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TinyNES Review – A Super Niche NES Console
2 months ago
- TinyNES is a niche NES clone that uses original CPU and PPU chips from the NES/Famicom.
- It combines original hardware with a modern open-source design for cleaner video and audio, but only outputs composite video.
- The CPU and PPU chips are socketed and can be swapped, and the device supports clone processors since originals are no longer manufactured.
- There is no HDMI or RGB option by default, though the main board supports RGB PPU variants (rare) and a future solderless RGB add-on module may be available.
- The device targets purists who want real hardware without emulation, FPGA, or video signal quirks, despite a real NES being cheaper.
I tested every IP KVM in my Homelab
2 months ago
- IP KVMs allow remote control of a computer via network, useful when screen sharing or SSH fail due to crashes or power-off.
- PiKVM is a pioneering open-source KVM with features like HDMI passthrough and ATX control, priced between $275 and $400.
- BliKVM offers cheaper PiKVM-like hardware, using Allwinner or Raspberry Pi chips, with pricing from $235 to $300.
- GL-iNet Comet ($99) and Comet Pro ($180) support 4K video, add-ons like FingerBot, and fork PiKVM software.
- Sipeed NanoKVM Cube ($69) is a tiny, cheap RISC-V-based KVM but raised security concerns; PCIe and Pro versions exist.
- JetKVM ($103) features a polished UI, metal body, and open-source software, though lacks built-in PoE initially.
- LuckFox PicoKVM ($62) clones JetKVM with a square design and touchscreen, while LeafKVM ($120) adds VGA adapter support.
- TinyPilot Voyager 3 ($379) targets businesses with RBAC and extended warranties, using a Pi CM4 chipset.
- Openterface KVM-GO ($119) connects computers directly via USB-C, with VGA, DisplayPort, or HDMI versions available.
- DezKVM-Go ($25) is the cheapest KVM, using WebSerial for browser-based control, but requires Chrome or Edge.
- Key factors for choosing an IP KVM include port layout, cost, open-source status, and features like PoE or 4K support.
My USB Drive Has a Hidden Encrypted Vault
2 months ago
- Phantomdrive is an open-source USB drive that appears as an 8 GB drive but hides a second encrypted partition activated by editing a plaintext file with 'password:YOURPASSWORD'.
- It uses the CH569 chip, an SD card for storage, and AES-256 encryption, with firmware and hardware designs fully open source.
- The key derivation function (KDF) uses 100,000 rounds of SHA-256 with a device-specific salt from the serial number, taking about 3 seconds to unlock.
- Two AES modes are available: AES-CTR (faster, ~9 MB/s write, 20 MB/s read) and AES-XTS (more secure, ~6 MB/s write, 10 MB/s read).
- The firmware snoops writes to detect the password string and prevents it from being written to disk, avoiding accidental exposure.
- The device is designed to help bypass authorities who may force decryption, but does not protect against being compelled to reveal the password.
Designing an Ethernet Switch ASIC
2 months ago
- The author built the world's first open source switch ASIC, expected back from fabrication in mid-November.
- Open source networking ASICs are rare; most open source silicon projects focus on RISC-V SoCs, not networking equipment.
- The switch is a 3-port, full-duplex, 100 Mbps, cut-through, unmanaged Ethernet switch due to constraints on pins, area, and ease of use.
- Design constraints include limited pins (8 I/O, 8 output, 8 bidirectional) and die area, forcing the use of an external PHY chip (Microchip LAN8720A) via RMII interface.
- The switch uses a 4-entry address table with TTL-based aging (300 seconds) and a replacement policy for new MAC learning.
- FPGA emulation revealed that the switch works but 100 Mbps is too slow for large data transfers like SSH with GUI forwarding.
- The switch is part of the 'Coffee Shop' family of open source networking IP, including coffeepot, teapot, and coldbrew ASICs.
- Future plans include scaling to a full chip with 8 ports and implementing a content-addressable memory (CAM) for larger address tables.

open source hardware

TinyNES Review – A Super Niche NES Console

I tested every IP KVM in my Homelab

My USB Drive Has a Hidden Encrypted Vault

Designing an Ethernet Switch ASIC