Magnetic Angle Sensor Mods Make Encoder Better for Blasting

Most of the hacks we see around these parts have to do with taking existing components and cobbling them together in interesting new ways. It’s less often that we see existing components gutted and repurposed, but when it happens, like …read more

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Simple Sensor Makes Filament Measurements a Snap

Just how tight are the manufacturing tolerances of modern FDM printer filament. Inquiring minds want to know, and when such minds are attached to handy fellows like [Thomas Sanladerer], you end up with something like this home-brew filament measurement rig …read more

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Implementing SENT Sensors on the Raspberry Pi

The SENT protocol, standing for Single Edge Nibble Transmission, is used for sensors that need to send high-resolution data while keeping system costs low. It’s most typically used in the automotive world, where it can be found in such parts as throttle-by-wire pedals and temperature sensors. [Mark Smith] set out …read more

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“Smellicopter” drone uses live moth antenna to sniff out targets

No matter how good we humans have made something, chances are nature did it better millions of years ago. Rather than compete, it’s often better to tap into the natural version – and that’s exactly what scientists have done with the Smellicopter, a dro… Continue reading “Smellicopter” drone uses live moth antenna to sniff out targets

Deflating graphene balloons act as sensors for hard-to-detect gases

With excellent strength, flexibility and electrical conductivity, graphene has a lot of potential in a lot of different areas, and that may extend to the detection of odorless, colorless gases. Scientists have fashioned the nanomaterial into microscopi… Continue reading Deflating graphene balloons act as sensors for hard-to-detect gases

Pulse Oximetry Sensor Judges Your Coffee Roast

Parts designed and marketed for a specific application can nevertheless still be useful in other ways, and whenever that happens, it’s probably the start of a pretty good hack. Using a sensor for something other than its intended purpose is exactly what [Zach Halvorson] did to make the Roast Vision …read more

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Designing and Building a Custom Optical Fuel Sensor

At some time or another, we’ve all had an idea we thought was so clever that we jumped on the Internet to see if somebody else had already come up with it. Most of the time, they have. But on the off chance that you can’t find any signs of …read more

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Tiny sensor system can be airdropped by drones and insects where needed

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tiny new sensor that can be carried around on a small drone or even the back of an insect – and then dropped on demand to track the environment for years at a time.Continue ReadingCategory: E… Continue reading Tiny sensor system can be airdropped by drones and insects where needed

Current Sensor Makes Intriguing Use of Concrete

Getting a product to market isn’t all about making sure that the product does what it’s supposed to. Granted, most of us will spend most of our time focusing on the functionality of our projects and less on the form, fit, or finish of the final product, especially for one-off …read more

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