Tomisin Olujinmi, Author at CNX Software

January 24, 2025January 24, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - No Comments

ESP32 Agent Dev Kit is an LLM-powered voice assistant built on the ESP32-S3 platform (Crowdfunding)

The ESP32 Agent Dev Kit is an ESP32-S3-powered voice assistant that offers integrations with popular LLM models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Wireless-Tag says the Dev Kit is suitable for “95% of AIoT applications, from smart home devices to desktop toys, robotics, and instruments” In some ways, it is similar to the SenseCAP Watcher, but it has a larger, non-touch display and dual mic input. It however does not support local language models. It also features a standard MikroBUS interface for expansion. For voice capabilities, the ESP32 Dev Kit integrates two onboard, noise-reducing microphones and a high-fidelity speaker. The built-in infrared laser proximity sensor detects human proximity and movement for “smart interactive experiences”. ESP32 Agent Dev Kit specifications: MCU – ESP32-S3 dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller @ 240MHz, 8MB PSRAM Storage – 16MB flash Display – 3.5-inch Touchscreen, 480×360 resolution Camera – 5MP OmniVision OV5647 camera module, 120° field of […]

January 23, 2025January 22, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - 1 Comment

HackCable is a wireless-enabled, USB-C keystroke injection cable powered by ESP32 or RP2040 (Crowdfunding)

HackCable ESP32 and RP2040 Keystroke Injection

HackCable is a wireless-enabled USB-C keystroke injection cable described as the “ultimate tool for cybersecurity enthusiasts and ethical hackers.” powered by the ESP32-S3 or the Raspberry Pi RP2040. The ESP32-S3 version is described as the Wi-Fi Version and offers a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, remote operation, and master-slave configuration for multiple cables. The Normal Version is a cheaper variant powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller and built for focused, offline tasks where wireless control isn’t needed. The HackCable promises hardware keylogging, remote control, and master-slave synchronization for multiple cables. We have covered other USB penetration testing tools like the Diabolic Drive and Pendrive S3, but those were USB dongles while the HackCable looks like a standard USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable. There is very little information about the product, other than the microcontrollers that power it. It is likely running SuperWiFiDuck or some other USB rubber ducky program. It […]

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 17, 2025January 17, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - 3 Comments

Home Assistant-compatible 60GHz mmWave radar sensor features a built-in IR blaster (Crowdfunding)

The eMotion Ultra is a Home Assistant-compatible 60GHz mmWave radar presence sensor with a built-in IR blaster with a 15-meter range, a brightness sensor, and a temperature/humidity sensor. It is powered by an Armv8-M KM4 microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and is targeted at simplifying complex smart home setups. The eMotion Ultra 60GHz mmWave radar presence sensor module is reported to be able to “cover up to 40 square meters (430 square feet) using just one device.” It can be configured for up to 4 zones with personalized automations for each zone. The exact Armv8-M KM4 module used isn’t named but is likely based on a Realtek RTL8720CM wireless SoC or other Realtek Ameba microcontroller. Potential applications include security management, lighting automation, home climate control, energy management, and rental property management. We have seen similar presence sensors such as the RoomSense IQ, Seeed Studio’s mmWave fall detection kit, SONOFF SNZB-06P, […]

January 14, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - 2 Comments

Ditronix’s IPEM PiHat turns your Raspberry Pi into a mains power energy monitor (Crowdfunding)

Raspberry Pi 5 IPEM Power Energy Monitor

The IPEM PiHat is a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) board for the Raspberry Pi that turns the single-board computer into a mains power energy monitor with four CT clamps. It provides an accurate way to track energy usage in home, office, and solar energy systems and is compatible with single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase electrical systems. The Raspberry Pi-based power energy monitor uses CT (current transformer) cable clamps to sample and measure data which can be used to report and analyze electric energy usage. This data can be used to save and divert energy to reduce costs and inefficiencies. The system is easy to set up and does not require a professional electrician. It uses a CT current clamp clipped over the building’s main power cables and connected to the local mains circuit for voltage and frequency measurement. The add-on board comes in two variants: IPEM PiHat and IPEM PiHat […]

January 13, 2025January 11, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - No Comments

NXP MCX L14x and MCX L25x ultra-low-power Cortex-M33 MCUs target energy harvesting and battery-powered devices

NXP Semiconductors has launched the MCX L series of ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-M33 MCUs with the MCX L14x and MCX L25x SKUs. The new series offers similar peripherals as the rest of the MCX portfolio but uses a new “power management architecture that supports always-on, battery-powered applications” The MCX L series uses a dual domain architecture, with “real-time processing and ultra-low-power sensing functions in a single device.” The Arm Cortex-M33 core supports real-time processing functions while the Arm Cortex-M0+ core offers always-on operation in the ultra-low-power sense domain. The new microcontrollers reportedly use three times less power than their predecessors. The ultra-low-power series is targeted at energy-constrained applications, powered by a battery, ultracapacitor, or power harvesting circuit. These include building control, industrial sensing, smoke and fire alarms, flow meters, smart appliances, and motion detectors. NXP MCX L14x and L25x specifications: CPU Main core: Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller @ up to 96 MHz […]

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - 12 Comments

Tactility “operating system” for the ESP32 microcontroller family supports built-in and external applications

Tactility is an operating system that runs on the ESP32 microcontroller series. Created by Dutch software developer, Ken Van Hoeylandt (also known as ByteWelder), Tactility is a project one year in the making inspired by the Flipper Zero and its application platform. The ESP32 operating system can run built-in apps and helper services from flash storage as well as external applications from an SD card. It leverages the Espressif ELF(Executable and Linkable Format) loader to load ELF files from external storage to the executable memory area. Tactility is built to run on any ESP32-based device with a touchscreen since drivers (display, touch, and SD card) can be implemented for any hardware. ESP32-S3 devices are “the best option” due to their performance and larger memory. The LILYGO T-Deck series is highly recommended for its onboard keyboard and sizable display. Preset configurations are available for the LILYGO T-Deck Plus, LILYGO T-Deck, M5Stack […]

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 by Tomisin Olujinmi - 4 Comments

$12 Plant Bot is an ESP32-C3 soil sensor and pump driver for fully automated indoor plant care

The Plant Bot is an open-source, Internet-enabled plant monitor powered by the ESP32-C3 microcontroller and integrating a corrosion-resistant capacitive moisture soil sensor and a pump driver on a single printed circuit board, eliminating the need for additional cabling. The Plant Bot is designed to automate indoor plant care by combining moisture sensing, light sensing, and pump activation. It can be powered via USB or a single coin cell battery which lasts up to a week with daily updates. An onboard multi-color LED visually represents the current soil condition, ranging from red (dry) to blue (moist). The “Soil Level” line on the board indicates the maximum depth to which the sensor or device should be inserted into the soil. According to the maker, the Plant Bot will remain unaffected by corrosion if the soil level does not exceed this line. Other solutions we’ve covered with a soil sensor usually separate the […]