Sometimes the biggest challenges come from the smallest details. The Nest Protect (2nd Generation) is a beautiful piece of hardware – a combined smoke and CO alarm – that comes in two versions: battery powered and 220V wired. I wanted the wired version, because I didn’t want to constantly replace batteries. But my house, built […]
Nest Protect (2nd Gen) – 3D Printed Ceiling Mounting Ring Read More »
RFID technology is everywhere: access cards, metro tickets, contactless payments, and smart locks. For makers, one of the easiest ways to experiment with RFID is the RC522 module. It’s a low-cost 13.56 MHz RFID reader/writer that works with tags, key fobs, and cards. In this guide we’ll explore what the RC522 is, its specifications, wiring,
The Complete Guide to the RC522 RFID Module Read More »
Some projects are born out of necessity. The Apple TV is a sleek and compact streaming device, but once again, Apple didn’t think about how you actually place it in your setup. Most people just let it sit next to the TV, cables dangling around, or worse, stuck with tape or Velcro behind the screen.
Apple TV – Wall Mount Read More »
If you’ve ever configured the fuse bits of an ATtiny incorrectly — for example disabling the RESET pin or choosing the wrong clock source — regular ISP programming will fail. Your microcontroller will appear to be bricked. Luckily, there’s a reliable fix: the Arduino Nano HV Rescue Shield. By applying a 12 V “backdoor” you can reprogram
Arduino Nano HV Rescue Shield – For attinyxx Read More »
The classic ATtiny85 is still a favorite among makers, but Microchip has since released a much more modern successor: the ATtiny 0-, 1-, and 2-Series. These new generation ATtiny chips combine higher performance, more peripherals, and a far more flexible architecture — all in the same compact form factor. In this guide, you’ll learn what the ATtiny 0/1/2-Series are, how
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE ATTINY 0-, 1- AND 2-SERIES Read More »
Configuring Wi-Fi on an ESP32 can be challenging—especially if you want the device to work across different networks without re-flashing the firmware each time. Fortunately, the ESP32 WiFi Bootstrap project offers an elegant solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this project works, how to integrate it into your own ESP32 projects, and how the HomeKit
ESP32 WiFi Bootstrap: Simple Wi-Fi Provisioning with HomeKit Integration Read More »
When designing printed circuit boards (PCB’s), panelization is a common technique to manufacture multiple boards simultaneously. A widely used method for separating these boards after production is the use of breakaway tabs, often referred to as mouse bites. The mouse-bite.pretty library offers a convenient collection of KiCad footprints that simplify this process. What Are Mouse Bites? Mouse bites are
Simplify Your PCB Panelization Workflow with Mouse Bite Footprints in KiCad Read More »
If you’re designing PCBs in KiCad 6.0.10 or newer, you know how important it is to use consistent track widths and via sizes throughout your design. Manually entering the same settings over and over can be time-consuming and error-prone. That’s where KiCAD6-Trackwidth comes in — a simple configuration you can import directly into your project. As a result, you gain immediate access
KiCAD6 and up – Track width Read More »
The ESP8266-01 is the tiniest, most affordable Wi-Fi microcontroller module in the ESP8266 family. Its minimalist design and ultra-small footprint make it perfect for embedding wireless connectivity into compact devices. Despite having only 8 pins, the ESP-01 can power robust smart home solutions, basic sensors, relays, and automation — all at an unbeatable price. This guide gives
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE ESP8266-01 PINOUT Read More »
The ESP8266 is a classic microcontroller that has powered the IoT revolution. Praised for its affordability, integrated Wi-Fi, and robust community support, the ESP8266 is the go-to choice for tinkerers, students, and engineers building everything from smart switches to wireless sensors. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the ESP8266 pinout. What is the ESP8266? System-on-Chip (SoC)
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE ESP8266 PINOUT Read More »
