Part of the fun of making cool stuff is, of course, that when you’re done you have cool stuff. (I know, of course it is!) But the other part of the fun is sharing what you’ve learned with others so they can learn from — and hopefully be inspired by — it. The guides in this section document my projects and learnings.
CircuitPython Projects
CircuitPython is a version of the Python programming language that runs on microcontrollers. It provides an easy development and testing cycle, a REPL for debugging and exploration, and a robust set of libraries to support sensors, displays, and other peripherals.
These are some of my CircuitPython-based projects.
fw_neopixel_pride: A NeoPixel-based scrolling display for LGBTQ+ Pride Month. (complete)
macropad_midi: A simple MacroPad-based MIDI Controller. (coming soon)
cpy_carddeck: A CircuitPython displayio library for displaying playind card faces and backs. (coming soon)
cpy_midi_nrpn: An extension to the adafruit_midi library to support sending NRPN messages. (coming soon)
cpy_midi_novation_circuit: A CircuitPython library for controlling Novation Circuit grooveboxes. (coming soon)
cpy_mini_bot: A small and simple CircuitPython-based robot rover.(coming soon)
microbit_mini_bot: Explorations with a micro:bit-based mini bot and make:code. (in progress)
dotstar_scrolling_text: Displaying scrolling text on a DotStar matrix display, such as the DotStar FeatherWing. (coming soon)
Electronics Projects
What did we do in the days before cheap, plentiful microcontrollers? We built things with discrete components and analog or digital ICs, of course. It may have been harder, but not every project needs a microcontroller!
These are some of my electronics projects that aren’t microcontroller-based.
555_punk_console_respin: Respinning the classic atari punk console to use a microcontroller and digital potentiometers. (coming soon)
a_map_of_sounds: Pairing a cheap oscilloscope with a simple audio amplifier circuit to visualize sounds. (in progress)
transistor_amplifier: Exploring the basic operation of transistor amplifiers and how to design them. (coming soon)
Back to Basics
I took an electronics class in high school but I realize now that I’ve forgotten a ton, and also there were gaps in my conceptual knowledge. Some of this is because I’ve mostly learned as I’ve gone along, and some is because Past Tammy had a severe fear of math. I’m working to get over that, and as I go along, I’m working to fill in my knowledge gaps.
These guides document some of that journey.
555_timer_workings: How a 555 timer works and what it’s good for. (coming soon)
741_op_amp_workings: How a 741 op amp works and what it’s good for. (coming soon)
kicad_rp2040: Designing a simple RP2040-based microcontroller board in KiCAD. (coming soon)
using_an_oscilloscope: What an oscilloscope is good for, and how to pick and use one. (coming soon)
vna_sa_tutorial: Exploring what a Spectrum Analyzer and Vector Network Analyzer are, what you can use them for, and how to use them. (coming soon)
Other
- My Twitch Streaming - find me on Twitch at https://twitch.tv/tammymakesthings. See here for my current Twitch schedule and upcoming streams.
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