last modified: October 23, 2025
Posted on 2019-12-23— Projects
I received 3mil polyimide stencils from OSH Stencils for my Swiss precision timer project. They feel flimsy compared to the steel stencils I usually use, but cost much less. I’ll test solder paste application and the first prototype in the coming weeks — please read the full post for results.
Posted on 2019-12-12— Projects
I’m building a small utility called the Swiss-Precision Timer and just received prototype 37x18mm two-layer boards from PCBWay. They’re populated with tiny SMD parts I plan to reflow using a stencil. The project is still a prototype — I’ll share assembly notes and updates once I solder the first version. Please read on.
Posted on 2019-12-07— Projects
I’ll walk you through creating custom patterns for your snowflake decoration, covering double-buffering, frame-sync, non-linear PWM, fixed-point math and the scene interface in C++. If you can solder and use an SWD programmer, read on for practical examples and a ready-to-edit User scene template.
Posted on 2019-11-30— Projects
I walk you through flashing custom firmware to your Pimoroni snowflake decoration using an SWD J-Link and Atmel Studio. I cover hardware, wiring, software setup, and step-by-step build and flash instructions so you can safely program your boards. Read the full guide for tips and troubleshooting.
Posted on 2019-11-25— Projects
I built a compact Neopixel-based candlelight decoration with a DS3231 RTC and share the schematic, firmware, and build tips here. It's best placed behind a screen or in a jar. Read the full post for parts, assembly photos, and configuration notes to recreate it yourself.
Posted on 2019-11-23— Projects
I walk through creating custom wiring for the snowflake decoration, covering layouts, cable choices, current and voltage-drop math, and a simple power supply board for Pimoroni kits. If you want practical tips and diagrams to wire your own design, please read the full guide.
Posted on 2019-11-22— Projects
I walk you through the Snowflake v1.2 firmware's button-based configuration: short vs long presses, auto and single modes, LED indicators, and pattern durations. I explain the six-second timeout and that settings aren't saved after power loss—please read the full post for step-by-step usage and tips.
Posted on 2019-11-18— Projects
I wanted to capture the tiny, spiky corona of light from a snowflake decoration on video and found it challenging. After experiments I developed a simple effect that better conveys the sparkling as seen by the eye. Read on to see my approach, results, and how you can try it yourself.
Posted on 2019-11-15— Projects
I've been making videos of my LED snowflake decorations, but they still fall short of the live sparkle and diffraction I see. I explain the problems—blinding LED peaks and weak diffraction spikes—and invite you to read the post to watch the clips and see my plan to add digital effects.
Posted on 2019-08-18— Common, Projects
I added a stable Hitachi LCD driver to the HAL layer, using an MCP23008 backend to cut wiring and simplify hardware. This post walks through parts, firmware repositories, and how to run the demo via serial shell. Read the full article for setup steps, code links, and usage tips.
Posted on 2019-06-19— Projects
I built a simple, modular CMake-based toolchain for Adafruit Feather M0 boards that reuses Arduino tools while giving full build control. It’s aimed at prototype work and HAL development on macOS and Linux. If you’re curious, read the full post for setup steps and examples.
Posted on 2019-02-23— Projects
I guide you through building a compact particle sensor node using a Raspberry Pi Zero W and a minimal custom shield, with published Gerbers, STL files and example code. I keep the design simple and extendable—if you'd like to build your own networked air-quality node, read the full post for parts, assembly and setup.
Posted on 2018-12-10— Projects
I wrote a concise page about my Snowflake project from late 2017, sharing open-source hardware designs and base firmware. If you have some electronics experience, you can build your own boards — it's a rewarding decoration. Read the full project page for files, repo links, and leave any feedback or questions.
Posted on 2018-03-17— Projects
I built a small test board for the TPS61092 to evaluate thermal performance, hand‑solderability, and layout before using it in my project. The chip stayed cool under 0.5A and the OSH Park PCB looked great. Read on for measurements, the BOM, and practical soldering tips if you want to try it.
Posted on 2018-01-11— Projects
I built a simple USB-to-3.3V power converter for my snowflake decoration using a Traco TSR2-2433 and a laser-cut acrylic case with glow-in-the-dark engravings. I'll walk through the board, Fusion360/Eagle workflow, laser cutting and painting - read on if you want the files and build notes.
Posted on 2017-11-14— Projects
I walk through assembling the component side of my snowflake panel, showing stencil-applied solder paste, placement of 105 resistors, capacitors, headers and chips, and sped-up hot-air soldering. I test the LEDs at the end — please read/watch the full post if you'd like the complete build and tips.
Posted on 2017-10-02— Projects
I received prototype boards from Eurocircuits and was impressed by their outstanding build quality—sharp solder-mask edges, precise alignment, and a subtle shine on the traces. I share close-up photos and brief thoughts about vias and finishes; read on if you appreciate careful PCB craftsmanship.
Posted on 2017-09-09— Projects
I recently finished a compact cat feeder and made small upgrades — I added a USB charging port and a larger battery so it can run for months. I put together a short demo video and linked the project notes; if you’re curious, please watch the clip and read the full write-up.
Posted on 2017-08-24— Projects
I built a simple, single-portion programmable cat feeder in about four days using rapid prototyping. I describe the Fusion360 sizing, plywood shell, servo mechanism, electronics, and the issues I encountered with breakout boards. If you're curious, read the full post for parts list, wiring and source code.
Posted on 2017-08-23— Common, Projects
I finally published all design files and documentation for my plant watering sensor project. The package includes PCB layouts and firmware, but this is an advanced build: it needs SMD reflow, Atmel Studio and an Atmel-ICE programmer. If you're interested, please read the full post and the GitHub repo for details.