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February 7, 2025February 7, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

FOSSASIA 2025 – Operating systems, open hardware, and firmware sessions

The FOSSASIA Summit is the closest we have to FOSDEM in Asia. It’s a free and open-source event taking place each year in Asia, and FOSSASIA 2025 will take place in Bangkok, Thailand on March 13-15 this year. It won’t have quite as many speakers and sessions as in FOSDEM 2025 (968 speakers, 930 events), but the 3-day event will still have over 170 speakers and more than 200 sessions. Most of the sessions are for high-level software with topics like AI and data science, databases, cloud, and web3, but I also noticed a few sessions related to “Hardware and firmware” and “Operating System” which are closer to what we cover here at CNX Software. So I’ll make a virtual schedule based on those two tracks to check out any potentially interesting talks. None of those sessions take place on March 13, so we’ll only have a schedule for March […]

January 30, 2025 by Debashis Das - No Comments

FluidNC-compatible CNC controller supports 6 stepper drivers, web-based configuration

6x CNC A FluidNC compatible CNC controller

US-based CNC and motion control developer Bart Dring has designed the 6x CNC Controller FluidNC-compatible CNC controller board built around an ESP32 (pre-programmed with FluidNC) module and including 6 external stepper motor drivers with 5V signals. It allows configuration, upgrades, and control via a web browser. The controller also includes individual step/direction controls and LED indicators for easy setup. It offers eight input ports for limit switches, probes, and controls, along with multiple spindle control options, including RS485 VFD, 0-10V, PWM, relay-based, brushless motor (BESC), and laser PWM with enable signals. Additionally, it has two 3A MOSFETs for relays or solenoids, a MicroSD card slot for local G-code storage, and an expansion socket for GPIO extenders or pendant interfaces. 6x CNC Controller specifications Wireless module – Espressif Systems ESP32-WROOM-32E ESP32 dual-core microcontroller 4MB flash 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, built-in PCB antenna Storage – MicroSD card socket for […]

January 30, 2025January 29, 2025 by Debashis Das - 3 Comments

The Deauther Watch V4S IR is a Wi-Fi hacker watch that can run up to 21 scripts via IR remote for wireless and HID attacks

We previously wrote about the Deauther Watch X used for wireless pentesting. The company has now released the Deauther Watch V4S IR an Wi-Fi hacker watch with a built-in infrared (IR) remote control for executing several scripts stored on a microSD card. It supports deauther attacks, Bad USB (HID) attacks, WiFi packet monitoring, and real-time clock adjustments. The new version features a 1,000mAh battery that can be charged via USB and it comes with includes a Type-C power cable, acrylic cover, and software manual. You can modify the Ducky Script inside the text files but must keep the filenames unchanged for proper operation. These features make this tool useful for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts for network security testing, penetration testing, and more. Deauther Watch V4S IR specifications: MCU – ESP8266 WiFi SoC @ up to 160 MHz with 160KB SRAM, 4MB SPI flash Storage – MicroSD card (preloaded with 21 […]

January 29, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - No Comments

Tobor open-source, modular robotic arm features two ESP32 modules (Crowdfunding)

Tobor robotics platform with pen plotter toolhead

Tobor (robot spelled in reverse) is a modular and open-source robotic arm platform powered by the ESP32-WROVER-I and ESP32-WROOM-32 (FluidNC CNC Controller core) modules. It is described as a “fully-featured robotic system that can fit on your desktop and is capable of helping you automate your workflow.” Tobor is billed as a customizable assistant for complex tasks such as assembly line help, CNC design, and rapid prototyping. The Tobor ecosystem includes several open-source components, including robotic arms, motion platforms, sensors, and actuators, that can be combined to create a unique system for “almost any desktop automation.” The Tobor Robot Arm supports multiple toolhead options such as the pen plotter toolhead, z-stage toolhead with 4th axis and suction cup, and the pick and place expansion pack. We have seen other open-source robotic platforms such as the SO-ARM100 AI robotic arm kit, CYOBot v2, and MIKRIK V2 Robot Car. Tobor Robot Arm […]

January 28, 2025January 27, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 1 Comment

anyon_e DIY laptop features Rockchip RK3588 SoC, 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED display, aluminum chassis

We’ve already seen several Rockchip RK3588 laptops with the Cool Pi laptop and GenBook RK3588, as well as the open-source hardware MNT Reform Next. anyon_e is another open-source DIY laptop based on Rockchip RK3588 octa-core Cortex-A76/A55 SoC but with higher-end specifications compared to competitors. The anyon_e features a 13.3-inch 4K AMOLED display, a wireless QWERTY mechanical keyboard, a custom aluminum chassis that keeps the thickness of the laptop to just 18mm, and a battery good for about 7 hours. It’s based on the FriendlyELEC CM3588 core board found in the CM3588 NAS Kit. anyon_e laptop (preliminary) specifications: SoM – FriendlyELEC CM3588 SoC – Rockchip RK3588 CPU – 4x CortexA76 cores @ up to 2.4 GHz, 4x CortexA55 core @ 1.8 GHz GPU – Arm Mali-G610 MP4 GPU Video decoder – 8Kp60 H.265, VP9, AVS2, 8Kp30 H.264 AVC/MVC, 4Kp60 AV1, 1080p60 MPEG-2/-1, VC-1, VP8 Video encoder – 8Kp30 H.265/H.264 video encoder […]

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025 by Debashis Das - 5 Comments

STM32H7-powered open-source hardware 3D printer mainboard supports up to 6 stepper drivers

SmartPrintCoreH7x Open Source 3D Printer Mainboard

Designed by Boltz R&D, the SmartPrintCoreH7x 3D printer mainboard is an open-source mainboard built around an STM32H7 microcontroller and designed to work with 3D printers from Creality, Anet, and Voron. It supports up to 6 stepper drivers (5 standard drivers plus 1 dedicated driver) and can be expanded further using the “SmartPrintCore Extravaganza” module for additional stepper drivers. Key features of this motherboard include a jumper-less setup, automatic power source switching, and support for both 12V and 24V power supplies. It uses high-efficiency TI buck converters to provide power for multiple fan and servo ports, and there is a dedicated power supply for peripherals, SBCs, and Wi-Fi modules. The board is equipped with a variety of connectors, including Molex, Ultra-Fit, Mini-Lock, and JST-GH for power, motors, and peripherals. SmartPrintCoreH7x specifications: MCU – STMicro STM32H723 Arm Cortex-M7 32-bit core @ 550 MHz with 1MB Flash, 564 KB RAM, FPU, DSP, Ethernet, USB […]

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - No Comments

BANDIT PC32 standalone ColorForth keyboard computer is powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller

BANDIT PC32 is a Raspberry Pi RP2350-powered keyboard computer that runs a graphically-oriented version of the ColorForth programming environment. The BANDIT PC32 is primarily aimed at on-the-go use for programming video games. The custom, 32-key split keyboard takes up most of the build, with a 3.2-inch 320 x 240 capacitive display in the center. It also features an HDMI port for connecting a larger external display. The 48-pin GPIO is divided into two female headers and can be used to interface with other devices directly. This is the second version of the Bandit standalone computer, building on an early prototype based on the RP2040 microcontroller. We have seen several interesting RP2350-based products like the Inky Frame 7.3”, 4D Systems display modules, and Jumperless V5 programmable breadboard. However, this is the first RP2350 standalone computer we have come across. It shares some similarities with the ESP32 Rainbow. BANDIT PC32 ColorForth specifications: […]

January 18, 2025January 18, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 13 Comments

Jack Dorsey talk at FOSDEM 2025 may lead to protest

Jack Dorsey, who previously owned Twitter and now runs Block, will be giving a talk at FOSDEM 2025 entitled “Infusing Open Source Culture into Company DNA: A Conversation with Jack Dorsey and Manik Surtani, Block’s head of Open Source” and some people don’t like having a billionaire giving a talk at an open-source event and plan to host a protest. I recently wrote about my own FOSDEM 2025 schedule focusing on embedded systems topics, and while the event is usually non-controversial, I was startled by a tweet by FOSDEM organizers who issued a “statement on planned protests during the upcoming FOSDEM 2025”. I eventually found out that it was related to a post by Drew DeVault who did not appreciate having a billionaire talk during the open-source-focused event. The talk is planned in the Janson venue which is the biggest at the event with a capacity of up to 1,500 […]