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…
Author: Lucky Resistor
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…
Programming the Snowflake Decoration
In this brief article, I will discuss the requirements to flash a custom firmware to your Pimoroni snowflake decoration. I assume you have some programming knowledge and have previously worked with an Arduino Uno or Adafruit Feather. Required Hardware For the Pimoroni version:5 pin programming header. One for each snowflake. SWD programmer. Jumper cables or adapter…
Candlelight Effect
Here I briefly document a very realistic candlelight effect you can build with very few components. It works best if the device is placed in a jar or behind a screen, where the Neopixel ring is not in direct sight. You will find all the required information, schema and the firmware to build the device….