8 Use Cases for Cellular IoT Using Digi XBee 3 at CES SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-15 | Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/9810The Digi XBee Sensor Lab demo gets beyond the basics and showcases eight use cases, including connected agriculture, access control, and asset tracking, leveraging Qwiic sensors and Digi Remote Manager.
What is EEPROM? #engineering #programming #electronics #electronicsengineering SparkFun Electronics 2024-10-16 | What even is EEPROM? It stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. It is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed, allowing for selective updates to specific sections of data. Unlike EPROM, which requires UV light for erasure, EEPROM can be erased and rewritten multiple times without removing it from the device. Dryw explains in this video.Products mentioned:SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic: sparkfun.com/products/15123
What is EPROM? #engineering #programming #electronicsengineering #electronics SparkFun Electronics 2024-10-14 | What even is EPROM? It stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. It is a type of memory that can be programmed, erased, and reprogrammed multiple times. It can be erased by exposing the chip to ultraviolet light, after which it can be reprogrammed with new data. Dryw explains in this video.
What is PROM? #electronicsengineering #electronics #engineering #programming SparkFun Electronics 2024-10-09 | What even is PROM? It stands for Programmable Read-Only Memory. It's a type of ROM that is initially blank and can be programmed once by the user using a special device called a programmer. Once written, the data on PROM is permanent and cannot be altered or erased. Dryw explains further in this video.Products mentioned:SparkFun Cryptographic Co-Processor Breakout: sparkfun.com/products/18077SparkFun NanoBeacon Board: sparkfun.com/products/21327
What is ROM? #engineering #computerscience #flashmemory #electronics #programming SparkFun Electronics 2024-10-07 | What even is ROM? It stands for Read-Only Memory and is a type of non-volatile memory that permanently stores data and instructions for a computer, even when the power is turned off. Unlike RAM, ROM cannot be easily modified or rewritten, making it ideal for storing firmware or software that doesn't need frequent updates. Dryw explains in this video.Products mentioned:SparkFun Thing Plus Matter MGM240P: sparkfun.com/products/20270Raspberry Pi 5: sparkfun.com/products/23551
What is UART? #electronics #arduino #sensortechnology #engineering SparkFun Electronics 2024-10-02 | What even is UART? UART stands for Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter and is a hardware communication protocol that allows devices to exchange serial data. Pete explains more in this video.Product mentioned SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5: sparkfun.com/products/23748
What’s the Difference Between GNSS and GPS? #gpsnavigation #gnss #electronics SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-30 | Are GPS and GNSS interchangeable? Not quite. GPS is the United States' navigation system but there are many others that make up GNSS. You can learn more here: learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/what-is-gps-rtkProduct mentioned SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5: sparkfun.com/products/23748
What is PWM? #electronics #iot #sensortechnology SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-25 | PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. Pete explains the concept with a demo!Products mentioned:SparkFun IoT RedBoard - ESP32 Development Board: sparkfun.com/products/19177
What is DMA? #electronics #iot #coding #cpu SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-23 | What is DMA in electronics? DMA stands for Direct Memory Access. No need for CPU cycles to move some data around with DMA, but it can get complicated to configure.
What is PSRAM? #technology #electronics #engineering #computer SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-18 | What even is PSRAM? It stands for Psudo-Static Random Access Memory and basically it is a type of computer memory. What makes it psudo-static is that it acts as DRAM but looks like SRAM. Dryw explains further in this video.Products mentioned:SparkFun Pro Micro RP2350: sparkfun.com/products/24870SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-S3: sparkfun.com/products/24408SparkFun ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini: sparkfun.com/products/23386
What is DRAM? #technology #electronics #engineering #computer SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-16 | What even is DRAM? It stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory and basically it is a type of computer memory. It is simpler and smaller than SRAM, but has some downsides. Dryw explains further in this video.Products mentioned:Raspberry Pi 5: sparkfun.com/products/23551
Product Showcase: SparkFun Indoor Air Quality Combo Sensor SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-12 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/25200The SparkFun Indoor Air Quality Sensor - SCD41, SEN55 (Qwiic) combines two excellent indoor air quality sensors, the SCD41 and SEN55 from Sensirion™. These sensors provide a comprehensive indoor air quality sensor that measures CO2, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM1.0, 2.5, 4, and 10), temperature, and relative humidity.
What is SRAM? #technology #electronics #engineering #computer SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-11 | What even is SRAM? It stands for Static Random Access Memory and basically it is a type of computer memory. What makes it static is the data can be retained almost indefinitely without any kind of intervention needed. Dryw explains further in this video.Products mentioned:SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic: sparkfun.com/products/15123SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-S3: sparkfun.com/products/24408Raspberry Pi Pico W: sparkfun.com/products/20173Raspberry Pi 5: sparkfun.com/products/23551
What is RAM? #technology #electronics #engineering #computer SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-09 | What even is RAM? It stands for Random Access Memory and basically it is a type of computer memory. Dryw explains further in this video.Products mentioned:SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic: sparkfun.com/products/15123SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-S3: sparkfun.com/products/24408SparkFun Thing Plus Matter MGM240P: sparkfun.com/products/20270Raspberry Pi Pico W: sparkfun.com/products/20173Raspberry Pi 5: sparkfun.com/products/23551
What is QSPI? #arduino #sensortechnology #iot SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-04 | What is SPI? How about QSPI? QSPI is quad SPI, so basically SPI x4. Alex explains it hereProducts mentioned:SparkFun Thing Plus - RA6M5: sparkfun.com/products/24243SparkFun Thing Plus - NINA-B306: sparkfun.com/products/20854
What is SPI? #electronics #sensortechnology #coding #iot SparkFun Electronics 2024-09-02 | What is SPI? It stands for Serial Peripheral Interface. There are 3 wire and 4 wire flavors of SPI. Products mentioned: SparkFun Thing Plus - NINA-B306: sparkfun.com/products/20854
Low-Power Draw Microcontroller Example (using the NORA-W306 Thing Plus) SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-29 | Find the SparkFun Thing Plus - NORA-W306 here: sparkfun.com/products/21637Find the product video here: Find the Hookup Guide with the examples here: docs.sparkfun.com/SparkFun_Thing_Plus_NORA-W306/introductionLearn how to find the current draw for your board in this video with Rob.Example 7: Deep Sleep and BlinkIn this example, we will show how to set your board in deep sleep, blink the user LED as an indicator, and then go back into power saving mode.
What are Watchdogs? #coding #engineering #sensortechnology #electronics SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-28 | What are Watchdogs in electronics? They are independent timers for last resort reset on a processor in case it gets stuck in an infinite loop. Mags is on the case!
What is CAN and TWAI? #sensortechnology #canbus #automotive #electronics SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-26 | What is CAN? What is TWAI? They basically are communication protocols in primarily the automotive industry. Products mentioned: SparkFun CAN-BUS Shield: sparkfun.com/products/13262SparkFun OBD-II UART: sparkfun.com/products/9555
What is RTC? #sensortechnology #electronics #iot SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-21 | RTC stands for Real Time Clock. Pete explains how RTCs work and are used.Products mentioned:SparkFun DeadOn RTC Breakout - DS3234: sparkfun.com/products/10160
What are VOCs and VSCs? #chemical #sensortechnology SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-19 | Volatile Organic Compounds and Volatile Sulfur Compounds are both found in various natural and man-made products. Products mentioned: SparkFun Indoor Air Quality Sensor - ENS160 (Qwiic): sparkfun.com/products/20844SparkFun Environmental Sensor - BME688 (Qwiic): sparkfun.com/products/19096
What is LoRa? #sensortechnology #longrange #iot #electronics SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-14 | Long range and low power. LoRa is a great addition to any distance sensing project.Products mentioned:SparkFun LoRa Thing Plus - expLoRaBLE: sparkfun.com/products/17506
What is I2C? #arduino #sensortechnology #iot #engineering SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-12 | Is it I2C or I²C? Well it definitely is inter-integrated circuit. Our Qwiic line that utilizes it: sparkfun.com/qwiic
CU Boulder BTU Lab Summer Camp with the XRP SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-09 | During the summer of 2024, the Colorado University at Boulder BTU Lab hosted a Computer Science and Robotics summer camp for high school students. Students assembled their XRP robot from SparkFun and completed a set of experiments, ranging from learning how to maneuver their robot, to using sensors. Students participated in group activities to design, build, and demonstrate their own robot projects. Upon completion of this course, students understood complex robot motion, sensing and control as well as experience with mechanical and electrical design and construction of this unique robot.Get your robot here: sparkfun.com/products/22230
Product Showcase: SparkFun Pro Micro RP2350 SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-08 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24870The SparkFun RP2350 Pro Micro provides a powerful development platform in SparkFun's compact Pro Micro form factor, built around the RP2350 from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. This board uses the updated Pro Micro form factor. It includes a USB-C connector, Qwiic connector, WS2812B addressable RGB LED, Boot and Reset buttons, resettable PTC fuse, and PTH and castellated solder pads.
Product Showcase: SparkFun Thing Plus NORA-W306 SparkFun Electronics 2024-08-01 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/21637The SparkFun Thing Plus - NORA-W306 is a Feather form-factor development board equipped with the u-blox NORA-W306 module. The module contains a Realtek RTL8720DF, which has an integrated single-chip low-power dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wireless LAN (WLAN) and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE 5.3) communication microcontroller. It also consists of a dual processor core: Arm Cortex-M33 and Cortex-M23. To complement the module's low-power options, we've optimized components and added the ability to depower all subsystems to conserve as much power as possible for remote battery-powered applications.
Product Showcase: SparkFun RTK EVK SparkFun Electronics 2024-07-11 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24342Designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the SparkFun RTK EVK (Evaluation Kit) is the perfect development platform for your fixed or mobile high-precision positioning and navigation needs. Regarding connectivity, the SparkFun RTK EVK has it all: WiFi / Bluetooth®, Ethernet and LTE cellular! We called it the EVK (Evaluation Kit) as it truly covers all the options: L1 + L2 RTK GNSS, with L-Band correction built-in if needed, running on an agile processor with memory to spare!
Product Showcase: SparkFun Ultrasonic Distance Sensor SparkFun Electronics 2024-06-20 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24805The SparkFun Qwiic Ultrasonic Distance Sensor, a user-friendly upgrade to the popular HC-SR04 sensor, offers non-contact distance measurement from 2cm to 400cm with an accuracy of 3mm. This sensor is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Qwiic ecosystem for I2C communication, making it a breeze to add to your existing projects and daisy-chain with other Qwiic components from SparkFun.
XRP Design Challenge SparkFun Electronics 2024-06-18 | Enter here: printables.com/contest/439-experiential-robotics-challenge Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/10734Combine 3D Printing and Robotics for a chance to win prizes and fame on the SparkFun blog.Are you passionate about robotics and 3D printing? Then it’s your time to shine and have some fun with the new contest in collaboration with SparkFun: Experiential Robotics Challenge! This contest is calling on all makers, designers, and geeks to create 3D printable modifications, expansions, or accessories for the XRP Robotics kit.
GNSS Blockchain Mining with the SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5 and Onocoy SparkFun Electronics 2024-06-12 | Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/10998Through Onocoy, you can earn crypto rewards by operating your own base station with our mosaic-x5. Learn how here!Onocoy's website: onocoy.comWalkthrough guide: docs.onocoy.com/documentation/quick-start-guides/mine-rewards
Product Showcase: SparkFun Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-30 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24904The SparkFun Qwiic Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor empowers you to elevate your robot's navigation capabilities with exceptional precision and streamlined integration. This compact, all-in-one sensor leverages the power of the PAA5160E1 chip from PixArt Imaging Inc., delivering accurate dual-axis motion data across various hard floor surfaces. But that's not all! This sensor boasts a powerful built-in 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and an onboard microcontroller that performs real-time sensor fusion and tracking algorithms.
ESP Comparison Guide May 2024 SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-17 | Find a deeper dive comparison guide here: sparkfun.com/espressifConnect anything and everything with WiFi and Bluetooth, from simple sensors to AI-powered projects. Take a look below at all of the EspressIf options SparkFun provides.00:00 Intro01:01 Footprints02:15 ESP32-32U/UE04:14 ESP32-C305:18 ESP32-C606:49 ESP32-DA08:19 ESP32-PICO10:05 ESP32-S212:11 ESP32-S314:19 Outro
The AI Experiment: Can ChatGPT Successfully Develop a SparkFun Product? SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-15 | Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/10735Join us on a unique tech adventure where we attempt to create a SparkFun product using only AI tools, including ChatGPT. Discover the highs and lows of relying solely on artificial intelligence for development. This video explores the current capabilities of AI and its future potential in product design and video capabilities. Did ChatGPT write this title and description? Absolutely. Kind of the point of this video. It is a great tool, but more of a starting point for now. Don't rely too heavily on it and make sure to always review everything for errors.
Product Showcase: SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-09 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24738The SparkFun M7E Hecto Simultaneous RFID Reader simplifies reading UHF RFID tags (EPCglobal Gen 2) with its powerful M7E-HECTO module by JADAK©. This improved version builds upon the popular M6E reader by offering easier connectivity and enhanced features.
Product Showcase: SparkFun RTK Torch SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-02 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/25662Tilt Compensation Walkthrough: youtu.be/gJyWOUiZ-bgThe RTK Torch is the latest and greatest generation RTK product from SparkFun Electronics and is your one-stop shop for high precision geolocation and GIS needs. We compiled our wish list and got it all: tri-band reception, tilt compensation, and a built-in LoRa radio, all protected inside of a water proof housing.
Product Showcase: SparkFun Mini Stepper Motor Driver SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-02 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/25167The SparkFun Mini Stepper Motor Driver empowers you to control bipolar stepper motors with ease and precision. This compact driver, measuring just 0.6in. by 0.8in. with breadboard-friendly 0.1in. pin spacing, shines in space-constrained projects and prototyping applications. Getting started is a breeze thanks to our comprehensive Arduino Library, which boasts 10 examples to guide you through the process. Furthermore, you achieve unmatched control over your motor's movement with high-resolution capabilities down to 1/128th of a step.
Tilt Compensation with SparkFun RTK Torch SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-02 | Make sure that the device MUST be in RTK Fix prior to starting the tilt compensation process!SparkFun RTK Torch Product Showcase: youtu.be/HCg9rD4FEdA?si=V9vdwue7bR1WEnoBFind the product here: sparkfun.com/products/25662Learn how the tilt compensation works on the SparkFun RTK Torch!
Introducing the SparkFun RTK Torch SparkFun Electronics 2024-05-02 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/25662Get a more in-depth video here: youtu.be/JNaLqqTvtLsTilt Compensation Walkthrough: youtu.be/gJyWOUiZ-bgThe RTK Torch is the latest and greatest generation RTK product from SparkFun Electronics and is your one-stop shop for high precision geolocation and GIS needs. We compiled our wish list and got it all: tri-band reception, tilt compensation, and a built-in LoRa radio, all protected inside of a water proof housing.
Product Showcase: SparkFun Thing Plus RA6M5 SparkFun Electronics 2024-04-12 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24243It's time to supercharge your next project with the SparkFun RA6M5 Thing Plus! Clocking in at 200MHz, the RA6M5 is a high-performance microcontroller from Renesas that is perfect for real-time applications. This translates to smooth responsiveness, lightning-fast data processing, and the ability to handle complex calculations – perfect for bringing your creations to life!The familiar Feather-footprint and Qwiic connector makes it easy to connect the RA6M5 Thing Plus to a wide range of sensors and accessories with a simple plug-and-play approach. Thanks to the 2MB of built-in Flash memory and a convenient microSD card slot, you'll also have ample space for your code and data.The RA6M5 Thing Plus isn't just powerful; it's versatile, too, because it's built for both ease of use and advanced applications.
SparkFun Pulsed Coherent Radar Sensor Acconeer XM125 SparkFun Electronics 2024-03-28 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24540Forget ultrasonic and infrared sensors; the SparkFun Qwiic Pulsed Coherent Radar Sensor - Acconeer XM125 brings powerful 60 GHz radar technology to your projects. This sensor isn't limited to surface detection; it can see through walls, cabinets, and even pockets (depending on the material), making it perfect for unique applications. Measure distances with millimeter precision, detect motion, the speed of an object, or even gestures!
Product Showcase: SparkFun GNSS L1/L5 NEO-F10N Breakout SparkFun Electronics 2024-03-21 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24114The SparkFun GNSS L1/L5 Breakout - NEO-F10N, SMA is a standard precision GNSS board with meter-level positional accuracy. The NEO-F10N uses the L1/L5 bands instead of the more commonly seen L1/L2 bands. Utilizing the L5 band, the NEO-F10N delivers improved performance under challenging urban environments. The L5 signals fall within the protected ARNS (aeronautical radio navigation service) frequency band, leading to less RF interference.
Product Showcase: MyoWare 2.0 Wireless Shield SparkFun Electronics 2024-03-08 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/23387MyoWare 2.0 product video: youtu.be/d1oUHqPa35IThe MyoWare® 2.0 Wireless Shield is designed to take in readings from the MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor and wirelessly transmit sensor data with the ESP32-WROOM! This shield also includes a built-in LiPo battery to remotely power the muscle sensor and the ESP32 module. The Wireless Shield is equipped with snap connectors and low-profile pogo pins on the board, so you can easily stack it on the top side of the MyoWare 2.0 Muscle Sensor. Simply select a Power Source and flip the power switch to the ON position to give the sensor all the power it needs to work its myoelectric magic.
Networking at CES 2024: Collaborating with Partners SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-21 | Learn more here: sparkfun.com/newsCES is more than just a global stage for innovation—it's a golden opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and forge partnerships that can elevate your projects to new heights. We dove into CES, navigated the vast event for current and potential partners, and utilized these relationships for collaborative success.Special thanks to @Digidotcom , @boschglobal , @ublox , and @BuildWithBlues
As easy as pressing a button. Literally. SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-20 | See all the examples here: youtu.be/LSKDwjhVuL0Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/9810The Digi XBee Sensor Lab demo gets beyond the basics and showcases eight use cases, including connected agriculture, access control, and asset tracking, leveraging Qwiic sensors and Digi Remote Manager. Special thanks to @Digidotcom at @CES for showcasing these!
MAKE SOME NOISE! But not too loud because now we can track it SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-19 | See all the examples here: youtu.be/LSKDwjhVuL0Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/9810The Digi XBee Sensor Lab demo gets beyond the basics and showcases eight use cases, including connected agriculture, access control, and asset tracking, leveraging Qwiic sensors and Digi Remote Manager. Special thanks to @Digidotcom at @CES for showcasing these!
Cat Presence Sensor keeping your mischievous little friends from destroying your plants #cats SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-16 | Learn more here: sparkfun.com/news/9415Inspired by my cats going after my plants, I created a water-spraying cat deterrent using the STHS34PF80 to create a cat presence and motion detector.
Product Showcase: Qwiic Buzzer SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-15 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/24474The SparkFun Qwiic Buzzer adds simple beeps and buzzes to your projects via I2C Make some noises to alert you when something interesting (or urgent) happens. Simply connect a Qwiic cable and load up some pre-written code to an Arduino to start making noises!
Product Showcase: SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-C6 SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-09 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/22924SparkFun Qwiic Pocket ESP32-C6 Development Board: youtu.be/pOZyr7VtSaI sparkfun.com/products/22925Packed with cutting-edge technology and housed in a compact, user-friendly footprint, the SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus empowers your wireless creations like never before. At its heart lies the powerful ESP32-C6 WROOM-1-N16 module from Espressif™, boasting a RISC-V single-core processor, more than enough flash memory, and a diverse selection of wireless connectivity options. Dive into the realms of 2.4 GHz WiFi 6, Bluetooth® 5.3, Zigbee and Thread (802.15.4), unlocking a world of possibilities for your projects.
SparkFun Electronics SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-06 | www.sparkfun.comIn 2003, CU student Nate Seidle blew a power supply in his dorm room and, in lieu of a way to order easy replacements, decided to start his own. Since then, SparkFun has been committed to sustainably helping our world achieve electronics literacy from our headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. No matter your vision, SparkFun's products and resources are designed to make the world of electronics more accessible. In addition to over 2,000 open source components and widgets, SparkFun offers curriculum, training and online tutorials designed to help demystify the wonderful world of embedded electronics. We're here to help you start something.
Product Showcase: SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5 SparkFun Electronics 2024-02-01 | Find it here: sparkfun.com/products/23748Designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5 is the perfect solution for your high-precision positioning and navigation needs. Based on the multi-constellation, multi-frequency, L1/L2/L5-ready mosaic-X5 from Septentrio, this is our most advanced RTK product to date.
