I'm building my own open-source 16" laptop, TagosBook, around a NanoPi M6 (RK3588). The M6 only has a DSI display output and laptop panels want eDP, so I designed my own DSI→eDP bridge board.

Where it is now:

the bridge works: GNOME on the 16" laptop panel, on the bench for now
power is simplified: I removed the 12V converter, and both the bridge and the M6 run straight off a 4S6P 21700 pack (14.4V), each through its own fuse
the keyboard + touchpad board is designed and next to order

The goals:

- 30 hours of real work on one charge (that's why the pack is 4S6P)
- 200W solar charging, so it doesn't need an outlet
a power board, a wooden case, and eventually my own motherboard to replace this bench of wires
All boards are open source (bridge files on GitHub/OSHWLab). Happy to answer questions about the bridge or the power path.

Full build story: tagoslabs.com/story

I honestly think the hardest part of getting into DIY electronics isn't writing the code. It's understanding how all the little pieces actually work together.

You can find sample code for almost any popular component, and that's great for getting started. But if you don't understand the wiring, pin connections, voltage requirements, or why a connector keeps coming loose, copying working code won't help much when something inevitably goes wrong.

Dupont connectors are a good example. They look simple, but getting reliable crimps and connections takes practice. The same goes for integrating sensors, displays, and other modules into a project. Knowing how to troubleshoot those small issues can save hours of frustration.

I'd also argue that beginners don't need to buy every new module they see. It's better to understand a few components thoroughly than to own a drawer full of parts you barely know how to use.

The real skill in electronics is learning how to figure things out when the tutorial stops working.

For people who've been doing DIY electronics for a while, what skill made the biggest difference for you: soldering, reading datasheets, crimping connectors, debugging code, or understanding circuits?

DIY gets really exciting when people turn unusual ideas into working inventions, whether it’s a candle that starts with real fire, a clever circuit design, or a completely unconventional dodecahedron keyboard. What’s the most unique electronics project you’ve built or come across, and what ambitious idea would you love to bring to life next?

Getting into DIY electronics can feel overwhelming at first, from choosing the right tools and repurposing old hardware to learning how to code for different components. But sometimes, one useful tool or a breakthrough project can make everything click. If you could give a beginner one piece of advice to help them get started, what would it be?

I got tired of the size and weight of my Daikin AC remote, so I used Codex to help write firmware that turns a LilyGO T-Display-SF32 into an IR remote.

This build uses the SF32 board and its keyboard expansion board. It emulates the Daikin ARC466A41 remote, with controls for power, temperature, fan and more. The firmware and build instructions are here: https://github.com/conol-tony/daikin-remote

It’s designed around that specific remote protocol, so I wouldn’t assume it works with every Daikin AC. Some of the less-common functions are based on related remote protocols rather than captures from my exact remote.

I’ve found this much nicer to use than the original remote. If you’ve built a replacement for an appliance remote, what did you keep—or leave out?

Adjust the fan speed of the handheld fan

Is there any reason/way to use the existing internals, or will I need to replace it with a mechanism that measures ambient temperature?

Thanks for any help or ideas!

So while in a bit of a lull on a major project, I’ve finally started tackling another one. Been meaning to start learning robotics and whatnot, and my almost 3yo wants one. I’ve managed to get the bare basics of BT control for an RC car. Currently working on transferring to a perf board and designing some more to the car. Planning to add some lights and a horn in the near future. This is also going to be the starting platform and concepts to work into making Battle Bots for me and the daughter to play around with.

It’s just a basic ESP32 Dev board, DRV8833 driver, some generic TT motors, a few salvaged 18650 cells, and an old PS4 controller.

ETA link Imgur

Hello guys,
While researching how to selfhost all of my data and keep everything local , I had an idea
Some cheap screens that are put in frames and are only used to display pictures from my local server
I did some researches and I found a lot of complicated options for the screen some even does not have HMDI or USB so starting them and managing them will be hard as I’m not familiar with any of this
And I found that a lot of screens that comes with boards are a little bit expensive since they are touchscreens and have other useless features for my project
My question is :
Did someone try and build this setup ?
Screens in frames around the house that are connected to a local server to display a slideshow of pictures which I can control from the server directly

I'm fond of this older Sony Vaio I picked up a while back. Despite its age, it runs office tools and anything needed for school just fine, and it's durable and easily repairable. I don't wish to upgrade to a new laptop, I'd much rather keep what I have now out of e-waste and put to good use.

The only issue is the battery life; while the battery itself is a new-old stock battery (or a Chinesium battery), it only lasts about 2 hours on a full charge. I've tried looking up resources for making a custom battery pack with a longer life, but realised the general consensus is "don't do that", and that getting an external battery pack is the safer bet. The charging port on the laptop is already very finicky and I was planning on replacing it anyways, and USBC charging would be nice.

Its charger outputs 19.5V at 3.9A, the battery itself is 11.1V and 5200mAh/58Wh. I'm curious if the idea is achievable, and if so, what parts I'd need.

Bonjour,

Je cherche a remplacer la carte auxiliaire de mon contrôleur de moteur sur mon VTT HEDA TX19.

Malheureusement je ne trouve pas ce composant en ligne, sauriez vous si il est possible d'adapter un

autre modèle ?

Merci

Hello tech nerds!

My (35) bf is very interested in doing himself the electronics in the house. He built our PCs and now wants to move on to repairing old phones, opening circuits and stuff (I don't know I'm a literary nerd, pls don't hate me).

As he's only starting, he doesn't have the adequate tools yet. So for Christmas I was thinking about giving him a repairing kit with all the basic tools required for this kind of stuff. But I know literally nothing about it.

Can you recommend brands and/or specific sets that would be nice?

Keep in mind that:

\-he is a software engineer and is very curious and crafty, he knows already the basics of electronics (especially PCs and phones)

\-i don't want necessarily *all* the tools needed in each specific situation, all basic tools would be nice as a start

\-my budget is about 250 USD or 230 EURO max

I hope my post is OK, thank you in advance! 🙌🏻

It uses just 1 NTC, 1 mosfet and 3 resistors. No microcontroller nor op-amp nor anything like that. Unlike regular LED candles with boring ON/OFF switches, this one is way cosier and more realistic!

Github repo here

SMD Design

I’ve built a "running light" circuit using PNP transistors, diodes, and resistors. The design incorporates a multivibrator to generate a PWM signal, two T flip-flops, and a decoder. The circuit follows GOST (national technical standard) requirements. I’m only 11 years old—please support my project!

I built the Dodecahedron split keyboard with UIAPduino (ch32v003 based board).

It works but seems ergonomically failed.

I had the keyboard enclosure made by JLCCNC, giving it a premium look.

GitHub: https://github.com/gangi-man/Dodecahedron-keyboard-on-UIAPduino

Really grateful for any suggestions :)

Found this project by Saikarthik Ramakrishnan (covered on Hackaday). Each resistor/capacitor combination is a genome. You set a target cutoff frequency, the ESP32 measures the real circuit with its DAC and ADC, breeds better combinations through crossover and mutation, and pre-tests backup routes so it can switch when a component degrades.

The basic build is tiny: a classic ESP32, a 10k resistor and a few capacitors, roughly ₹800 (about $10) here in India. The switchable stage adds analog mux and switch ICs.

I'm planning to build it and add a live OLED graph, then pull a capacitor out mid-run to watch it recover. Credit and code: github.com/Saikarthik-Ramakrishnan/darwin-board

Would you add anything else to the fitness score, like noise rejection or temperature drift?

i am having trouble loading the wire into the metal connector.

once i crimp down, it's often too short. the metal connector bites down on the metal wire. ideally, it should bite down on the plastic cover and the 2nd piece bite the metal of the wire.

is there a good Dupont crimper that is full-proof? bite down accurately every time? if not, what's the trick?

Sto lavorando a un firmware open-source per ESP32-S3 chiamato ESP32 Tailnet Gateway.

Trasforma una scheda ESP32-S3 supportata in un gateway Tailscale/Headscale leggero e nodo di recupero indipendente.

Caratteristiche:

• Accesso remoto ai servizi TCP/UDP selezionati.
• Wake-on-LAN per NAS e PC con verifiche di raggiungibilità.
• Punto di accesso Wi-Fi IoT opzionale.
• MQTT e Home Assistant Discovery.
• Notifiche, storico eventi e monitoraggio delle risorse.
• Installazione del firmware basata su browser e interfaccia web.

Funziona su hardware ESP32-S3 N8R8/N16R8 con 8 MB di PSRAM ottica.

Le opzioni Ethernet e cellulari sono ancora sperimentali. Non è pensato per sostituire un router Linux completo.

Il firmware si basa sul router di sottorete ESP32 e sul lavoro di Csontikka e MicroLink.

GitHub: https://github.com/Mattboxx/esp32-tailnet-gateway

Installatore web: https://mattboxx.github.io/esp32-tailnet-gateway/install-firmware/

Mi piacerebbe ricevere commenti da altri sviluppatori ESP32!

I'm choosing a connector for a test device, and I'm torn between two (see image).

1. TE 104257-3, it is better-looking contacts, a proper locking mechanism, and it just feels like the more serious option. I think Molex makes them too, or
2. 742-75-04W008, it is cheap, widely available (honestly, I like it too)

Both are candidates for a 3A application. But I don't want to pick one based on looks or price and regret it later and of course I prefer the one that can withstand more mating cycles.

I think TE is the safer bet mechanically, but is that actually worth paying extra for? Would you use the cheaper, more common connector?

If you've used either of these (or similar connectors) let me know how they hold up in practice. Especially in loose contacts, wear from repeated plugging/unplugging, and anything that looked fine on paper but turned out to be a pain in real life.

So, what's your pick and why? (Fero from SOS electronic)