Projects

This project list is the description and link to each of our initial projects. This is just the beginning.

Project 1

PicoTouch

The beginning project is a little ambitious and will be lengthy, but it will yield a RaspberryPi PICO W based device with a full color TFT touchscreen and menu system to perform as a useful multipurpose tool for those interested in electronics.

Functions to include a 4 channel voltmeter, a 4 channel "scope like" TFT plotter in full color, signal timing measurement, real time clock, GPS, 3 axis accelerometer, micro USB I/O, Bluetooth, WiFi, and several i/o connectors for attaching into your I2C, SPI, or UART devices.

Project 2

Tablet Cooler

This little device was designed to act as an auxiliary cooling fan for the Microsoft Surface Pro when the hidden internal fan starts to fail. The 3D printed case holds a 5VDC fan, microcontroller, and USB module for power and possibly auto control based on the Tablet's internal temperatures. This project is adaptable to other tablets, laptops, etc. Can you offer any assistance in the auto-control software between tablet CPU and the imbedded microcontroller?

Project 3

Edelbrock Clone

This clone from China of an Edelbrock 1406 carburetor is an exact fit and a good looking replacement for about the same price as a complete rebuild. BUT, will it work? Let's see together.

Project 4

XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense Camera

Can we get this tiny and inexpensive 5MP camera module into an old Porch light fixture that can no longer tell dusk from day? This Tiny little ESP32 microcontroller comes with a 5 MP camera, Wifi, Bluetooth, and it's own networked URL for viewing the camera on your phone, tablet or computer. Let's update the Porch light or driveway light into a surveillance camera host.

more coming.....

the project calendar sees ahead to upcoming projects

SO, You want to 3D print?

Project 5

So, You want to buy a 3D printer and do some 3D printing. Well, there are a few things you need to know and a few tools you will want to have at your printer. Along with a bottle of aspirin for the headaches it will give you, you'll want some basic knowledge and a few tips to keep your aspirin bill low.

Cad Design Tips

Project 6

The most daunting of all maker skills is to learn how to design 3D models whether for 3D printing, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting or just plain hand cutting, drilling and filing with your own hands. Here are some tips for designing within your CAD program and the basics and the usefulness of primitives, subtraction, joining, and copying.

RADXA ZERO 3W

Project 7

The RADXA ZERO 3W has arrived.

This should be serious competition for the hard to get RaspberryPi Zero 2W if it performs as promised and is as easy to use as the Raspberry Pi Zero.

The ZERO 3W has a 4 core ARM processor running at 1.6 gHz with memory options of up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 64 GB of eMMC. It also includes WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 with BLE. AND it is available!! Come with us as we check out this new SDC.

internal://784f9eac-123e-46d8-9bbc-bb672a9ea920

Porch Light Redux

Project 8

Similar to Project 4 where we install an ESP32S3 Sense into an aging porch light fixture, this project installs a RaspberryPi Zero 2W into the fixture complete with 3D drawings for 3D printing the mounting and wiring info. Motion-Eyes software does all of the work and transmits the video to your network. The only problem is who can successfully do the external antenna modification on the Zero 2 W?

Jeneralab