SmartChamber-3D: A Partially Open-Source Chamber Control System for Enclosed 3D Printers

SmartChamber-3D chamber control system feature image for enclosed 3D printers

Disclosure: This is an independent introduction to SmartChamber-3D by maker ‘physton’. I am not the author of this project. The goal is to help makers decide whether it is worth studying, adapting, or building. Overview SmartChamber-3D is a chamber temperature control system for enclosed Bambu Lab P2S or P1S 3D printers. According to the OSHWHub … Read more

Build a J-Pole Antenna for Your LoRa Meshtastic Base Station

Feature image showing a rooftop LoRa Meshtastic base station with a homemade PVC J-Pole antenna and solar panel

A More Efficient Antenna Is Needed for the Base Station To improve my Meshtastic base station’s ability to rebroadcast weak LoRa packets, I decided to replace the commercial “rubber ducky” coiled antenna with a homemade J-Pole antenna. While rubber ducky antennas are convenient for handheld devices, they are much less effective for a CLIENT_BASE node. … Read more

A Music Visualizer Clock with Low-Power Consumption

Low-power music visualizer clock with reflective display, battery, and DIY electronics parts

Disclosure: This is a review of the open-source project from maker TheLight, named “A Music Visualizer Clock.” It’s a small DIY desktop gadget that combines a digital clock, music visualizer, and environment sensor. The ultra-low power feature is the highlight of the project. We’re now sharing this handy maker project with electronics hobbyists around the … Read more

Build a Filament Dryer with PID Control for FDM 3D Printing

DIY PID-controlled filament dryer dry box with open lid, foil insulation, orange PI heater plate, OLED display, red and green status LEDs, and PID temperature history chart.

Disclosure: This article reviews an open-source hardware project by lvyiwuhen, “A Filament Dryer with PID Control,” which is a practical FDM 3D printing accessory designed for reliable filament drying with precise temperature control. We aim to share this functional hardware project, which solves a real 3D printing pain point, with the global hobby electronics and … Read more

MPY Cassette Player V4: A Retro Cassette Player Reborn with RP2040 & MicroPython

MPY Cassette Player V4: A Retro Cassette Player Reborn with RP2040 & MicroPython

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

JingShi Desktop Clock: A Stylish ESP32-Powered Timepiece with Smart Features for Makers

JingShi Desktop Clock: Stylish ESP32-powered smart timepiece with OLED display, featuring article title overlay "A Stylish ESP32-Powered Timepiece with Smart Features for Makers"

**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

Lora Meshtastic Nodes Built from Scratch Part 2

a solar meshtastic CLIENT_BASE Station deployed on balcony rail

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

A 260W Multi-Port Desktop Quick-Charge Unit

desktop charger 260w two type-c ports

Nowadays, we use more and more electronic devices in daily life and work—like smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart wearables. Our need for quick charging is growing fast. Some people may always feel they don’t have enough charging ports on the desktop. To fix this issue, here comes a project, which is an open-source DIY desktop … Read more

An Open Source MPPT Controller for Ham Radio Field Operation – Build Notes

esp32 mppt controller in work closed-up view

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