In this video, I build an indoor (and outdoor?) air quality monitor: Motivation For years I’ve followed the “uRadMonitor”, a device that does air quality monitoring and radiation monitoring. I’ve played with geiger counter projects before and frankly found them to be not very interesting. However, the idea of monitoring air quality is something that …
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Building the ultimate USB power distribution system
In this video I build a power distribution system for my workbench: Purpose I’ve started to accumulate many devices and tools that use 5V power sources, typically a USB-style cable with either a micro-usb plug or a barrel plug at the other end. In addition to my typical chargeable handheld devices like my iphone and …
Read MoreMaking the e-paper equivalent of an Etch-a-Sketch
In this video I review some Waveshare and Gooddisplay e-paper displays, and build an e-paper equivalent of an Etch-a-Sketch Introduction to e-Paper displays e-Paper (aka e-ink) displays are a fascinating new technology that most people will be most familiar with from the proliferation of Kindle and similar reading displays. The unique property of the e-paper …
Read MoreYet Another Masterplay Clone
The Masterplay was originally a device that allowed Atari 2600 digital joysticks to be used with the Atari 5200. In this post, I describe a masterplay clone that I created. Purpose / Introduction The analog controllers for the Atari 5200 are (in)famous for their poor feel and performance. The analog stick, while a really good …
Read MoreAtari 5200 Playstation 2 Dual-shock controller adapter
I already built a nifty handheld controller, and I should be enjoying my retro gaming experiences, but I couldn’t help building something new, so here is a PS2-to-Atari5200 adapter: Purpose This adapter allows you to use a PS2 controller on an Atari 5200 gaming console. The 5200 was notable at the time for its use …
Read MoreHomemade Atari 5200 Analog Controller
I built my own 5200 controller: Purpose There’s several different options you can use for an Atari 5200 controller: The stock controller. It’s non-concentering joystick, mushy fire buttons, and general reliability issues make it kinda suck. The masterplay clone. There are various adapters for using digital joysticks, like the common Atari 2600 stick, on the …
Read MoreScott’s Z80SBC: Z80 Single Board Computer
I always wanted to build a single board “trainer style” computer: Motivation When I was first getting started with electronics, wanted a Heathkit ET-3400 Microproccessor trainer, but could never afford one at the time. Eventually both I and the world moved on, to fancier more capable computers. However, I’ve still always wished I had an …
Read MorePi-Powered Atari 5200 Multi-ROM Cartridge (MultiCart)
Tired of buying cartridges for my 5200, I decided to make myself a Multi-ROM Cartridge: Purpose The Atari 5200 is a vintage gaming system from the early 1980s. At the time I owned a 2600, but I always wanted a 5200. Well, in 2018 I finally decided to find one on eBay and buy it. …
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