is called “Swiss-Precision Timer”. It is no art-related project, but like like a small utility. The prototype boards were produced by PCBWay in very good quality. It is a two-layer board, just 37x18mm (1.46″x0.71″) in size. There are a number of really small SMD parts…
How to Write Custom Snowflake Patterns
In this article, I will discuss how to write custom patterns for your snowflake decoration. This is a rather advanced topic, and there are a number of prerequisites that are required and listed below. Nevertheless, it is rewarding to you see your very own pattern displayed on the decoration. You must solder a 5-pin programming…