Build your own AI microcontroller applications from scratch
The MAX78000FTHR from Maxim Integrated is a small development board based on the MAX78000 MCU. The main usage of this board is in artificial intelligence applications (AI) which generally require large amounts of processing power and memory. It marries an Arm Cortex-M4 processor with a floating-point unit (FPU), convolutional neural network (CNN) accelerator, and RISC-V core into a single device. It is designed for ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal for many portable AI-based applications.
This book is project-based and aims to teach the basic features of the MAX78000FTHR. It demonstrates how it can be used in various classical and AI-based projects. Each project is described in detail and complete program listings are provided. Readers should be able to use the projects as they are, or modify them to suit their applications. This book covers the following features of the MAX78000FTHR microcontroller development board:
Onboard LEDs and buttons
External LEDs and buttons
Using analog-to-digital converters
I²C projects
SPI projects
UART projects
External interrupts and timer interrupts
Using the onboard microphone
Using the onboard camera
Convolutional Neural Network
Build your own AI microcontroller applications from scratch
The MAX78000FTHR from Maxim Integrated is a small development board based on the MAX78000 MCU. The main usage of this board is in artificial intelligence applications (AI) which generally require large amounts of processing power and memory. It marries an Arm Cortex-M4 processor with a floating-point unit (FPU), convolutional neural network (CNN) accelerator, and RISC-V core into a single device. It is designed for ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal for many portable AI-based applications.
This book is project-based and aims to teach the basic features of the MAX78000FTHR. It demonstrates how it can be used in various classical and AI-based projects. Each project is described in detail and complete program listings are provided. Readers should be able to use the projects as they are, or modify them to suit their applications. This book covers the following features of the MAX78000FTHR microcontroller development board:
Onboard LEDs and buttons
External LEDs and buttons
Using analog-to-digital converters
I²C projects
SPI projects
UART projects
External interrupts and timer interrupts
Using the onboard microphone
Using the onboard camera
Convolutional Neural Network
Over 180 Projects with Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, and ESP32
This bundle contains the Universal Maker Sensor Kit, which consists of many sensors, actuators, displays, and motors. It’s perfect for environmental monitoring, smart home projects, robotics, and game controllers.
The new Elektor book describes the design of many projects using the kit together with the popular Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico W, Arduino Uno, and the ESP32 family of development boards. You can choose any of these development boards for your projects and either use the provided programs as they are, or modify these programs to suit your applications.
This bundle contains:
Book: Universal Maker Sensor Kit (normal price: €45)
Universal Maker Sensor Kit for Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, ESP32 (normal price: €70)
Book: Universal Maker Sensor Kit
Learn to use more than 35 Sensors and Actuators with C++, Python, and MicroPython
This book contains over 180 projects for all four major development boards (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pico W, and ESP32). Depending on the development board, projects are available in the C, Python, or MicroPython programming languages.
The project titles, brief descriptions, wiring diagrams, and full program listings together with their detailed descriptions are given in the guide.
Universal Maker Sensor Kit (for Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, ESP32)
Discover endless creativity with the Universal Maker Sensor Kit, designed for use with Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, and ESP32. This versatile kit offers compatibility across popular development platforms, including Arduino Uno R4 Minima/WiFi, Uno R3, Mega 2560, Raspberry Pi 5, 4, 3B+, 3B, Zero, Pico W, and ESP32.
Featuring over 35 sensors, actuators, and displays, it's perfect for projects ranging from environmental monitoring and smart home automation to robotics and interactive gaming. Step-by-step tutorials in C/C++, Python, and MicroPython guide beginners and experienced makers alike through 169 exciting projects.
Features
Wide Compatibility: Fully supports Arduino (Uno R3, Uno R4 Minima/WiFi, Mega 2560), Raspberry Pi (5, 4, 3B+, 3B, Zero, Pico W), and ESP32, enabling extensive flexibility across numerous development platforms. Includes instructions for building 169 projects.
Comprehensive Components: Features more than 35 sensors, actuators, and display modules suitable for diverse projects such as environmental monitoring, smart home automation, robotics, and interactive game controllers.
Detailed Tutorials: Provides clear, step-by-step tutorials covering Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pico W, ESP32, and each included component. Tutorials are available in C/C++, Python, and MicroPython, catering effectively to both beginners and experienced makers.
Suitable for All Skill Levels: Offers structured projects designed to guide users seamlessly from beginner to advanced proficiency in electronics and programming, enhancing creativity and technical expertise.
Kit includes
Breadboard
Button Module
Capacitive Soil Moisture Module
Flame Sensor Module
Gas/Smoke Sensor Module (MQ2)
Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module (MPU6050)
Hall Sensor Module
Infrared Speed Sensor Module
IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module
Joystick Module
PCF8591 ADC DAC Converter Module
Photoresistor Module
PIR Motion Module (HC-SR501)
Potentiometer Module
Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor Module (MAX30102)
Raindrop Detection Module
Real Time Clock Module (DS1302)
Rotary Encoder Module
Temperature Sensor Module (DS18B20)
Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module (DHT11)
Temperature, Humidity & Pressure Sensor (BMP280)
Time of Flight Micro-LIDAR Distance Sensor (VL53L0X)
Touch Sensor Module
Ultrasonic Sensor Module (HC-SR04)
Vibration Sensor Module (SW-420)
Water Level Sensor Module
I²C LCD 1602
OLED Display Module (SSD1306)
RGB LED Module
Traffic Light Module
5 V Relay Module
Centrifugal Pump
L9110 Motor Driver Module
Passive Buzzer Module
Servo Motor (SG90)
TT Motor
ESP8266 Module
JDY-31 Bluetooth Module
Power Supply Module
Documentation
Online Tutorial
Der Einstieg in die Elektronik ist einfacher, als Sie denken! Mit diesem Bundle – bestehend aus Buch und Experimentierkit – entdecken Sie die Grundlagen der Elektro- und Elektroniktechnik Schritt für Schritt. Anhand spannender Experimente lernen Sie praxisnah und verständlich, ganz ohne komplizierte Fachbegriffe oder langwierige Berechnungen. So sind Sie schon bald in der Lage, Ihre eigenen Elektronikprojekte umzusetzen!
Das Kit enthält alle notwendigen Komponenten, um die meisten im Buch beschriebenen Schaltungen direkt auf dem Steckbrett aufzubauen und praktisch zu erproben.
Das Kit kann selbstverständlich auch ohne das Buch zum Aufbau anderer Schaltkreise und zur Durchführung eigener Experimente verwendet werden.
Inhalt des Kits
1x 39 Ω, 1 W Widerstand
1x 47 Ω Widerstand
1x 180 Ω Widerstand
1x 330 Ω Widerstand
3x 1 kΩ Widerstand
1x 2,2 kΩ Widerstand
1x 3,9 kΩ Widerstand
1x 6,8 kΩ Widerstand
1x 10 kΩ Widerstand
1x 15 kΩ Widerstand
1x 22 kΩ Widerstand
1x 33 kΩ Widerstand
1x 47 kΩ Widerstand
1x 56 kΩ Widerstand
1x 82 kΩ Widerstand
1x 120 kΩ Widerstand
1x 680 kΩ Widerstand
2x 100 kΩ Widerstand
1x 10 kΩ Trimmer
1x 10 kΩ Linearpotentiometer
1x 100 kΩ Linearpotentiometer
1x LDR
1x 1 nF Keramikkondensator
2x 10 nF Keramikkondensator
1x 100 nF Keramikkondensator
1x 1 µF, 25 V Aluminium-Elektrolytkondensator
2x 10 µF, 25 V Aluminium-Elektrolytkondensator
1x 100 µF, 25 V Aluminium-Elektrolytkondensator
1x 470 µF, 25 V Aluminium-Elektrolytkondensator
1x 1000 µF, 25 V Aluminium-Elektrolytkondensator
1x RGB-LED, Common-Cathode (CC)
1x 1N4148 Kleinsignaldiode
1x 1N4733A 5,1 V, 1 W Zenerdiode
3x LED, rot
2x BC337 NPN-Transistor
1x IRFZ44N N-Kanal-MOSFET
2x NE555-Timer
1x LM393-Komparator
1x 74HCT08 Quad-AND-Gatter
3x Tastschalter
2x SPDT-Schalter
1x Relais, SPDT, 9 VDC
1x Aktiver Summer
1x Passiver Summer
50 cm Massivdraht, 16 AWG, ohne Mantel
2x PP3 9 V Batterieclip
1x Steckbrett
20x Überbrückungskabel
Dieses Bundle enthält:
Buch: Schnelleinstieg in die Elektronik (Einzelpreis: 45 €)
Kit: Schnelleinstieg in die Elektronik (Wert: 45 €)
Arduino-compatible, ESP32-controlled, 2-wheeled Balancing Robot
The Elektor Mini-Wheelie is an experimental autonomous self-balancing robot platform. Based on an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, the self-balancing robot is fully programmable using the Arduino environment and open-source libraries. Its wireless capabilities allow it to be controlled remotely over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or ESP-NOW or to communicate with a user or even another robot.
An ultrasonic transducer is available for detecting obstacles. Its color display can be used for displaying cute facial expressions or, for the more down-to-earth users, cryptic debug messages.
The robot comes as a neat kit of parts that you must assemble yourself. Everything is included, even a screwdriver.
Note: The Mini-Wheelie is an educational development platform intended for learning, experimentation, and robotics development. It is not classified as a toy for children, and its features, documentation, and intended audience reflect this purpose. The product is aimed at students, educators, and developers who wish to explore robotics, programming, and hardware integration in an educational setting.
Specifications
ESP32-S3 microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
MPU6050 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
Two independently controlled 12 V electric motors with tachometer
Ultrasonic transducer
2.9" TFT color display (320 x 240)
MicroSD card slot
Battery power monitor
3S rechargeable Li-Po battery (11.1 V/2200 mAh)
Battery charger included
Arduino-based open-source software
Dimensions (W x L x H): 23 x 8 x 13 cm
Included
1x ESP32-S3 Mainboard + MPU6050 module
1x LCD board (2.9 inch)
1x Ultrasonic sensor
1x Battery pack (2200 mAh)
1x Battery charger
1x Motor tyre kit
1x Case board
1x Acrylic board
1x Screwdriver
1x Protective strip
1x Flex cable B (8 cm)
1x Flex cable A (12 cm)
1x Flex cable C
4x Copper column A (25 mm)
4x Copper column B (55 mm)
4x Copper column C (5 mm)
2x Plastic nylon column
8x Screws A (10 mm)
24x Screws B (M3x5)
8x Nuts
24x Metal washers
2x Zip tie
1x MicroSD card (32 GB)
Downloads
Documentation
The Elektor Zener Diode Tester is essentially a constant-current source that can be switched in steps from 1 to 50 mA. It can be used to test Z-diodes up to a maximum of 54 V. Thanks to a 60-V step-up converter, the device can be powered by the usual 5 to 12 V.
The principle of this tester is straightforward. A Z-diode or other DUT (device under test, such as an LED) is biased by an adjustable current source. The voltage across the DUT can be measured with a multimeter. The voltage of most (small) Z-diodes is specified at a current of 5 mA. Depending on the application, the voltage at other currents can also be of interest. That is why six current settings are available: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mA. LEDs are often specified at a current of 20 mA.
What can be tested is:
Whether a Z-diode is defective (short circuit or high impedance).
Whether a Z-diode exhibits the correct Z-voltage.
How a Z-voltage changes with different currents.
What exact voltage is present at an integrated voltage reference.
Whether LEDs in a series chain differ in brightness (hence the 20 mA current).
What the current gain is for different base currents in (power) transistors.
The kit contains all parts listed in the bill of materials including PCB and enclosure.
Specifications
Supply voltage
5…12 V/2 A (USB-C)
Supply current (Itest = 50 mA)
1.1 A @ 5 V / 412 mA @ 12 V
Selectable currents
1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mA
Max. test voltage
>54 V @ Itest ≥1 mA
Max. output voltage
60 V @ Itest = 0 mA
Voltage limit at 5 V
4.5 V @ Itest = 1 mA / 5.18 V @ Itest = 50 mA
Enclosure dimensions
110 x 82 x 44 mm
PCB size
105.4 x 67.3 mm
Connections
4 mm banana sockets for multimeter
2 mm banana sockets for test clips
USB-C socket for power supply
Included
Resistors
R1 = 3.3 kΩ, 600 mW, 1%
R2 = 0.15 Ω, 1 W, 5%, LS 12.7 mm, ø 3.5 mm
R3, R8 = 180 Ω, 600 mW, 1%
R4, R6, R16 = 1 kΩ, 600 mW, 1%
R5, R19 = 47 kΩ, 600 mW, 1%
R7 = 3.9 kΩ, 1 W, 5%, LS 12.7 mm, ø 3.5 mm
R9, R10, R12 = 10 kΩ, 600 mW, 1%
R11, R13 = 100 Ω, 600 mW 1%
R14 = 249 Ω, 600 mW, 1%
R15 = 499 Ω, 600 mW, 1%
R17 = 2.49 kΩ, 250 mW, 1%
R18 = 4.99 kΩ, 250 mW, 1%
Capacitors
C1 = 470 uF / 35 V, 20%, Ir = 1.86 A, ø 12.5 mm, LS 5 mm, ESR = 0.038 Ω (Panasonic EEUTP1V471)
C2 = 1 uF / 100 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm
C3 = 2.2 nF / 50 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm
C4, C7 = 100 nF / 100 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm
C5 = 100 uF / 100 V, 20%, ø 14 mm max., LS 5 mm
C6 = 1 nF / 100 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm
Inductor
L1 = 100 uH, Irms = 2.4 A, Isat = 3.5 A, 0.09 Ω, radial, pitch 2.5/5/10 mm, ø 14 mm max. (Kemet SBC8-101-242)
Semiconductors
D1 = MUR120G, DO-41
D2, D4 = STPS3150RL, DO-201AD
D3 = Z-diode, 18 V, 1.3 W (BZX85C18)
D5 = Z-diode, 5.1 V, 0.5 W (1N5231B)
LED1 = LED in pushbutton S1
LED2 = LED, green, 3 mm
IC1 = MC34063, DIP-8
IC2 = LM4040BIZ-5.0/NOPB, TO-92 (TO-226AA-3)
IC3 = TL051CP, DIP-8
T1 = BC327.25, TO-92
T2 = STP40NF10L, TO-220
T3 = IRF9510PBF, TO-220
T4 = 2N7000, TO-92
Others
K1, K2, S1, S3 = 2-way screw terminal block, LS 3.5 mm, max. 1.5 mm²
connected to K1 = USB-C socket, 30 V/3 A, chassis mounted, wired, 9 x 16 mm
connected to K2 = Banana Connector, 2 mm, Socket, 60 VDC, Panel Mount, red (Multicomp 24.102.1)
connected to K2 = Banana Connector, 2 mm, Socket, 60 VDC, Panel Mount, black (Multicomp 24.102.2)
Test clip, red, 30 VAC/60 VDC (Hirschmann 931467101)
Test clip, black, 30 VAC/60 VDC (Hirschmann 931467100)
S1 = Pushbutton, panel mount, SPST-NO, 30 DC/100 mA, with red LED
S2 = Rotary Switch, 6 position, 2 pole, 30°, 250 V/150 mA
S3 = Toggle switch, panel mount, SPDT, solder lugs, 28 VDC
T2, T3 = Heat sink, 15°C/W, FK 214 SA-CB
Enclosure Hammond 1591XXSSBK, ABS, 110 x 82 x 44 mm
Knob for S2, round shaft 6 mm, ø 21 mm, with indicator line (Multicomp CP-LB21-6-6D)
4 x Self-tapping screw #4-1/4", carbon steel, pan head
Banana plug, red, 2 mm, 60 VDC (Multicomp 25.205.1)
Banana plug, black, 2 mm, 60 VDC (Multicomp 25.205.2)
Banana socket, black 4 mm, panel mount
Banana socket, red 4 mm, panel mount
for LED1, LED2 = Pin header, 1 x 2, vertical, pitch 2.54 mm
for LED1, LED2 = Pin socket, 1 x 2, vertical, pitch 2.54 mm
for T2, T3 = M3 screw, 10 mm, steel, pan head
2 x M3 washer, plain, steel
4 x M3 nut
for IC1, IC3 = DIP-8 socket
Wire, black, 0.25 mm² (24 AWG), stranded 14 x 0.15 mm, 1 m
Wire, red, 0.25 mm² (24 AWG), stranded 14 x 0.15 mm, 1 m
PCB 250772-1 v1.1
Links
Article
Elektor Labs
Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by “engraving” the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Multilingual DIY Kit (incl. 27 RGB LEDs + Raspberry Pi Pico)
Bring some engineering magic to your festive season with the Wordy LED Christmas Tree, a unique DIY electronics kit designed by Elektor. This beautifully engineered 3D Christmas tree combines eleven PCBs, a Raspberry Pi Pico, and 27 addressable RGB LEDs to illuminate Christmas greetings in seven languages: Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Unlike ordinary LED trees, each word inside the tree has its own light chamber, creating a refined, softly glowing display without sound or flicker. The LEDs are fully WS2812-compatible and driven via the popular Adafruit NeoPixel library, making custom animations and color effects easy to create.
Perfect for makers, tinkerers, and festive electronics fans, this kit offers both an enjoyable build and a striking, conversation-worthy decoration. The Wordy Christmas Tree is your perfect holiday maker project!
Features
Multilingual greetings (7 languages) milled into the front panel
3D construction from 11 interlocking PCBs
Powered by Raspberry Pi Pico
27 individually addressable RGB LEDs (pre-mounted)
Smooth fade-in and fade-out animations
Fully programmable using the Arduino IDE
A 5-V power supply (with micro-USB connector) capable of ≥1 A is recommended for maximum brightness (not included)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 130 x 115 x 75 mm
Included
All required PCBs with LEDs and other SMD parts mounted
Raspberry Pi Pico (to be soldered & programmed by the user)
3-way pin header (to be soldered by the user)
3-way pin socket (to be soldered by the user)
4x Self-adhesive dome bumpers
Project Page
Elektor Labs
The Elektor Laser Head transforms the Elektor Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.