For the pet feeding device, I ordered boards from OSHpark with the “After Dark” style. This colour combination of the black substrate with the copper and transparent solder mask is just beautiful. I made this post just in case you did not see the pictures on Twitter or like to see them with a better…
The MicroPython Bitmap Tool
I created a new tool to easily convert bitmaps into code for MicroPython. This first version is just a start, creating a framework where I can add additional converters. If you have any questions, missed information, or simply want to provide feedback, feel free to comment below or contact me on Twitter. 😄 More Posts
Decorative, Massive, Modular Box
This design is not for everyone. 😅 A decorative and modular, but quite massive box. Built from 3d-printed parts, 5mm plywood panels and plenty 3x10mm wood screws. The instructions in this post show a basic box with the inner dimensions 240×360×84mm, but in the download, you find all files required to build larger boxes in…
Let’s Print a Cat/Pet Feeding Device (Part 6)
The sixth part of this series is all about the input panel. We will talk about the layout of the front panel, the rotary encoder as the main component and I will explain my example circuit and board. As usual, you will find all required files as a free download from the GIT repository. If…
How to Create a Prototype Connector from a Pin Header
In order to test the input panel, I had to connect the 14 lines to the test setup on a breadboard. Just using a pin header was too flimsy for me, because I often reuse these test connectors on different breadboards. In this short article, I explain how I made it into a solid connector….
Flawless PCB by Eurocircuits
I got another flawless, perfectly produced PCB by Eurocircuits. This is Revision A of the input panel board I published in the last post. There are only minor changes in the silkscreen and a little bit larger rings around the holes for the LED. Eurocircuits is not the cheapest board prototyping service, but in my…
Input Panel – Request for Comments
I am currently working on the input panel board for the pet-feeding device. You are invited to review the board and send me your comments or suggestions via this page, Twitter or email. About the Input Panel The input panel is directly connected to the controller and contains the rotary encoder for the input and…
Let’s Print a Cat/Pet Feeding Device (Part 5)
In the fifth part of this series, we print the turntable and talk about the back panel of the enclosure. If you missed one of the previous parts, visit the overview page to access them. The Files You will find all required files for the prints in the GitHub repository: About the Turntable Before we…
Let’s Print a Cat/Pet Feeding Device (Part 4)
This is the fourth part of the series. In this part we insert the insets in the previously printed parts, print the lids and talk about the front panel. If you missed one of the previous parts, visit the overview page to access them. The Files You will find all required files for the prints…
Box in 500 Sizes with Smileys
I just published another set of 500 boxes. The new set has smiley faces as decorations. As with the heart and lines set, the box comes in 500 sizes with two different lids for each. Part Numbering To choose the right box, you need to know the inner dimensions. There is the width (x), depth…