As demand for solar panel installation has risen sharply, especially for installations larger than balcony power plants, the order books of solar companies are full. If you ask for a quote today, you may have to wait a while, if your request isn't simply postponed indefinitely. Another consequence of the solar boom is that some companies are charging very high prices for installations.
Yet there is an obvious and radical solution to the problem of excessive prices: Do it yourself, as the English say. The price of materials is currently affordable, and it's the ideal time for those who do the work themselves. They couldn't save more. Add to this the satisfaction of doing something useful, both economically and ecologically, and the pleasure of building yourself.
In this special issue, you'll find a wide selection of Elektor assemblies, from solar panel controllers to solar water heaters and solar panel orientation systems. The issue also contains practical information on solar panel installation and the technology behind them. Finally, there are a number of articles on the subject of balcony power plants, from how to install them to how to connect them to the Internet...
Contents
BASICS
Dimensioning Photovoltaic Panel ArraysAn introduction to photovoltaic energy and the commonest techniques,followed by simplified calculation models and setup guidelines.
Light Sensor TechnologyMeasuring daylight using LEDs.
Solar Power Made SimpleSolar charging with and without a controller.
Cable Cross-sections and Energy Losses in Solar SystemsKey considerations on the minimum values to respect for electricalcurrent in solar panel cabling.
Solar ModulesEverything you always wanted to know about solar panels...
Ideal Diode ControllerDiode Circuits with Low Power Dissipation.
TIPS
Tracking for Solar Modules
zBot Solar/Battery Power Supply
Solar Cell Array Charger with Regulator
Solar Cell Voltage Regulator
Solar-Powered Night Light
Alternative Solar Battery Charger
PROJECTS
Energy LoggerMeasuring and Recording Power Consumption.
Tiny Solar SupplySunlight In, 3.3 V Out.
A Do-It-Yourself DTURead Data from Small Inverters by μC.
Solar ChargerPortable energy for people on the move.
Solar Thermal Energy RegulatorMaximum power point tracking explored.
2-amp Maximum Power Tracking ChargerSolar Power To The Max.
Computer-driven HeliostatFollow the sun or the stars.
Garden LightingUsing solar cells.
Solar Panel Voltage Converter for IoT DevicesYes we CAN exploit indoor lighting.
Travel ChargerFree power in the mountains.
Solar Cell Battery Charger/MonitorWith protection against deep discharge.
Solar-powered Battery ChargerPIC12C671 avoids overcharging and deep charging.
Converters for Photovoltaic PanelsContributed by TME (Transfer MultisortElektronik).
Solar Charging RegulatorFor panels up to 53 watts.
Solar-Powered ChargerFor lead-acid batteries.
CAN Bus + Arduino for Solar PV Cell MonitoringDetect and locate serviceable panels in large arrays.
Balcony Power Plant 2.0The latest: solar panels, installation and inverters
As demand for solar panel installation has risen sharply, especially for installations larger than balcony power plants, the order books of solar companies are full. If you ask for a quote today, you may have to wait a while, if your request isn't simply postponed indefinitely. Another consequence of the solar boom is that some companies are charging very high prices for installations.
Yet there is an obvious and radical solution to the problem of excessive prices: Do it yourself, as the English say. The price of materials is currently affordable, and it's the ideal time for those who do the work themselves. They couldn't save more. Add to this the satisfaction of doing something useful, both economically and ecologically, and the pleasure of building yourself.
In this special issue, you'll find a wide selection of Elektor assemblies, from solar panel controllers to solar water heaters and solar panel orientation systems. The issue also contains practical information on solar panel installation and the technology behind them. Finally, there are a number of articles on the subject of balcony power plants, from how to install them to how to connect them to the Internet...
Contents
BASICS
Dimensioning Photovoltaic Panel ArraysAn introduction to photovoltaic energy and the commonest techniques,followed by simplified calculation models and setup guidelines.
Light Sensor TechnologyMeasuring daylight using LEDs.
Solar Power Made SimpleSolar charging with and without a controller.
Cable Cross-sections and Energy Losses in Solar SystemsKey considerations on the minimum values to respect for electricalcurrent in solar panel cabling.
Solar ModulesEverything you always wanted to know about solar panels...
Ideal Diode ControllerDiode Circuits with Low Power Dissipation.
TIPS
Tracking for Solar Modules
zBot Solar/Battery Power Supply
Solar Cell Array Charger with Regulator
Solar Cell Voltage Regulator
Solar-Powered Night Light
Alternative Solar Battery Charger
PROJECTS
Energy LoggerMeasuring and Recording Power Consumption.
Tiny Solar SupplySunlight In, 3.3 V Out.
A Do-It-Yourself DTURead Data from Small Inverters by μC.
Solar ChargerPortable energy for people on the move.
Solar Thermal Energy RegulatorMaximum power point tracking explored.
2-amp Maximum Power Tracking ChargerSolar Power To The Max.
Computer-driven HeliostatFollow the sun or the stars.
Garden LightingUsing solar cells.
Solar Panel Voltage Converter for IoT DevicesYes we CAN exploit indoor lighting.
Travel ChargerFree power in the mountains.
Solar Cell Battery Charger/MonitorWith protection against deep discharge.
Solar-powered Battery ChargerPIC12C671 avoids overcharging and deep charging.
Converters for Photovoltaic PanelsContributed by TME (Transfer MultisortElektronik).
Solar Charging RegulatorFor panels up to 53 watts.
Solar-Powered ChargerFor lead-acid batteries.
CAN Bus + Arduino for Solar PV Cell MonitoringDetect and locate serviceable panels in large arrays.
Balcony Power Plant 2.0The latest: solar panels, installation and inverters
Over 50 Circuits & Projects US-Style Siren Two Rotary Encoders on One Analog Input How to Build a Digital 220-V AC Dimmer with Arduino Current Source for LEDs Detect Four Switches with 1 Pin Tiny On/Off Switch with Battery Level Check DIY Hand Sanitizer Dispenser A Simple Electronic Organ Ultra-Simple Stereo Amplifier Sound Activated Switch for Amplifiers Balanced/Unbalanced Converter External Mains Filter Button-Free Door Control DI Box for a Smartphone Fun With Running Lights One-Button Thyristor Control Quasi-Analog Exposure Timer for the Dark Room Circuits Galore From the Hackster.io Community Analog Tanning Timer Yet Another Single-Wire LCD Interface Simple AVR ATtiny13-Based PWM Generator Second Life for Batteries Touch Switch for LED Lights Tester for LEDs and DIP Switches Go/No-Go IR Control Tester Power Semiconductor Tester SPI for WS2812(B) LEDs Measuring Power Inductors One Plug for Raspberry Pi and Audio DAC DIY Test Fixture for the LCR Meter Arduino Ammeter Two-Finger Organ Low Noise ADC Calibrator DC/DC Boost Converter Two Potentiometers on One Digital Input Acoustic Proximity Sensor Battery-Free Radiator Sensor A Circuit for Detecting Bugs and Wireless Cameras Car Interior Light Timer Candle Simulator Digital Kitchen Timer Milliohm Meter Hot Water Production Delay Timer Simple Charger for 2S 18650 Cells Tiny Frequency Reference Low-Power IR Switch Recycle Your Car’s Telephone Charger Microphone Pre-Amp for Arduino DIY EMI Filters Electronic Dice Without an MCU Finger Capacitor A Self-Charging LED Flasher Also in this edition KiCad 6 – Five Features to Consider Flashback – The Elektor SC/MP Computer Interview – Making Art with Electricity My First PCB – Going Head First Into KiCad Minimizing Hardware with Smart Software Infographics – Facts and Figures New Devices from Analog Flashback – The Elektor Metal Detector Hexadoku – The Original Elektorized Sudoku
The Elektor Super Servo Tester can control servos and measure servo signals. It can test up to four servo channels at the same time.
The Super Servo Tester comes as a kit. All the parts required to assemble the Super Servo Tester are included in the kit. Assembling the kit requires basic soldering skills. The microcontroller is already programmed.
The Super Servo Tester features two operating modes: Control/Manual and Measure/Inputs.
In Control/Manual mode the Super Servo Tester generates control signals on its outputs for up to four servos or for the flight controller or ESC. The signals are controlled by the four potentiometers.
In Measure/Inputs the Super Servo Tester measures the servo signals connected to its inputs. These signals may come from for instance an ESC, a flight controller, or the receiver or another device. The signals are also routed to the outputs to control the servos or the flight controller or ESC. The results are shown on the display.
Specifications
Operating modes
Control/Manual & Measure/Inputs
Channels
3
Servo signal inputs
4
Servo signal outputs
4
Alarm
Buzzer & LED
Display
0.96' OLED (128 x 32 pixels)
Input voltage on K5
7-12 VDC
Input voltage on K1
5-7.5 VDC
Input current
30 mA (9 VDC on K5, nothing connected to K1 and K2)
Dimensions
113 x 66 x 25 mm
Weight
60 g
Included
Resistors (0.25 W)
R1, R3
1 kΩ, 5%
R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9, R10
10 kΩ, 5%
R8
22 Ω, 5%
P1, P2, P3, P4
10 kΩ, lin/B, vertical potentiometer
Capacitors
C1
100 µF 16 V
C2
10 µF 25 V
C3, C4, C7
100 nF
C5, C6
22 pF
Semiconductors
D1
1N5817
D2
LM385Z-2.5
D3
BZX79-C5V1
IC1
7805
IC2
ATmega328P-PU, programmed
LED1
LED, 3 mm, red
T1
2N7000
Miscellaneous
BUZ1
Piezo buzzer with oscillator
K1, K2
2-row, 12-way pinheader, 90°
K5
Barrel jack
K4
1-row, 4-way pin socket
K3
2-row, 6-way boxed pinheader
S1
Slide switch DPDT
S2
Slide switch SPDT
X1
Crystal, 16 MHz
28-way DIP socket for IC2
Elektor PCB
OLED display, 0.96', 128 x 32 pixels, 4-pin I²C interface
Links
Elektor Magazine
Elektor Labs
ARM Cortex-M Embedded Design from 0 to 1
Hobbyists can mash together amazing functional systems using platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, but it is imperative that engineers and product designers understand the foundational knowledge of embedded design. There are very few resources available that describe the thinking, strategies, and processes to take an idea through hardware design and low-level driver development, and successfully build a complete embedded system. Many engineers end up learning the hard way, or never really learn at all.
ARM processors are essentially ubiquitous in embedded systems. Design engineers building novel devices must understand the fundamentals of these systems and be able to break down large, complicated ideas into manageable pieces. Successful product development means traversing a huge amount of documentation to understand how to accomplish what you need, then put everything together to create a robust system that will reliably operate and be maintainable for years to come.
This book is a case study in embedded design including discussion of the hardware, processor initialization, low‑level driver development, and application interface design for a product. Though we describe this through a specific application of a Cortex-M3 development board, our mission is to help the reader build foundational skills critical to being an excellent product developer. The completed development board is available to maximize the impact of this book, and the working platform that you create can then be used as a base for further development and learning.
The Embedded in Embedded program is about teaching fundamental skill sets to help engineers build a solid foundation of knowledge that can be applied in any design environment. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, the author communicates the critical skill development that is demanded by companies and essential to successful design. This book is as much about building a great design process, critical thinking, and even social considerations important to developers as it is about technical hardware and firmware design.
Downloads
EiE Software Archive (200 MB)
IAR ARM 8.10.1 (Recommended IDE version to use) (1.2 GB)
IAR ARM 7.20.1 (Optional IDE version to use) (600 MB)
History and Future in the Internet of Things
This book thoroughly reviews the history of the development of embedded Operating Systems, covers the technical characteristics, historic facts, as well as background business stories of mainstream embedded Operating Systems, and analyzes the technical evolution, market development, and new opportunities of embedded Operating Systems in the age of the Internet of Things.
From the perspective of time, the book examines the evolution of critical technical aspects, including real-time and Power Management of embedded Operating Systems and Linux, Internet of Things security, communication, and cloud computing.
The book looks into applications of embedded Operating Systems with important markets of mobile phones, communication equipment, automobile, and wearable devices, and also discusses business model and the issue of intellectual property of embedded Operating Systems.
In addition, the book walks through the status quo, technical features, product evaluation and background of the Internet of Things Operating Systems in the second half of the book.
This Wi-Fi module is based on the popular ESP8266 chip. The module is FCC and CE certified and RoHS compliant.
Fully compatible with ESP-12E. 13 GPIO pins, 1 analog input, 4 MB flash memory.
The ESP8266 from Espressif is a Wi-Fi microchip with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability. It has made waves in the maker community with its low price.
But many developers were unhappy with ESP8266's high power consumption. The ESP32, equipped with a ULP (Ultra Low Power) coprocessor, offers a remedy for this.
This e-book features a number of projects featuring ESP32 & ESP8266 as well as an interview with the CEO of Espressif Teo Swee Ann.
Articles
ESP32 for Use in Industry 4.0 Equipment
Scrolling Message Display, 512 LEDs controlled over Wi-Fi via an ESP-12F
The Connected Greenhouse IoT demonstration project using MQTT and Node-RED
VFD-tube Clock with ESP32 with an accurate Internet-derived time
ESP32 Low Power
DCF77 Emulator with ESP8266
ESP8266 on the Elektor Android I/O Board
The Reason Behind the Hugely Popular ESP8266?
Wi-Fi Desktop Thermostat
Timers for the Wi-Fi Desktop Thermostat
PlatformIO, the Universal Programming Tool
Weather Display, Visualize current weather data on an LC display
GoNotify, a Flexible IoT Sensor Interface
ESP32 for Power Users
USB Programming Adaptor for ESP8266
Getting started with ESP32 and the Arduino IDE
MicroPython, Python for small systems
RGBDigit Clock
WLAN for Microcontrollers
Return of the Wi-Fi Controller Board
Compact and Self-contained WLAN
Complete ESP32 microcontroller learning course featuring a custom-designed MCU expansion board, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online guide – perfect for learning hardware, programming, and connectivity step by step.
A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32
This course is designed for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based materials but found them too broad or lacking in practical guidance, this course offers a more focused alternative.
Using the "ESP32 by Example Kit" (EEK) – a compact and affordable set of components featuring LEDs, sensors, an OLED display, and a motion processor – you’ll work with a consistent hardware setup throughout the course. Once assembled, the EEK stays mostly unchanged, allowing you to concentrate on learning and experimentation without constant reconfiguration.
Topics include:
Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller
Writing and deploying code with the Arduino IDE
Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control
No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the book’s examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications.
Whether you're interested in embedded programming, interactive systems, or introductory drone control, this course provides a clear and practical path to getting started.
What you'll learn?
Embedded programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE
Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays
Gesture-based interaction using the MPU6050 motion sensor
Bluetooth gamepad integration and drone control simulation
Wi-Fi and UDP networking, local web servers, and NTP
MQTT communication with cloud platforms like AWS and Arduino IoT
How to build and deploy full-featured IoT systems
Perfect for
Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems
Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills
Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material
Developers moving beyond Raspberry Pi or Arduino basics
Support when you need it
Access to instructors via Elektor Academy
Helpful community forums and essential documentation
What's inside the Box (Course)?
New 384-page book: "ESP32 by Example" (valued at €45)
Elektor ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK): Microcontroller Extension Board with 6 LEDs and 6 Buttons installed + OLED Display, MPU6050 3-axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope Module (valued at €40)
Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather MCU Board (valued at €30)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (valued at €25)
DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor
Breadboard
Jumper wires
USB-C cable
Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform
Instructional videos
Downloadable Arduino project files for every module
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
▶ Click here to open
Module 1 – Getting Started with the ESP32 & EEK
Module 2 – Digital Output – LEDs and GPIO
Module 3 – Switches and Input Handling
Module 4 – EEK and PWM
Module 5 – OLED and Display Output
Module 6 – Motion Sensing with the MPU6050
Module 7 – Capstone Project (EEK in Action)
Module 8 – WiFi and Web Control with ESP32
Module 9 – Cloud Concepts using EEK
Module 10 – Hands-on: Arduino IoT Cloud and EEK
Module 11 – BlueTooth and EEK GamePad Integration
Module 12 – Why Drones?
Module 13 – Drone Simulator Concepts
Module 14 – Simple Drone Flight Control
Module 15 – Real-Time Drone Flight Control
Module 16 – Drone Control Mini-Projects
Module 17 – Middleware and Python Scripting
Module 18 – Python Applications for Drone Control
Module 19 – Capstone EEK Control Project and Presentation
About the Author
Dr. Jim Solderitsch is an educator, software architect, systems developer, and cybersecurity researcher with a focus on cyber-physical systems. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in Computing Sciences at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
What is Elektor Academy Pro?
Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools.
From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind.
Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.
ESP32-C3-WROOM-02U is a general-purpose Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE module. The rich set of peripherals and high performance make the module an ideal choice for smart homes, industrial automation, health care, consumer electronics, etc.
ESP32-C3-WROOM-02U features an external SPI flash and comes with a connector for an external antenna.
ESP32-C3-WROOM-02U has an operating ambient temperature option of –40∼85°C, embedded with the ESP32-C3 chip. ESP32-C3 has a 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor. It integrates a rich set of peripherals, ranging from UART, I²C, I²S, remote control peripheral, LED PWM controller, general DMA controller, TWAI controller, USB Serial/JTAG controller, temperature sensor, ADC, etc. It also includes SPI, Dual SPI and Quad SPI interfaces.
Features
Flash: 4 MB (Quad SPI)
Dimensions: 18.0 x 20.0 x 3.2 mm
Downloads
Datasheet
ESP32-S2-Saola-1R is a small-sized ESP32-S2 based development board. Most of the I/O pins are broken out to the pin headers on both sides for easy interfacing. Developers can either connect peripherals with jumper wires or mount ESP32-S2-Saola-1R on a breadboard.
ESP32-S2-Saola-1R is equipped with the ESP32-S2-WROVER module, a powerful, generic Wi-Fi MCU module that has a rich set of peripherals. It is an ideal choice for a wide variety of application scenarios relating to Internet of Things (IoT), wearable electronics and smart home. The board a PCB antenna and features a 4 MB external SPI flash and an additional 2 MB SPI Pseudo static RAM (PSRAM).
Features
MCU
ESP32-S2 embedded, Xtensa® single-core 32-bit LX7 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz
128 KB ROM
320 KB SRAM
16 KB SRAM in RTC
WiFi
802.11 b/g/n
Bit rate: 802.11n up to 150 Mbps
A-MPDU and A-MSDU aggregation
0.4 µs guard interval support
Center frequency range of operating channel: 2412 ~ 2484 MHz
Hardware
Interfaces: GPIO, SPI, LCD, UART, I²C, I²S, Camera interface, IR, pulse counter, LED PWM, TWAI (compatible with ISO 11898-1), USB OTG 1.1, ADC, DAC, touch sensor, temperature sensor
40 MHz crystal oscillator
4 MB SPI flash
Operating voltage/Power supply: 3.0 ~ 3.6 V
Operating temperature range: –40 ~ 85 °C
Dimensions: 18 × 31 × 3.3 mm
Applications
Generic Low-power IoT Sensor Hub
Generic Low-power IoT Data Loggers
Cameras for Video Streaming
Over-the-top (OTT) Devices
USB Devices
Speech Recognition
Image Recognition
Mesh Network
Home Automation
Smart Home Control Panel
Smart Building
Industrial Automation
Smart Agriculture
Audio Applications
Health Care Applications
Wi-Fi-enabled Toys
Wearable Electronics
Retail & Catering Applications
Smart POS Machines
At the core of this module is ESP32-S2, an Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 CPU that operates at up to 240 MHz. The chip has a low-power co-processor that can be used instead of the CPU to save power while performing tasks that do not require much computing power, such as monitoring of peripherals. ESP32-S2 integrates a rich set of peripherals, ranging from SPI, I²S, UART, I²C, LED PWM, TWAITM, LCD, Camera interface, ADC, DAC, touch sensor, temperature sensor, as well as up to 43 GPIOs. It also includes a full-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) interface to enable USB communication.FeaturesMCU
ESP32-S2 embedded, Xtensa® single-core 32-bit LX7 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz
128 KB ROM
320 KB SRAM
16 KB SRAM in RTC
WiFi
802.11 b/g/n
Bit rate: 802.11n up to 150 Mbps
A-MPDU and A-MSDU aggregation
0.4 µs guard interval support
Center frequency range of operating channel: 2412 ~ 2484 MHz
Hardware
Interfaces: GPIO, SPI, LCD, UART, I²C, I²S, Camera interface, IR, pulse counter, LED PWM, TWAI (compatible with ISO 11898-1), USB OTG 1.1, ADC, DAC, touch sensor, temperature sensor
40 MHz crystal oscillator
4 MB SPI flash
Operating voltage/Power supply: 3.0 ~ 3.6 V
Operating temperature range: –40 ~ 85 °C
Dimensions: 18 × 31 × 3.3 mm
Applications
Generic Low-power IoT Sensor Hub
Generic Low-power IoT Data Loggers
Cameras for Video Streaming
Over-the-top (OTT) Devices
USB Devices
Speech Recognition
Image Recognition
Mesh Network
Home Automation
Smart Home Control Panel
Smart Building
Industrial Automation
Smart Agriculture
Audio Applications
Health Care Applications
Wi-Fi-enabled Toys
Wearable Electronics
Retail & Catering Applications
Smart POS Machines
At the core of this module is ESP32-S2, an Xtensa 32-bit LX7 CPU that operates at up to 240 MHz. The chip has a low-power co-processor that can be used instead of the CPU to save power while performing tasks that do not require much computing power, such as monitoring of peripherals. ESP32-S2 integrates a rich set of peripherals, ranging from SPI, I²S, UART, I²C, LED PWM, TWAITM, LCD, Camera interface, ADC, DAC, touch sensor, temperature sensor, as well as up to 43 GPIOs. It also includes a full-speed USB On-The-Go (OTG) interface to enable USB communication.
Features
MCU
ESP32-S2 embedded, Xtensa single-core 32-bit LX7 microprocessor, up to 240 MHz
128 KB ROM
320 KB SRAM
16 KB SRAM in RTC
WiFi
802.11 b/g/n
Bit rate: 802.11n up to 150 Mbps
A-MPDU and A-MSDU aggregation
0.4 µs guard interval support
Center frequency range of operating channel: 2412 ~ 2484 MHz
Hardware
Interfaces: GPIO, SPI, LCD, UART, I²C, I²S, Camera interface, IR, pulse counter, LED PWM, TWAI (compatible with ISO 11898-1), USB OTG 1.1, ADC, DAC, touch sensor, temperature sensor
40 MHz crystal oscillator
4 MB SPI flash
Operating voltage/Power supply: 3.0 ~ 3.6 V
Operating temperature range: –40 ~ 85 °C
Dimensions: 18 × 31 × 3.3 mm
Applications
Generic Low-power IoT Sensor Hub
Generic Low-power IoT Data Loggers
Cameras for Video Streaming
Over-the-top (OTT) Devices
USB Devices
Speech Recognition
Image Recognition
Mesh Network
Home Automation
Smart Home Control Panel
Smart Building
Industrial Automation
Smart Agriculture
Audio Applications
Health Care Applications
Wi-Fi-enabled Toys
Wearable Electronics
Retail & Catering Applications
Smart POS Machines
Recently, the development of a tiny chip called the ESP8266 has made it possible to interface any type of microcontroller to a Wi-Fi AP. The ESP8266 is a low-cost tiny Wi-Fi chip having fully built-in TCP/IP stack and a 32-bit microcontroller unit. This chip, produced by Shanghai based Chinese manufacturer Espressif System, is IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi compatible with on-chip program and data memory, and general purpose input-output ports. Several manufacturers have incorporated the ESP8266 chip in their hardware products (e.g. ESP-xx, NodeMCU etc) and offer these products as a means of connecting a microcontroller system such as the Android, PIC microcontroller or others to a Wi-Fi. The ESP8266 is a low-power chip and costs only a few Dollars.
ESP8266 and MicroPython – Coding Cool Stuff is an introduction to the ESP8266 chip and describes the features of this chip and shows how various firmware and programming languages such as the MicroPython can be uploaded to the chip. The main aim of the book is to teach the readers how to use the MicroPython programming language on ESP8266 based hardware, especially on the NodeMCU.
Several interesting and useful projects are given in the e-book (pdf) to show how to use the MicroPython in NodeMCU type ESP8266 hardware:
Project “What shall I wear today?”: You will be developing a weather information system using a NodeMCU development board together with a Text-to-Speech processor module.
Project “The Temperature and Humidity on the Cloud”: You will be developing a system that will get the ambient temperature and humidity using a sensor and then store this data on the cloud so that it can be accessed from anywhere.
Project “Remote Web Based Control”: You will be developing a system that will remotely control two LEDs connected to a NodeMCU development board using an HTTP Web Server application.
The field of digital electronics is central to modern technology. This e-book presents fundamental circuits using gates, flip-flops and counters from the CMOS 4000 Series. Each of the 50 experiments has a circuit diagram as well as a detailed illustration of the circuit’s construction on solderless breadboard.
Learning these fundamentals is best done using practical experiments. Building these digital circuits will improve your knowledge and will be fun to boot. Many of the circuits presented here have practical real-life applications. With a good overview of the field, you’ll be well equipped to find simple and cost-effective solutions for any application.
The e-book is targeted essentially at students, trainees and anyone with an interest in and requiring an introduction to digital control electronics. Moreover, the knowledge gleaned here is the foundation for further projects in the field of microcontrollers and programming.
AVR Architecture and Programming An in-depth look at the 8-bit AVR architecture found in ATtiny and ATmega microcontrollers, mainly from a software and programming point of view. Explore the AVR architecture using C and assembly language in Microchip Studio (formerly Atmel Studio) with ATtiny microcontrollers. Learn the details of how AVR microcontrollers work internally, including the internal registers and memory map of ATtiny devices. Program ATtiny microcontrollers using an Atmel-ICE programmer/debugger, or use a cheap hobby programmer, or even an Arduino Uno as a programmer. Most code examples can be run using the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. Learn to write programs for ATtiny microcontrollers in assembly language. See how assembly language is converted to machine code instructions by the assembler program. Find out how programs written in the C programming language end up as assembly language and finally as machine code instructions. Use the Microchip Studio debugger in combination with a hardware USB programmer/debugger to test assembly and C language programs, or use the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. DIP packaged ATtiny microcontrollers are used in this volume for easy use on electronic breadboards, targeting mainly the ATtiny13(A) and ATtiny25/45/85. Learn about instruction timing and clocks in AVR microcontrollers using ATtiny devices. Be on your way to becoming an AVR expert with advanced debugging and programming skills.
3rd Edition – Fully updated for Raspberry Pi 4
The Raspberry Pi is a very cheap but complete computer system that allows all sorts of electronics parts and extensions to be connected. This book addresses one of the strongest aspects of the Raspberry Pi: the ability to combine hands-on electronics and programming.
Combine hands-on electronics and programming
After a short introduction to the Raspberry Pi you proceed with installing the required software. The SD card that can be purchased in conjunction with this book contains everything to get started with the Raspberry Pi. At the side of the (optional) Windows PC, software is used which is free for downloading. The book continues with a concise introduction to the Linux operating system, after which you start programming in Bash, Python 3 and Javascript. Although the emphasis is on Python, the coverage is brief and to the point in all cases – just enabling you to grasp the essence of all projects and start adapting them to your requirements. All set, you can carry on with fun projects.
The book is ideal for self-study
No fewer than 45 exciting and compelling projects are discussed and elaborated in detail. From a flashing lights to driving an electromotor; from processing and generating analog signals to a lux meter and a temperature control. We also move to more complex projects like a motor speed controller, a web server with CGI, client-server applications and Xwindows programs.
Each project has details of the way it got designed that way
The process of reading, building, and programming not only provides insight into the Raspberry Pi, Python, and the electronic parts used, but also enables you to modify or extend the projects any way you like. Also, feel free to combine several projects into a larger design.
FLUX Ador is the world's first color printing laser cutter. Powered by three high-quality, interchangeable modules, Ador enables you to engrave and cut though a wide range of materials while enhancing your projects with a pop of color.
New creative potential with Ador
Whether you’re an educator, small business, crafter or designer, with Ador, the application boundary is for you to define.
Easy to use
Place material then autofocus
Drag and drop your design
Engrave, cut or print
Project Completed!
Big workspace, big ideas
Ador offers a big working space of 430 x 300 mm, with a depth of 30 mm, expanding the horizons of your creativity.
Specifications
Dimensions
637 x 488 x 226 mm
Weight
19 kg
Work Area
X&Y: 20 W Diode laser: 430 x 300 mm (X & Y varies with different modules)Z: 30 mm (for all modules) & 20 mm (with prism)
Camera Preview Area
Whole work area
Voltage
AC 110-240 V
Touch Panel
Yes, 8 inches (diagonal)
Camera
8 MP
I/O
USB / WiFi
Laser Spec
W Diode laser Module
Laser Moving Speed
0~400 mm/s
Laser Cutting Thickness
Varies for different materials
Software Mode
Vector / Graphic (monochrome, gray scale)
Operating System
Windows / macOS / Linux
Software File Type
JPG / PNG / SVG / DXF
Included
FLUX Ador
20 W diode laser module
6x prism lift
Power adapter
Power cord
Hex key
Vent Hose
Vent hose Duct Clamp
Wooden test piece
Laser Cutter Lubricant
Downloads
Firmware
FLUX Beamo is a powerful and compact 30 W CO2 desktop laser cutter that can cut and engrave a range of materials including metals. With its easy-to-use design, intuitive controls and features, you can effortlessly create amazing things.
Built-in HD camera
Cutting and engraving is hassle-free with our preview mode. Place your material, preview the work area in the Beam Studio software and engrave. Your design comes out exactly as shown in the preview.
Integrated safety features
If left opened, auto pause ensures the laser stops. The internal water cooling system provides a stable cutting process. Plus, you can stop production with a single switch at any time.
Powerful high resolution laser
The Beamo ultra thin laser can engrave exceptional detail down to 0.05 mm wide with a clear resolution of 1,000 dpi. Fitting for any craft or small business project.
The most precise compact CO2 laser engraver
Beamo's sleek, modern and compact design fits beautifully in any home, school or workshop space. It comes pre-assembled with a metal body and acrylic lid, measuring 615 x 445 x 177 mm. Bring your designs to life with its 30 W CO2 laser operating on a 30 x 21 cm work area.
Safe for home and school
Beamo prioritises safety with its thoughtful design features. The machine is fully enclosed, and it automatically pauses if the lid is opened during a task. Additionally, there is a single switch for immediate machine shutdown in case of emergencies. Beamo is equipped with a Class 1 laser, which is completely safe under normal use.
Specifications
Dimensions
615 x 445 x 177 mm
Weight
22 kg
Work Area
300 x 210 x 45 mm (11.81 x 8,27 x 1.77')
Camera Preview Area
300 x 195 mm
Voltage
AC 110 V / 220 V
Touch Panel
1024 x 600 LCD
Camera
HD CMOS
I/O
Wi-Fi / Ethernet
Laser Spec
30 W CO₂ Laser
Laser Moving Speed
0~300 mm/s
Laser Cutting Thickness
0-5 mm (varies by material)
Software Mode
Vector / Graphic (monochrome, gray scale)
Operating System
Windows / macOS / Linux
Software File Type
JPG / PNG / SVG / DXF
Included
FLUX Beamo (distilled water included)
Vent hose Duct Clamp
Double sided tape to align the mirror's
Ethernet cable
Vent Hose
Double head wrench
Wood piece
Torx screwdriver and 2.5 mm hexagonal wrench
Funnel
1x Laser Cutter Lubricant
Power cord
Wifi Dongle USB
Beamo Manual
Honey Comb Platform (30 W)
Downloads
Firmware
The FNIRSI DPS150 is a high-performance adjustable DC power supply that features a USB-C input interface and multiple power supply modes, allowing precise adjustment of output voltage (0-30 V) and current (0-5 A).
It provides efficient, low-consumption, and stable output, equipped with multiple safety protection functions including overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, overheating, and reverse connection. It can be flexibly applied to serial connection of multiple devices, with rich and user-friendly display and operation, compact and portable design, meeting various application needs.
Features
30 V, 5 A, 150 W variable DC power with 0.01 V, 0.001 A precision, CC/CV modes, and <20 mV ripple to protect sensitive electronics.
Supports PC, QC, and DC inputs with programmable outputs and 6 preset voltage/current settings.
Compatible with 4 mm banana plugs, U-shaped terminals, and copper wires for various equipment.
8 safety mechanisms including overvoltage, current, short circuit, and overheating protection.
2.8-inch HD IPS screen with 90° flip, numerical and curve displays for easy monitoring.
Small, space-saving design for use in labs, repairs, and DIY projects.
Specifications
Input Voltage
5~32 V DC
Input Current
100 mA-5 A
Output Voltage
0-30 V
Output Current
0~5 A
Output Power
0-150 W
Input Way
PD fast charger
QC fast charger
Power bank
DC power adapters
Operating Environment
0-40°C
Load Regulation
0.49%
Full Load Efficiency
96.30%
Display
2.8 inch (320 x 240)
Dimensions
106 x 76 x 28 mm
Weight
178 g
Included
1x DPS150 Power Supply
2x Alligator clip wires (black & red)
1x Micro USB cable
1x Manual
Downloads
Manual
Firmware V0.0.1
The FNIRSI DPS150 is a high-performance adjustable DC power supply that features a USB-C input interface and multiple power supply modes, allowing precise adjustment of output voltage (0-30 V) and current (0-5 A).
It provides efficient, low-consumption, and stable output, equipped with multiple safety protection functions including overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, overheating, and reverse connection. It can be flexibly applied to serial connection of multiple devices, with rich and user-friendly display and operation, compact and portable design, meeting various application needs.
Features
30 V, 5 A, 150 W variable DC power with 0.01 V, 0.001 A precision, CC/CV modes, and <20 mV ripple to protect sensitive electronics.
Supports PC, QC, and DC inputs with programmable outputs and 6 preset voltage/current settings.
Compatible with 4 mm banana plugs, U-shaped terminals, and copper wires for various equipment.
8 safety mechanisms including overvoltage, current, short circuit, and overheating protection.
2.8-inch HD IPS screen with 90° flip, numerical and curve displays for easy monitoring.
Small, space-saving design for use in labs, repairs, and DIY projects.
Specifications
Input Voltage
5~32 V DC
Input Current
100 mA-5 A
Output Voltage
0-30 V
Output Current
0~5 A
Output Power
0-150 W
Input Way
PD fast charger
QC fast charger
Power bank
DC power adapters
Operating Environment
0-40°C
Load Regulation
0.49%
Full Load Efficiency
96.30%
Display
2.8 inch (320 x 240)
Dimensions
106 x 76 x 28 mm
Weight
178 g
Included
1x DPS150 Power Supply
2x Alligator clip wires (black & red)
1x C2C PD charging cable
1x 100 W PD GaN Adapter (EU)
1x Micro USB cable
1x Manual
Downloads
Manual
Firmware V0.0.1
The FNIRDSI DSO-TC4 is a multifunctional transistor oscilloscope that is both comprehensive and practical. It is designed for use in maintenance and R&D applications, integrating an oscilloscope, transistor tester, and signal generator into a single device.
Features
Equipped with a 2.8-inch TFT color screen for a clear and intuitive display
Built-in high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery (1500 mAh) with a standby time of up to 4 hours
Compact and lightweight, ideal for mobile use
Specifications
Oscilloscope
Analog Bandwidth
10 MHz
Real-Time Sampling Rate
48 MSa/s
Input Impedance
1 MΩ
Coupling Mode
AC/DC
Test Voltage Range
1:1 Probe: 80 Vpp (+40 V)
10:1 Probe: 800 Vpp (+400 V)
Vertical Sensitivity
10 mV/div~10 V/div (X1 range)
Vertical Displacement
Adjustable with indication
Time Base Range
50ns~20s
Trigger Mode
Auto/Normal/Single
Trigger Type
Rising edge, Falling edge
Trigger Level
Adjustable with indication
Waveform Freeze
Yes (HOLD function)
Automatic Measurement
Max, Min, Avg, RMS, Vpp, Frequency, Cycle, Duty Cycle
Component Tester
Transistor
Amplification factor "hfe"; Base-Emitter voltage "Ube", Ic/Ie, Collector-Emitter reverse leakage current "Iceo", Ices, Forward voltage drop of protection diode "Uf"
Diode
Forward voltage drop <5 V (Forward voltage drop, Junction capacitance, Reverse leakage current)
Zener Diode
0.01~32 V
Reverse Breakdown Voltage (K-A-A Test Area)
Field-Effect Transistor (FET)
JFET: Gate capacitance "Cg", Drain current Id under "Vgs", Forward voltage drop of protection diode "Uf"
IGBT: Drain current Id under Vgs, Forward voltage drop of protection diode Uf
MIOSTET: Threshold voltage "Vt", Gate capacitance "Cg", Drain-Source resistance "Rds", Forward voltage drop of protection diode "Uf"
Unidirectional SCR
Trigger voltage <5V, Gate level (Gate voltage)
Bidirectional SCR
Trigger current <6mA (Gate voltage)
Capacitor
25pF~100mF, Capacitance value, Loss factor "Vloss"
Resistor
0.01Ω~50MΩ
Inductor
10μH~1000μH, DC resistance
DS18B20
Temperature sensor, Pins: GND, DQ, VDD
DHT11
Temperature and humidity sensor, Pins: VDD, DATA, GND
Signal Generator
Output Waveform
Supports 13 waveform outputs
Waveform Frequency
0-50 KHz
Square Wave Duty Cycle
0-100%
Waveform Amplitude
0.1-3.0 V
General
Display
2.8-inch TFT color screen
Backlight
Brightness adjustable
Power Supply
USB-C (5 V/1 A)
Battery
3.7 V/1500 mAh
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
Dimensions
90 x 142 x 27.5 mm
Weight
186 g
Included
1x FNIRSI DSO-TC4 (3-in-1) Oscilloscope (10 MHz)
1x P6100 Oscilloscope probes (10X)
1x Alligator clip probe
3x Test hooks
1x Adapter
1x USB-C charging cable
1x Manual
Downloads
Manual
Firmware V0.0.7 (+V1.0.9)
The FNIRSI DSO152 is an extremely practical and cost-effective handheld oscilloscope with a real-time sampling rate of 2.5 MSa/s, a bandwidth of 200 kHz and complete trigger functions (single, normal and automatic).
It can be used for both periodic analog signals and non-periodic digital signals and can measure voltages up to ±400 V. Equipped with an efficient one-key AUTO, it can display the measured waveform without cumbersome adjustments. It is equipped with a high-resolution 2.8-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 320x240 pixels and a built-in 1000 mAh high-quality lithium battery for up to 4 hours of operation.
Specifications
Sampling rate
2.5 MSa/s
Bandwidth
200 kHz
Vertical sensitivity
10 mV/DIV - 20 V/DIV (Progress according to the 1-2-5 way)
Time base range
10µS/DIV - 50s/DIV (Progress according to the 1-2-5 way)
Voltage range
X1: ±40 V (Vpp: 80 V)X10: ±400 V (Vpp: 800 V)
Trigger method
Auto/Normal/Single
Coupling method
AC/DC
Display
2.8" (320 x 240 pixels)
USB charging
5 V/1 A
Lithium battery capacity
1000 mAh
Square wave calibration
Frequency: 1K, Duty cycle: 50%
Dimensions
99 x 68.3 x 19.5 mm
Weight
100 g
Included
FNIRSI DSO152 oscilloscope
Alligator clip probe
USB cable
Lanyard
Manual
Downloads
Manual
Firmware V0.1
The FNIRSI DWS-200 is a powerful 200 W smart soldering station, ideal for electronic soldering applications. Powered by a switch-mode power supply, it operates smoothly with a wide voltage input range of 100-240 V. The station provides an adjustable temperature range from 100°C to 450°C (212°F to 842°F) and allows for easy switching between °C and °F.
To enhance efficiency, it supports up to three preset temperature values and can connect to a soldering iron stand for standby mode activation. The station also features a dynamic temperature curve mode for real-time data monitoring, ensuring precise and consistent performance in demanding soldering tasks.
Features
Maximum power output of 200 W, allowing for fast heating
Wide adaptive voltage input of 100-240 V
2.8" HD color TFT display with intelligent control
Multiple preset groups to switch between different settings quickly
Supports F245 and F210 soldering handle types, offering flexibility for different soldering applications
Real-time sleep mode to extend the life of the soldering tip
Multi-mode real-time monitoring for power and temperature status, enhancing safety and precision
Specifications
Peak Power
200 W (max)
Temperature Range
100°C~450°C (212°F~842°F)
Display
2.8" TFT HD Color Screen
Heating Time
1 sec
Melting Time
3 sec
Input Voltage
100-240 V (AC)
Input Fuse
3 A
Soldering Handle Type
F245
Dimensions (Station)
156 x 96 x 103 mm
Weight (Station)
475 g
Included
1x FNIRSI DWS-200 Soldering Station
1x Soldering Handle F245
6x Soldering Tips (B, KU, K, C2, I, JS)
1x Connecting Cable
2x Helping Hands
1x Power Cable (EU)
Downloads
Manual
Firmware V1.3