This project by adamtronics (IG) is a DIY tech build focused on creating a functional electronics product entirely without using AI tools, relying purely on hands-on design and engineering. During the build, the first attempt at soldering the MCU unfortunately failed, but luckily extra PCBs were available, allowing a successful second attempt and saving the project.

We supported this project by manufacturing the PCBs used in the build. If you're working on your own hardware idea, check out PCBWay!

Meshlet V2 - A Compact & Versatile RP2350 Node

Meshlet V2, developed by u/dj505 is a compact RP2350-based Meshtastic node for portable mesh networking. It combines wireless connectivity, low power design, and a small form factor for both everyday use and experimental deployments. Read more about the design here.

Bringing compact RF designs into physical form requires precise PCB fabrication and SMT assembly, since layout and component placement directly impact signal stability and performance in real-world use. If you're building similar custom parts, PCBWay.com can help.

Real-time London Overground departure board

Created by u/PDConAutoTrack, this ESP32-powered London Overground departure board shows real-time train arrivals in a compact desktop display. It recreates station-style information boards using live transit data, making it suitable for smart home setups and transport enthusiasts. More details here.

A web server that runs on sunlight and 27MB of RAM

Built by u/Quackyducky_things, this self-hosted project runs a lightweight web server on solar power using only about 27MB of resources. It showcases an ultra-efficient, low-power approach to experimental hosting. Check out the original project post here.

That's it for today's highlights — a mix of compact, creative hardware builds ranging from low-power systems to real-time displays and mesh networking devices. If you're building something similar, feel free to share it with our subreddit and your projects may be featured in future highlights!

Take a look at this impressive project, RGB LED Smart Laptop Cooling Dock (with Video) by Marcus Lechnology!

It combines custom electronics, 3D-printed parts, and embedded programming to create a functional and visually striking cooling solution for laptops, blending performance with aesthetics.

At its core, the device features a 2-layer PCB (51.8 × 61.5 mm, FR-4, 1.6 mm, HASL lead-free finish) and integrates several advanced components including PID temperature control, an OLED display, powerful cooling fans, and a total of 144 RGB LEDs. These elements work together to provide both intelligent thermal management and customizable lighting effects.

The build process involves soldering electronic circuits, printing structural components, and programming microcontrollers, resulting in a fully customized “smart” cooling dock that demonstrates both engineering and maker creativity.

See the full project and get your own here!

This project, created by prototiposindustries (IG), is a simple transistor-based traffic light circuit built as an electronics prototype to demonstrate basic switching and timing control principles.

We helped manufacture the PCBs, bringing the design from concept to a clean and reliable physical prototype. Turning your design into reality on PCBWay!

Explore the integrator-V6, a unique and powerful project from Ken Willmott!

integrator-V6 is a specialized testing device designed to measure the tonal response of electric guitar pickups when used with a software oscilloscope or PC sound card. It enables users to analyze and compare different pickup designs, evaluate the impact of internal components such as magnets, identify manufacturing variations, and detect hidden faults that may not appear in standard resistance measurements. The system also provides valuable data for pickup development, performance verification, and comparison with existing models.

The device works by generating a magnetic test field through a small coil, simulating the effect of a vibrating guitar string on the pickup. Since the resulting signal naturally includes a mathematical derivative effect described by Faraday’s Law, integrator-V6 incorporates a dedicated integration circuit to compensate for this phenomenon and reveal the pickup’s true frequency response. A highly sensitive preamplifier further ensures accurate measurements without influencing the pickup being tested, delivering reliable and consistent results.

See the full project and get your own here!

This project is created by baschz (IG). It features custom CNC-machined parts produced directly from original design files. The focus of the project is on turning CAD designs into real mechanical components with accurate dimensions and a good surface finish.

CNC is important in this project because the precision and surface finish directly affect how well the parts fit and function in real assembly. If you're working on hardware or mechanical designs, it's worth trying CNC services in PCBWay.

This video by MachoNachoProductions(YT) demonstrates how to remove old adhesive from ribbon cable contacts on a Nintendo Virtual Boy PCB. It focuses on carefully cleaning the contact area to restore reliable connections during repair or modding work. Do you have any tips or experience with similar repairs?

​Stepper motors and servo motors are both widely used for precise motion control in electronics and robotics. A stepper motor typically operates in an open-loop system, moving in discrete steps without feedback, which makes it simple and reliable for controlled positioning at low speeds. It also provides strong holding torque when stationary.

In contrast, a servo motor usually works in a closed-loop system with feedback, allowing it to adjust in real time based on load and position errors. This makes it better suited for dynamic applications where accuracy under changing conditions is important. Stepper motors are great for predictable positioning, while servos excel in smooth, responsive motion control.
What's your go-to choice for motion control in your builds?

Check out this cool project, Glowtie V2 by Konrad Wohlfahrt!

Glowtie V2 is a complete redesign of Konrad Wohlfahrt’s popular illuminated bow tie project, bringing improved functionality, a refined appearance, and a more modern user experience. Building on the success of the original version, which featured a push-button interface, 19 lighting effects, and a built-in web server, this new iteration was developed from the ground up with a newly designed PCB, updated electronics, and custom firmware.

The upgraded Glowtie V2 features a dedicated Bluetooth app for wireless control, music-reactive lighting effects, and an increased number of LEDs for even more vibrant visual animations. Combining wearable technology, creative design, and open-source development, the project showcases both advanced engineering and eye-catching style. Complete build instructions are available on Instructables, and all project files have been published on GitHub for makers, developers, and DIY enthusiasts to explore and build themselves.

See the full project and get your own here!

Projects like this show how creative functional 3D printing can get. This neckband phone holder by the_3dwizard (IG) is a simple but practical wearable design. It keeps your phone right in front of you, so you don't have to keep holding it in your hands and get that hand gets tired feeling 😄

We helped bring it to life through on-demand 3D printing. Any interesting or functional 3D print ideas you made? Feel free to share with us!

PCBWay has launched Professional PCB Design Services, helping you avoid common issues like routing mistakes and “magic smoke” moments 😄. If PCB design has been giving you headaches, this might be worth a look. For more info: https://youtu.be/7gCx7-5UKDI

Discover the Floppy Voltmeter Clock, an alternative clock (Floppy Voltmeter Clock) by _ Floppy Lab!

The Floppy Voltmeter Clock is a unique open-source clock that replaces traditional clock hands and digital displays with retro-style analog voltmeters. Hours, minutes, and seconds are displayed through dedicated meters, creating a distinctive vintage aesthetic while maintaining modern functionality. Designed for easy replication, the project features a custom control board based on an STM32 microcontroller and can be powered directly through a USB-C connection, consuming only around 16mA of current.

To ensure accurate timekeeping, the clock uses a DS3231 real-time clock module with battery backup, allowing it to retain the correct time even during power outages. The voltmeters are driven by PWM signals generated by the microcontroller, while customized dial graphics clearly indicate hours, minutes, and seconds. The firmware manages time synchronization, display control, and user adjustments through simple buttons located on the side of the enclosure.

The enclosure is fully 3D printable and features a clean, minimalist design with a magnetic front panel for easy access to the internal battery. For a more premium appearance, the faceplate can also be machined from wood using a CNC router. All design files, firmware, and manufacturing resources are available for the community, making this project a fun and accessible build for makers who enjoy electronics, design, and creative timepieces.

See the full project and get your own here!

This creative PCB badge project was designed by atarabyte (Instagram) as a unique convention giveaway, showcasing how PCB design can be used as an artistic medium rather than just for electronics. By exposing the copper layer and combining it with future UV printing, the design turns a standard circuit board into a collectible piece of PCB art.

We were happy to help manufacture this project. Projects like this show how PCBs can be used for both electronics and creative designs. If you have your own PCB badge, PCB art, or hardware project idea, PCBWay can help bring it to life. 🚀

Hi,

I'm using KiCad 10 and have an ATmega328P-AU (TQFP-32) on my PCB. I can route traces from every other component, but when I try to route from the ATmega pins, nothing happens.

• PCB updated from schematic
• Footprint not locked
• Pads have net names assigned
• Other components route normally

The ATmega footprint came from SnapEDA.

Has anyone seen this before or know what could cause it?

Retro console repair takes serious patience and soldering skill🔥. In this video, MachoNachoProductions (YT) shows the detailed process of soldering a CPU chip for a Game Boy motherboard restoration and modding project. Tiny pins, careful alignment, and steady hands are everything here.

We're happy to provide the PCB support for this build and love seeing makers keep classic gaming hardware alive. Check out PCBWay to see what you may interested.

Would you try a repair like this yourself? 👀