diy News - CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

July 5, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 9 Comments

LUNYEE 3018 Pro Ultra review with offline controller and Easel CNC software (Part 2)

We have already checked out the specifications, assembled the machine, and performed basic tests with the LUNYEE 3018 Pro Ultra CNC Router in the first part of the review. We’ve now had time to use the machine to carve text and logos on wood and aluminum. It was Suthinee’s first CNC machine, so the LUNYEE 3018 Pro Ultra was reviewed from the point of view of a beginner. We used both the offline controller with files provided on the SD card and the Easel web-based CNC software. Selecting and installing a drilling bit Our sample came with 1/8″ drilling bits that ship by default with the CNC router, and the optional “LUNYEE 1/4″ Shank CNC Router Bit Essential Kit” as well as ER11 collets for each kit. Selecting the bit will depend on the size of the work and the desired cutting pattern as shown below. The first step is […]

July 2, 2025July 2, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 7 Comments

pyDrone – An ESP32-S3 drone running MicroPython firmware

There are already many cheap ESP32 drones on AliExpress, or you can even make an ESP32 DIY drone for about $12, but 01Studio’s pyDrone is a little different as it’s based on an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module and runs MicroPython firmware instead of the ESP32-Drone firmware. The pyDrone can be controlled over WiFi or Bluetooth using the pyController gamepad, also based on the same ESP32-S3 module. Another advantage of the pyDrone is that it comes with a connector for the OV2640 camera module that’s often missing in other low-cost ESP32 drones. pyDrone specifications: Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 SoC – ESP32-S3N8R8 CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz RAM – 512KB SRAM, up to 8MB PSRAM Storage – 8MB flash Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5 Antenna – PCB antenna Motors – 4x 716 hollow cup motors Blades – 46mm propeller blades Flight range WiFi – 120 meters Bluetooth […]

June 15, 2025July 8, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

LUNYEE 3018 Pro Ultra Review – Part 1: Unboxing and assembly of the CNC Router with a 500W spindle

LUNYEE has just sent us a 3018 Pro Ultra CNC router for review. The CNC machine is an update to the 3018 Pro Max with improved performance and precision, as well as wider material support. It features a 500W spindle motor with a maximum speed of 5000mm/min, a full aluminum alloy structure, and an HGH15 linear guide X-axis that allows for reliable milling of hard materials such as aluminum, copper, and brass. Its 3-axis lead screw drive system provides smooth movement with an accuracy of ±0.1mm. The machine comes partially pre-assembled and should only take a short time to assemble. Safety features include an emergency stop switch and limit switches on every axis. It’s compatible with popular GRBL-compatible software such as Fusion360, Easel, Candle, UGS, LaserGRBL, LightBurn, and so on, and can be used for milling wood, acrylic, carbon fiber, and there’s also an option for installing a laser module, […]

May 28, 2025June 1, 2025 by Sponsored Post - No Comments

Revopoint Trackit – A high-end optical tracking 3D scanner with marker-free scanning (Sponsored)

Revopoint Trackit optical tracking 3D scanner

Revopoint Trackit is a high-end optical 3D scanner that achieves accurate object tracking for small to large workpieces without needing markers on the object’s surface. This significantly increases scanning efficiency over conventional marker-based 3D scanning systems. The 3D scanner features an optical tracking system ensuring smooth scanning despite complex shapes, angle changes, or position shifts, maintaining stable data acquisition. The scanner offers two scanning modes with a 30-line cross blue laser mode for quick scans and a single-line blue laser mode for capturing narrow, hard-to-reach areas. Both laser modes can deal with dark and shiny surfaces without the need to first apply scanning spray, making it great for capturing delicate workpieces like circuit boards. Other highlights include a wide operating range suitable for small to large pieces (think coins to cars), auto gimbal calibration, and the ability to operate the device as a standalone handheld scanner (with markers). Revopoint Trackit […]

May 27, 2025 by Debashis Das - 1 Comment

UV Meter for Flipper Zero measures ultraviolet radiation with AS7331 sensor

The UV Meter is a Flipper Zero application designed to measure ultraviolet (UV) radiation using the AS7331 spectral sensor, which can detect UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C wavelengths. Designed for personal and environmental UV monitoring, this tool measures UV exposure levels in everyday scenarios, whether it’s behind windows, under cloud cover, or while wearing sunglasses. It provides real-time irradiance readings in µW/cm², W/m², or mW/m², and calculates safe maximum daily exposure durations based on 2024 TLVs and BEIs from ACGIH, with adjustable factors like eye protection status, gain, and exposure time. A visual meter and warning symbols notify the user of under- or overexposure. The app also displays each UV type’s relative contribution to overall exposure risk. A compact adapter PCB enables easy connection between the Flipper Zero and the AS7331 breakout board via I²C. Flipper Zero UV Meter specifications: Target platform – Flipper Zero Sensor module – Sparkfun AS7331 Spectral […]

May 19, 2025May 21, 2025 by Debashis Das - 2 Comments

FlippenHeimer Geiger Counter module adds radiation sensing to Flipper Zero

The FlippenHeimer is a compact Geiger counter add-on module designed to work with the Flipper Zero. It allows users to monitor beta and gamma radiation levels using the Flipper’s display and power source, making it a portable device to detect radiation. Built around a J305 Geiger–Müller tube, the FlippenHeimer provides real-time data logging, visual feedback via graphs. Other than that, it features “atomic dice roller” functionality that uses the random nature of radioactive decay to generate unpredictable outcomes. Key components of this device include 555 timers, LM358 op-amps, 2N3904 and MPSA42 transistors, inductors, and high-voltage capacitors. These features make this device useful for applications such as environmental awareness, hobbyist radiation monitoring, and generating random values. FlippenHeimer Specifications: Main interface – Connects to Flipper Zero via GPIO/UART (plug-and-play with GPIO header) Detection device – J305 Geiger-Müller glass tube, suitable for gamma and beta radiation Radiation detection: Detects beta and gamma radiation […]

April 17, 2025June 4, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

LaserPecker LP5 Review – Part 2: A 20W diode & fiber laser engraver tested with LDS software, rotary extension, safety enclosure

LaserPecker LP5 review Rotary Extension Safety Enclosure Featured Image

We have already checked the specifications, done an unboxing, and shown how to assemble the LaserPecker LP5 2-in-1 fiber & diode laser engraver along with its safety enclosure and rotary extension in the first part of the review. In the second part of the review, we will report our experience using the LaserPecker LP5 laser engraver with various materials such as plywood, stainless steel, rubber, and aluminum, as well as a ceramic cup and an insulated tumbler using either the LDS software on Windows or the LDS mobile apps on an iPad. Using the LaserPecker LP5 laser engraver with LDS software LaserPecker Design Space (LDS) is a laser engraving and cutting software designed specifically for the LaserPecker laser engravers. It’s meant to allow users to easily create projects with personalized engraving, complex patterns, and precise cutting of various materials. It can run on Windows and macOS with Intel or Apple […]

April 7, 2025April 6, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 1 Comment

TwoTrees TTC6050 CNC router review with vacuum cleaner Monster (M1) kit and a 800W spindle upgrade

Twotrees has sent us a TTC6050 CNC router for review, along with a vacuum cleaner Monster (M1) kit and an 800W spindle upgrade with a speed of 30,000 RPM. The machine is designed for carving and milling various materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. It features a working area of 600 x 500 x 100 mm and comes equipped with a 500W spindle by default, upgradable to an 800W spindle. It’s capable of handling larger workpieces, works faster, and supports a broader variety of materials than the TwoTrees TTC 450 CNC router we reviewed in 2023 with a 500W spindle. In this review, we will start by listing the specifications and going through an unboxing, before assembling the TTC6050 CNC router and the vacuum cleaner Monster (M1) Kit, and installing the Candle CNC software to conduct milling tests on thick MDF wood. After that, we’ll install the 800W high-speed […]