Reolink Argus PT Ultra review – A solar powered 4K WiFi Pan-and-Tilt smart security camera

Reolink Argus PT Ultra Solar Panel Instllation

Nearly four years ago, I reviewed the solar-powered Reolink Argus PT pan-and-tilt security camera. The device worked (and still works) mostly fine, but it was at a time when security cameras did not implement AI features like people and vehicle detection just yet relying only on PIR motion sensors so I’d get plenty of false positives. The WiFi connection is not overly reliable either especially when I tried to access the camera from outside my house, something that does not happen with the PoE and 4G LTE models from the company. Reolink asked me whether I wanted to review the new Reolink Argus PT Ultra security camera with higher 4K resolution, dual-band WiFi support, as well as people, vehicle, and pet detection, and most of the same other features found on the older Argus PT. So I took up on the offer and I’ve used it for about one month […]

SunFounder PiCar-X 2.0 review – A Raspberry Pi 4 AI robot car programmable with Blockly or Python

SunFounder PICAR-X Robot review

SunFounder PiCar-X 2.0 is an AI-powered self-driving robot car using the Raspberry Pi 3/4 as the main processing board. It is equipped with a camera module that can be moved by a 2-axis servo motor, allowing the camera to pan or tilt, an ultrasonic module for detecting distant objects, and a line detection module. The PiCar-X robot can also perform computer vision tasks such as color detection, face detection, traffic signs detection, automatic obstacle avoidance, and automatic line tracking. The PiCar-X can be programmed with two computer languages: Blockly-based Ezblock Studio drag-and-drop program and Python, and the robot works with OpenCV computer vision library and TensorFlow for AI workloads. Finally, you can also control the robot through the SunFounder controller application on your mobile phone. The company sent us a sample of the Picar-X 2.0 for review, so let’s get started. SunFounder PiCar-X 2.0 robot overview The PiCar-X robot kit […]

The EQSP32 is a no-code, no-solder Industrial Internet of Things Controller powered by a generative AI assistant (Crowdfunding)

eqsp32 industrial controller

The EQSP32 controller is a complete, end-to-end solution for IoT applications that recently launched on Kickstarter. It is a compact, wireless Industrial IoT controller based on the ESP32-S3 wireless SoC with a 250MHz dual-core processor, 512KB of RAM, and 8MB of flash memory. The product leverages artificial intelligence and code for automation projects can be generated automatically by the bundled generative AI programming assistant. The EQSP32 controller features 16 terminals that can be configured as analog or digital inputs, or as digital outputs. Switches, pushbuttons, keypads, LED strips, sensors, servos, potentiometers, etc., can be connected to these terminals. It is similar to the EdgeBox-Edge-100 we covered a while back but lacks an Ethernet port and uses less power overall. EQSP32 specifications: SoC: Espressif Systems ESP32-S3 dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller @ 240 MHz, 512KB RAM Memory – 8MB flash Network Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi USB – USB-C programming port I/O: 16 multipurpose […]

This New X-Fly drone mimics a bird’s flight (Crowdfunding)

x fly the drone designed to soar like a bird

Aeronautical engineer Edwin Van Ruymbeke has introduced X-Fly, a drone that emulates the flight pattern of a bird. The drone communicates via Bluetooth using the STM32WB15CC microcontroller, has a range of 100 meters, and can fly for 8-12 minutes with a swappable battery system. The company mentions that they have collaborated with the French military to develop the flapping wings mechanism, which incorporates gyroscopes and g-sensors, ensuring a stable flight. The drone can be controlled with a smartphone app or an attachable optical joystick and It’s also durable against crashes, has a quick-swap battery system, and improved wing mechanics for longer flights. We’ve previously covered drones such as the Qualcomm Flight RB5-based drone Kudrone Nano Drone and some drone kits like Qualcomm Flight Pro. Feel free to explore these if you’re interested. Key Features and Specification of X-Fly Drone: Control Board – The PCB features an STM32WB15CC Bluetooth microcontroller, motor […]

TTS-20 Pro laser engraver review

TwoTrees TTS-20 Pro unboxing review

TwoTrees TTS-20 Pro 20W is a compact, lightweight laser engraver that can be used with wood, plastic, leather, and metal. It can either be used for businesses that want to start producing items or schools that want students to learn how to create pieces, whether it’s cutting work or various engraving, the TTS-20 Pro 20W laser engraving machine is easy to use and safe. TTS-20 Pro laser engraver specifications The TTS-20 Pro laser engraver features a large lightweight aluminum frame with a working area of 418 x 418 mm (external dimensions: 695 x 620 x 125 mm). It comes with a 20 Watts laser module with a 0.08 mm accuracy and supports up to 30,000 mm/min engraving speed. The controller supports either a USB connection to a host computer or engraving from a file on a microSD card. The laser engraver also ships with air assist which will deliver cleaner […]

MEMENTO is an ESP32-S3-based, CircuitPython or Arduino programmable DIY camera module

Adafruit MEMENTO ESP32 S3

Adafruit’s new MEMENTO – Bare Board Camera module is powered by the ESP32-S3 and can be programmed with CircuitPython or Arduino. The module includes a camera with an OV5640 sensor which features auto-focus capabilities and the board includes a 1.54″ 240×240 Color TFT to display the images. Previously we have covered many ESP32-based camera modules like the TinyML-CAM, the Arduino Nicla Vision, TTGO T-Camera, and many other camera modules that feature the OV5640 sensor you can check those out if interested. Features and Specifications of the MEMENTO ESP32 Camera Module: Processing and Connectivity ESP32-S3 Module Dual-core 240MHz Tensilica processor 8 MB Flash, 2 MB PSRAM WiFi and BTLE capabilities Camera and Display OV5640 Camera Module 5MP sensor 72-degree view Autofocus JPEG encoder 1.54″ Color TFT Display with 240×240 resolution Storage – MicroSD card slot (SPI) Ports and Expansion Two Digital/Analog Stemma Ports – JST PH-3 connectors for A0, A1, power, […]

ReBoi Raspberry Pi Game Boy project blends classic gaming with modern tech (Crowdfunding)

ReBoi Raspberry Pi in a GameBoy

James Sargent’s ReBoi Raspberry Pi Game Boy is a Raspberry Pi Zero-powered handheld console kit that easily snaps and screws together without soldering. Its design allows the PCB to fit snugly into both original and replica Nintendo Game Boy Color cases. We’ve seen several handheld consoles with powerful processors and great portability, including the Raspberry Pi CM4 console similar to a Nintendo Switch Lite, GPD WIN Max, LyRa RPi CM3L, and many other gaming consoles. Key Highlights of the ReBoi Raspberry Pi Game Boy Kickstarter Project: Core Concept: A Raspberry Pi-powered handheld that revives the classic Game Boy console. Continues the tradition of distributing DIY electronics as kits. Enabling anyone to build their own Game Boy. Accessibility and Ease of Assembly: No soldering is required; the kit snaps and screws together. Comprehensive website with documentation and tutorials for easy assembly. Raspberry Pi Zero and RP2040 Integration: Integrates Raspberry Pi Zero […]

Pi-Cast is a portable KVM switch based on Raspberry Pi CM4 (Crowdfunding)

Pi-Cast with HAT

The Pi-Cast KVM is a compact, open-source KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) over IP device based on the Raspberry Pi CM4. It is powered by PiKVM, an open-source IP-KVM solution, and allows you to control and manage other devices remotely regardless of the operating system or even if one isn’t installed. The Pi-Cast KVM is capable of controlling any device with HDMI and USB ports. It works for low-level access and enables BIOS and UEFI configuration without an operating system installed. You can turn off and start the target system, as well as check for low-level hardware problems, all from a web browser. The Pi-Cast KVM is similar to the PiKVM v3 but is built around the Raspberry Pi CM4 (like the PiKVM v4) instead of being a HAT for Raspberry Pi SBC. The company behind this device has compared the Pi-Cast with market alternatives such as PiKVM v4 Plus and […]

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