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Show HN: I built an under-the-door fan duct to lower bedroom CO2
10 months ago
- The author's doctor suggested waking up energetically like Mickey Mouse, but the author felt groggy in the mornings.
- Realized CO2 buildup in the bedroom might be causing grogginess after experiencing similar symptoms in a poorly ventilated office.
- Designed a DIY CO2 monitor and found bedroom CO2 levels peaked at 1,700 ppm, higher than the ideal 400 ppm.
- Created a ventilation system using a Noctua fan to push stale air out under the door, pulling fresh air in through a trickle vent.
- Initial prototype made from pizza boxes showed promise, leading to a 3D-printed version.
- Simplified the design by removing unnecessary bends and adding a second fan to pull fresh air in, improving efficiency.
- Final system includes three fans and reduces CO2 levels significantly, improving morning grogginess.
- Plans to further refine the system by measuring airflow and creating a cleaner enclosure.
- Shares resources for others to build their own system, including 3D models and recommended parts.
- Reflects on the satisfaction of solving a personal problem through DIY and learning new skills.
Robotic tongue drummer bangs out all the ambient hits
10 months ago
- Tongue drums are percussion instruments traditionally made from propane cylinders, producing specific notes when struck.
- Jeremy Cook built a robot to play a small tongue drum using solenoids for striking the drum's eight tongues.
- The robot's frame is made of laser-cut MDF with PVC pipes as vertical supports, and solenoids are mounted on flexible friction arms.
- An Arduino Opta Lite micro PLC controls the solenoids via a solid-state relay expansion module, handling 24VDC at 2A per solenoid.
- The robot includes a MIDI input for real-time manual control or pre-written music, compatible with an I2C and serial adapter designed by Cook.
- The robotic tongue drummer was showcased at the Orlando Maker Faire, allowing attendees to experience it firsthand.
Hand-Drawn QR Codes
10 months ago
- Author purchased a sticky-note-like pad with a 10x10 and 2x10 grid to create a QR code.
- Version 1 QR codes can hold URLs up to 17 bytes; 'sethmlarson.dev' was used initially due to length constraints.
- Learned that using all capital letters allows fitting the full domain 'HTTPS://SETHMLARSON.DEV' in a version 1 QR code.
- Used the Python 'qrcode' package to generate a reference QR code with the '-n' option in echo to avoid trailing newlines.
- Hand-drew the QR code, starting with corner squares (position patterns) and timing lines, making a minor mistake that didn't affect functionality.
- Scanning the hand-drawn QR code was finicky due to paper curling but worked well when hung from a monitor.
- Encourages readers to try hand-drawing on grid paper and provides contact details for thoughts or questions.
- Offers subscription options for new posts via RSS feed or email newsletter and mentions the blog's open-source nature.
Making My Own Hacktoberfest T-Shirts
10 months ago
- DigitalOcean stopped sending free Hacktoberfest t-shirts in 2023 due to sustainability and spam concerns.
- The author decided to make their own Hacktoberfest t-shirts after their old ones wore out and couldn't find replacements for sale.
- DigitalOcean's Brand Guidelines prohibit creating physical merchandise or selling products with their logo, but the author argues their project is personal use.
- Finding high-resolution logos for past Hacktoberfest t-shirts proved challenging, with some years missing entirely.
- Resources for logos include Kotis design agency's portfolio (2015-2020), Dribbble designs, and archived SVGs from the official website.
- The author is missing high-resolution assets for 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022 t-shirts and welcomes sources for these.
- If missing logos can't be found, the author plans to create their own design for personal use.
Prototyping Circuit Boards in the New Tariff Environment and Saving $$
10 months ago
- Author designed a circuit board that activates in the dark, aiming for cost-effective domestic production amid US tariffs.
- Domestic prototyping with OSHPark saved 85% compared to overseas options, despite longer delivery times (20 days vs. under a week).
- The project used a CR2032 battery for power, offering months of operation, and integrated a PCB-based battery holder.
- Tariffs and high shipping costs made overseas PCB production less attractive, leading to a shift towards domestic suppliers.
- The article highlights the trade-offs between cost, delivery time, and quality when choosing PCB manufacturing options.
Sending SMS in 2025 using a SIM card and Raspberry Pi
10 months ago
- Increased regulation and spam control have made using services like Twilio for SMS more complex, requiring business registration and carrier approval.
- An alternative solution is building a personal SMS gateway using a Raspberry Pi and a prepaid SIM card, bypassing carrier registration and approval processes.
- Required hardware includes a Raspberry Pi 4, Waveshare SIM7600G-H-PCIE Module, GeeekPi RPi 4G/3G Hat, and an antenna, totaling around $160.
- The setup allows the Raspberry Pi to send and receive SMS, make calls, and use GPS services independently, without cloud dependency.
- A Python script using AT commands over a serial interface enables SMS functionality, with the modem typically recognized as /dev/ttyUSB2.
- Potential uses include personal alerts, two-way text bots, message logging, and home automation triggers.
- Key considerations include ensuring the modem is correctly recognized, the SIM is activated with SMS credit, and using compatible carriers like T-Mobile in the US.
Show HN: FlopperZiro – A DIY open-source Flipper Zero clone
10 months ago
- A DIY, open-source Flipper Zero clone made with Arduino IDE.
- Important Notice: This is a fun project, not a professional device.
- Components include STM32-L432KC, FS1000a, RXB12, PN532, PN7150, IR LED & Receiver, SSD1306 OLED display, TF Card Memory Shield, and more.
- Features: RubberDucky, RFID/NFC (work in progress), IR signal read/emulate/save, RF signal read/emulate/save, save/load from SD, battery percentage, SD memory left percentage.
- All programmable via Arduino IDE.
- 3D printed shell available (unfinished).
- To-do list includes resolving SD issues, finishing RF scanner/sender, menu development, BadUsb, IR bug fixes, RFID features, PCB updates, and documentation.
Turbo Knitting Machine 5 Minute...ish Beanie
10 months ago
- Introduction to modifying an Addi Express King Knitting Machine into a turbo knitting machine.
- Initial issue with the machine's cranking handle spigot being broken.
- Decision to automate the machine using a motor to avoid manual cranking.
- List of supplies needed for the modification including a 12V motor, Arduino Nano, and various sensors.
- Design concept involving a DC motor with speed control and a Hall sensor for row counting.
- Challenges faced with motor selection and alignment, leading to the use of a 12V 400 RPM high torque motor.
- Installation of the motor and motor driver, including securing with resin and hot glue.
- Development of an Arduino-based row counter using a TM1637 display and a Hall sensor.
- Testing the modified machine, achieving a beanie knit in 5 minutes and 22 seconds.
- Final thoughts on the successful modification and satisfaction with the project's outcome.
Measuring power network frequency using junk you have in your closet
10 months ago
- Baltic states' electricity grid is switching from Russian to European synchronization on February 8, 2025.
- The process involves disconnecting from the Russian grid, operating independently, and then synchronizing with the EU grid.
- Author explores measuring power network frequency using improvised methods due to lack of professional equipment.
- Uses an audio cable connected to a PC's line-in, wrapped around a power cable, to detect mains hum.
- Initial attempts with Audacity show no signal until normalization reveals a noisy 50Hz sine wave.
- Develops a Python script with a large FFT size for better frequency resolution at low sample rates.
- Compares results with Sympower's professional frequency monitoring tool, finding surprisingly accurate matches.
- Script runs continuously to log frequency changes during the grid synchronization event.
- Update on February 9, 2025, shows successful detection of synchronization using data from f50hz.de API.
- Visualization clearly shows the moment of synchronization between the Baltic and EU grids.
Inside The Box: Everything I Did with an Arduino Starter Kit
10 months ago
- Exploration of the Elegoo Arduino Uno R3 Starter Kit and its components.
- Understanding basic electronics concepts like LEDs, resistors, and capacitors.
- Experimentation with various sensors including ultrasonic, PIR, and environmental sensors.
- Control of actuators like DC motors, servo motors, and stepper motors using different drivers.
- Communication interfaces explored include keypad, IR signals, RFID, and serial communication.
- Integration of components to build a functional timer project.
How to Run an Arduino for Years on a Battery
10 months ago
- Introduction to DIY home automation using open-source hardware.
- Challenges of powering autonomous Arduino systems with batteries.
- Solution involves minimal hardware setup and software optimization.
- Required components: ATmega328, capacitors, resistors, LED, crystal clock, batteries.
- Hardware configuration steps for building an autonomous Arduino system.
- Testing the system using the default 'blink' sketch.
- Optimizing power consumption using the JeeLib library for sleep functions.
- Significant power reduction from 6.7 mA to 43 uA with sleep functions.
- Practical example: temperature sensor with estimated 2-year battery life.
- Potential applications for long-lasting battery-powered Arduino projects.
Assembling a Retro Chip Tester Pro
9 months ago
- The author wanted a chip tester for their lab and considered the BackBit Chip Tester Pro V2 but found it expensive.
- They discovered the Retro Chip Tester Professional and decided to purchase it, facing shipping challenges to Portugal.
- The kit arrived as bare PCBs, requiring the author to source and assemble components themselves.
- The assembly process was smooth, aided by excellent documentation, though a wrong display was initially purchased.
- After assembly, the tester was successfully flashed with firmware and tested with a 4164 DRAM chip.
- The Retro Chip Tester can also read and program ROMs, demonstrated by dumping a C64 BASIC ROM.
- The tester supports various adapters for different tasks, like dumping C64 cartridges or testing SIMM modules.
- The Retro Chip Tester is well-documented with a 170-page manual and has an active community on Reddit.
- It differs from the BackBit Chip Tester in testing techniques, focusing on vector-based testing rather than chip-specific logic.
- The author received a bonus 1970s logic tester replica with their purchase, adding to the kit's value.
Using MacBook's trackpad as digital weighing scale
9 months ago
- TrackWeight is a macOS app that turns your MacBook's Force Touch trackpad into a digital scale.
- Requires finger contact to detect capacitance and provide pressure readings for weight measurement.
- Uses the Open Multi-Touch Support library for low-level trackpad access.
- Validated accuracy by comparing with conventional digital scales.
- Works on macOS 13.0+ and requires a MacBook with a Force Touch trackpad (2015 or newer).
- App Sandbox must be disabled for trackpad access.
- Built with SwiftUI, Combine, and Open Multi-Touch Support library.
- Experimental/educational use only; not for critical measurements.
Show HN: My GPU Fan Saga – A DIY ATX Fan Controller
9 months ago
- The author shares their experience fixing a noisy GPU fan with a DIY solution.
- Initial solution involved replacing the GPU fan with a spare 12V DC brushless fan, reducing temperatures but causing constant noise.
- Implemented PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) using an ATtiny85 microcontroller to control fan speed.
- Integrated a DS18B20 temperature sensor to automatically adjust fan speed based on GPU temperature.
- Final solution achieved quiet operation at idle and effective cooling under load, with temperatures between 40-60 °C.
- Total material cost ranged from $6.40 to $16.05, plus PCB fabrication fees.
- The project provided valuable learning in microcontrollers, power electronics, and firmware design.
- Open-source code and PCB files are available on GitHub and Codeberg for further development.
The Saltgator: A Desktop SoftGel Injection Molding Machine
9 months ago
- The Saltgator is a desktop SoftGel injection molding machine for soft or squishy materials like grip pads or gadget enclosures.
- It can mold soft plastics into pieces up to 250mL (8.4 oz) in volume in about 15 minutes, with curing taking just 3 minutes.
- Users can utilize existing resin molds or 3D print their own, with size limitations of 250mL volume and a maximum length of 276mm (10.9").
- The machine uses a built-in syringe for filling molds, and soft plastics can be sourced from Saltgator, hobby shops, or fishing-lure suppliers.
- Priced at $230, the Saltgator has been successfully Kickstarted with 42 days left to pledge at press time, and expected shipping in September.
Build Your Own Minisforum N5 Inspired Mini NAS: A Comprehensive Guide
9 months ago
- The N5 Mini is a 3D-printed 5-bay NAS designed for 3.5" drives, measuring 175x175mm.
- It allows users to reuse their existing mini PC, avoiding the high cost of purchasing a new Minisforum N5.
- Key goals of the build include fitting on a Bambulabs’ A1 Mini 3D print bed (180x180mm), reflecting Minisforum N5's charm, and being power-efficient.
- The design was created from scratch in Shapr3D, utilizing PETG and TPU prints for durability and flexibility.
- The build includes a 5-bay backplane PCB, magnetic faceplate grabbers, and a mini PC drawer zone for motherboard installation.
- Power management involves using two power cables (19V for the mini PC and 12V/5V for the drives), with detailed instructions for wiring.
- The total estimated cost for parts (excluding the mini PC) is around $215, making it a budget-friendly alternative to commercial NAS solutions.
- The design files are hosted on Makerworld, with plans to release the raw Shapr3D files after a few months.
- The build has received positive feedback for its innovation and practicality, inspiring others to create similar projects.
Show HN: I spent 6 years building a ridiculous wooden pixel display
9 months ago
- The Kilopixel project is a large, inefficient display with a 40×25 pixel grid (1,000 pixels total), inspired by unconventional displays and eInk technology.
- The project involves a web app, physical controller, custom CNC build, gcode generation, fabrication, 3D modeling, and printing.
- Initial pixel attempts included ping pong balls, foam Nerf balls, bouncy balls, wooden balls, and styrofoam balls, each with unique challenges.
- Ping pong balls were fragile after modification, foam Nerf balls had color and turning issues, and other materials were inconsistent or heavy.
- The final design uses cubic wooden pixels, manufactured by the creator, arranged on a strict grid with metal wires for independent movement.
- A CNC-controlled gantry with a reciprocating poking mechanism turns the pixels, using a Raspberry Pi, CNC controller, and light sensor for feedback.
- The web app, built with Laravel, InertiaJS, and VueJS, controls the display via an API with user-submitted and voting modes.
- The display is streamed live via YouTube with two webcams, and timelapses of submissions are generated and shared on Bluesky.
- Defensive features are in place to handle potential abuse, with submissions requiring Bluesky OAuth login and open voting.
- Future plans include handing control to an internet friend or using it as an interactive background during video calls.
301party.com: The Intentionally Open Redirect
9 months ago
- 301party.com is an intentionally open redirect service.
- Supports various HTTP redirect types (301, 302, 303, 307, 308).
- Provides shortcuts for common redirects like metadata, localhost, and file paths.
- Includes DNS records for localhost and metadata IPs.
- Encourages DIY (Do It Yourself) usage.
My DIY modular charging station
9 months ago
- The author describes the gradual accumulation of charging cables in their home, leading to clutter and inconvenience.
- They decided to create a DIY modular charging station to consolidate chargers and reduce cable mess.
- Explored market options like Scosche BaseLynx 2.0 but found limitations in power and upgradability.
- Preferred modular designs where the stand and charger are separate, allowing for future upgrades.
- Chose the Mophie Speedport 120 charger for its multiple ports and compatibility with USB-A devices.
- Designed the stand using Figma and Tinkercad, addressing challenges like varying device thicknesses.
- Used CNC-routed plywood for the base, finished with wood glue, Danish oil, and cork for stability.
- Learned valuable skills in CNC cutting and wood finishing, useful for future projects.
- Reflected on the iterative design process and identified areas for improvement, like handle durability.
- Successfully eliminated cable clutter with a functional and aesthetically pleasing charging station.
Fixing a loud PSU fan without dying
9 months ago
- The author's computer PSU fan became excessively loud, measuring 63 dB, making it uncomfortable to use without headphones.
- Identifying the Cooler Master V750 SFX PSU as the source, the author explored warranty options but found them impractical due to long repair times and the need for a temporary replacement.
- Research revealed risks of DIY PSU repairs due to high voltage dangers, but also successful fan replacement stories using adapters or crimping connectors.
- The author opted to replace the noisy fan with a Noctua NF-A9x14, using solder seal connectors for a secure and compact solution.
- After installation, the new fan reduced noise to 43 dB, a significant improvement, despite potential differences in fan performance and lifespan implications.

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#diy

Show HN: I built an under-the-door fan duct to lower bedroom CO2

Robotic tongue drummer bangs out all the ambient hits

Hand-Drawn QR Codes

Making My Own Hacktoberfest T-Shirts

Prototyping Circuit Boards in the New Tariff Environment and Saving $$

Sending SMS in 2025 using a SIM card and Raspberry Pi

Show HN: FlopperZiro – A DIY open-source Flipper Zero clone

Turbo Knitting Machine 5 Minute...ish Beanie

Measuring power network frequency using junk you have in your closet

Inside The Box: Everything I Did with an Arduino Starter Kit

How to Run an Arduino for Years on a Battery

Assembling a Retro Chip Tester Pro

Using MacBook's trackpad as digital weighing scale

Show HN: My GPU Fan Saga – A DIY ATX Fan Controller

The Saltgator: A Desktop SoftGel Injection Molding Machine

Build Your Own Minisforum N5 Inspired Mini NAS: A Comprehensive Guide

Show HN: I spent 6 years building a ridiculous wooden pixel display

301party.com: The Intentionally Open Redirect

My DIY modular charging station

Fixing a loud PSU fan without dying