In 2023, M5Stack introduced the Cardputer, a mini portable computer based on an ESP32-S3 module and equipped with a display and a keyboard. The Cardputer-Adv is an update based on the Stamp-S3A core module, with the same 1.14-inch LCD and 56-key keyboard, but featuring a range of upgrades. These include enhanced audio with an ES8311 audio codec, a high‑SNR MEMS microphone, an NS4150B amplifier, a 1W speaker, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, an improved antenna design, a larger 1,750 mAh battery, and a built-in BMI270 6-axis IMU. M5Stack Cardputer-Adv specifications: (bold highlights show improvements/changes over the original Cardputer) Wireless MCU module – M5Stack M5Stamp S3A with SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3FN8 CPU Dual-core 32-bit Xtensa LX7 microcontroller with AI vector instructions up to 240MHz RISC-V ULP co-processor Memory – 512KB SRAM Storage – 8MB flash Wireless – 2.4GHz WiFi 4 (802.11b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.0 BLE + Mesh 2.4GHz 3D antenna USB […]
LILYGO T-2CAN upgrades TTGO T-CAN485 with ESP32-S3, dual Isolated CAN Bus
LILYGO T-2CAN is an updated version of the earlier TTGO T-CAN485, with a more powerful ESP32-S3 MCU and two isolated CAN bus interfaces. Like its predecessor, it is designed for vehicle diagnostics, industrial CAN monitoring, and wireless CAN-to-cloud gateways. The board features an ESP32-S3 MCU with 16MB Flash and 8MB PSRAM, along with two MCP2515 CAN controllers supporting CAN V2.0B at up to 1 Mb/s. It also offers Qwiic connectors and a 26-pin GPIO header (unpopulated) for expansion, and supports both USB Type-C (5V) and DC (12–24V) power inputs. Additional features include BOOT and RESET buttons, an external antenna connector, and onboard debugging via USB. LILYGO T-2CAN specifications: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U wireless module SoC – ESP32-S3 dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller @ up to 240 MHz with 2.4 GHz 802.11n WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE connectivity Memory – 8MB PSRAM Storage – 16MB SPI flash IPEX antenna connector Industrial control interfaces via 2x […]
RP2350 Tiny and Tiny XL boards clone Solder Party’s RP2350 stamp layouts at nearly half the price
While searching Aliexpress, I stumbled upon the RP2350 Tiny and Tiny XL, both of which are RP2350-based low-cost stamp-size development boards that look exactly like the Solder Party’s “RP2350 Stamp” modules, but are available at nearly half the price. Both modules feature the Raspberry Pi RP2350 dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller and an integrated LiPo charging circuitry. The RP2350 Tiny offers 30x GPIOs, while the larger RP2350 Tiny XL breaks out 48x GPIOs, adds PSRAM, and includes SWD/UART JST connectors. Key interfaces include USB host/device, UART, SPI, I²C, PWM, ADC, and PIO state machines, along with Secure Boot and Arm TrustZone. These features make this board suitable for rapid prototyping and testing with CircuitPython support. RP2350 Tiny and Tiny XL specifications: Microcontroller RP2350 Tiny – Raspberry Pi RP2350A MCU, QFN-60; 7×7 mm RP2350 Tiny XL – Raspberry Pi RP2350B MCU,QFN-80; 10×10 mm Memory – 520KB internal RAM, 8KB OTP storage Storage – 16MB […]
FoBE IDEA Mesh Tracker C1 – An nRF52840-based LoRa GPS tracker with sensors, OLED, knob, and more
Designed by FoBE Studio in China, the FoBE IDEA Mesh Tracker C1 is a LoRa-powered off-grid communication device designed for outdoor GPS tracking, sensor data exchange, and mesh networking in remote environments. Built around the Nordic nRF52840 MCU, it integrates LoRa, GPS, BLE, and motion sensors, making it suitable for location tracking, environmental monitoring, and off-grid communication projects. The device integrates a GPS module, LoRa transceiver, 0.96-inch OLED display, buzzer, a 3-axis accelerometer, and a 3-axis gyroscope. Other ports include a USB-C port, reserved SWDIO/SWCLK headers, an 8-pin GPIO expansion header, and dual IPEX connectors for LoRa and GPS antennas. There is also a rotary encoder and two user buttons, and two indicator LEDs for controls and status feedback. Power input is provided via a 2-pin MX1.25 battery interface for portable, battery-powered outdoor IoT applications. FoBE IDEA Mesh Tracker C1 specifications: SoC – Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 CPU – 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4F […]
Qualcomm acquires Arduino, introduces Arduino UNO Q “dual-brain” SBC
Qualcomm has just signed an agreement to acquire Arduino, and the goal of the purchase is to “combine Qualcomm’s leading-edge products and technologies with Arduino’s vast ecosystem and community to empower businesses, students, entrepreneurs, tech professionals, educators, and enthusiasts to quickly and easily bring ideas to life.” They also took the opportunity to launch the Arduino UNO Q “dual-brain” SBC powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing QRB2210 SoC running Linux and an STMicro STM32U585 MCU for real-time control, as well as the Arduino App Lab integrated development environment to “unify the Arduino journey across Real‑time OS, Linux, Python, and AI flows”. Will the acquisition change anything? I suppose we’ll see more and more Arduino boards based on Qualcomm processors, but the company also promises to preserve Arduino’s open approach and community: Arduino will retain its independent brand, tools, and mission, while continuing to support a wide range of microcontrollers and microprocessors […]
kv4p HT – Turn an Android smartphone into a ham radio transceiver
kv4p HT is an open-source hardware VHF or UHF radio designed to plug into the USB-C port of an Android smartphone and turn it into a handheld ham radio transceiver. It’s based on an ESP32 wireless module and an SA818 radio module. This accessory makes your phone capable of off-grid voice and text communication with a Technician-class amateur radio license. It’s small enough to fit into a pocket, partially because it does not need a battery, relying on the built-in battery of your phone. kv4p HT V2.0 specifications: Wireless module – ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4 SoC – ESP32 dual-core Tensilica LX6 microcontroller @ up to 240 MHz with 520KB SRAM Storage – 4MB flash Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2 BR/LE connectivity, built-in PCB antenna VHF Radio SA818-V radio module or DRA818V (134 – 174MHz) VHF low-pass filter SMA antenna connector Tx Power – Up to 1 Watt for several […]
Olimex RP2350-PICO2 open hardware boards expose all 48 GPIOs for breadboard prototyping
Olimex RP2350-PICO2-BB48 and RP2350-PICO2-BB48R open hardware development boards are built around the Raspberry Pi RP2350B MCU, and expose all 48 GPIOs in a 0.6-inch dual-inline PCB layout. Compared to the earlier PICO2-XL and PICO2-XXL boards, this new board features a breadboard-friendly design with options for PSRAM and microSD on the BB48R version. Other features include USB-C power/data, BOOT and RESET buttons, a 2A 3.3V regulator, UEXT and Qwiic/Stemma connectors, status LED, and debug pads. With pre-soldered headers, it can be plugged directly into a breadboard, making it ideal for DIY projects, IoT, retro computing, and hardware prototyping. Olimex RP2350-PICO2-BB48 and RP2350-PICO2-BB48R specifications: MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2350B CPU Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 @ 150 MHz with Arm Trustzone, Secure boot OR Dual-core RISC-V Hazard3 @ 150 MHz Either two cores can be used. Memory – 520 KB on-chip SRAM Package – QFN-80 Memory – 8 MB external QSPI PSRAM (only on […]
Arduino cloud adds Bluetooth based provisioning, starting with UNO R4 WiFi
Arduino has recently introduced a new Bluetooth-based provisioning flow on the Arduino Cloud, starting with the UNO R4 WiFi board. This feature simplifies the initial setup process, making it faster and cable-free, and is aimed at improving ease of use for connected projects. With the Arduino IoT Cloud Remote app, users can power the board, detect it automatically, connect to Wi-Fi, and complete setup with visual feedback in just a few steps. Once provisioned, the board can be managed on Arduino Cloud with features like remote monitoring, OTA updates, real-time dashboards, AI Assistant support, and third-party integrations. The new flow is currently exclusive to the latest UNO R4 WiFi board, which also come with 3 months of free Arduino Cloud Maker Plan access. More boards will adopt the feature in future updates. Arduino Cloud features Compatible boards – Initially available on Arduino UNO R4 WiFi (new stock only), more boards […]


