Compiling Tasmota Used to Be a Chore?—Not Anymore If you’re into smart home DIY and own Sonoff switches, ESP8266, or ESP32 boards, you already know Tasmota is a superpower of home automation. It turns cheap hardware into fully customizable smart devices, way better than clunky factory firmware. But let’s be honest: customizing Tasmota firmware is … Read more
Disclosure:This article reviews the open-source MPY-Cassette-Player-V4 project by jd3096, a heartfelt tribute to classic cassette Walkmans reimagined with modern microcontroller technology. We aim to share this creative maker project that combines nostalgia and practicality with the global electronics enthusiast community. Overview This article covers the MPY Cassette Player V4, an open-source RP2040-based DIY project designed … Read more
**Disclosure**: This article is a deep-dive review of the open-source JingShi desktop clock project by zhushengji. We believe in supporting the maker community by bringing hidden gems like this beautifully designed ESP32 timepiece to a global audience. Overview This article reviews the open-source JingShi (Quiet Stone) desktop clock, an ESP32-powered project designed by zhushengji. It … Read more
In Part 1, we built Meshtastic nodes from custom made boards. Now in Part 2, we’ll turn one node into a permanent, always-on CLIENT_BASE station powered by solar, mounted outdoors on my balcony. This base station will act as the backbone of my local Meshtastic network, while the second node will be a portable tracker/handheld … Read more
This article details how to build a fully custom Meshtastic LoRa mesh node from zero. It covers open‑source PCB design, component assembly, firmware compilation, 3D printed enclosure, and final configuration for off‑grid, long‑range communication. Overview Meshtastic is an open-source communication protocol that transforms affordable LoRa (Long Range) radio modules, typically powered by “ESP32” or “nRF52” … Read more
Background: For amateur radio operators engaging in Portable Operations in the Parks (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA), reliable, efficient power is the backbone of successful activations. These activities often take place in remote, off-grid locations where solar power becomes a vital energy source. An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller is not just … Read more