CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

January 31, 2025February 20, 2025 by Debashis Das - No Comments

SparkFun Digi X-ON LoRaWAN development kit combines Digi HX15 gateway with RP2350 IoT node and environmental sensors module

SparkFun has recently released the Digi X-ON LoRaWAN development kit an all-in-one IoT development kit designed to simplify the setup and deployment of LoRa-based IoT systems. It includes the Digi HX15 Gateway, SparkFun IoT Node for LoRaWAN, and the ENS160/BME280 environmental sensor, enabling rapid prototyping and connectivity with the help of the Digi X-ON cloud platform. The SparkFun IoT Node is built around the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller, which features 16MB flash, 8MB PSRAM, multiple GPIOs, LiPo battery support, microSD storage, and USB-C connectivity. It also integrates the Digi XBee LR module for long-range LoRaWAN communication with pre-activated cloud connectivity. With an onboard Qwiic connector and Arduino support, this development kit is ideal for applications like industrial monitoring, environmental sensing, smart agriculture, remote data collection, and more. Digi HX15 gateway specifications Microprocessor – STMicro STM32MP157C MPU with dual-core Cortex A7 @ 650 MHz, Cortex-M4 @ 209 MHz with FPU/MPU, 3D […]

January 31, 2025February 3, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 4 Comments

Brodboost-C is a USB Type-C breadboard power supply board with adjustable 3.3V or 5V voltage (Crowdfunding)

BrodBoost-C USB C power supply breadboard

Axiometa BrodBoost-C is a USB Type-C breadboard power supply with a simple design that powers both rails of a breadboard with voltage adjustable between 3.3V or 5V. It also includes an on/off switch, an LED indicator, and built-in fuse protection. BrodBoost-C specifications: Output voltage – Adjustable: 3.3V or 5V DC Maximum current – 1A Ports USB Type-C connector for power input 2x 2×5 2.54 mm breadboard-compatible power and ground rails 2x 3-pin 2.54 mm selection headers with 2x jumper caps Safety – Short circuit protection Input filtering – Ferrite bead for noise suppression and decoupling capacitors Misc – Red Power LED, ON/OFF power switch Voltage regulation: 5.0 V selected by USB CC Pins (5.1 k resistors) 3.3 V step-down regulation via AMS1117-3.3 Dimensions – 54 x 19.5 x 11.4 mm Weight – About 20 grams We’ve written about several breadboard power supplies over the years including the Toaster board with […]

ArmSoM RK3588 AIModule7 NVIDIA Jetson Nano-compatible SOM

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 1 Comment

Silicon Labs unveils low-cost BG22L BLE 5.4 and BG24L BLE 6.0 SoCs

Silicon Labs has unveiled the BG22L and BG24L SoCs for low-cost, ultra-low-power Bluetooth LE connectivity. These are Lite versions of the company’s BG22 and BG24 SoC families introduced in 2020 and 2022 respectively. The 38.4 MHz Silabs BG22L Arm Cortex-M33 SoC targets high-volume, cost-sensitive Bluetooth 5.4 applications like asset tracking tags and small appliances. In comparison, the 78 MHz BG24L Cortex-M33 SoC offers an affordable entry-level solution with AI/ML acceleration and Bluetooth 6.0 Channel Sounding to locate items or implement access control in crowded areas such as warehouses and multi-family housing. Since the specs for the BG22L and BG24L are similar to the ones for the BG22 and BG24 chips I won’t reproduce those here, and instead highlights the main features and cost-saving measures. Silicon Labs BG22L Bluetooth LE 5.4 SoC Silicon Labs BG22L highlights: MCU – Arm Cortex-M33 @ 38.4 MHz with DSP and FPU (BG22 is clocked at […]

January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

ACMER P3 48W laser engraver review with ACMER AP220 Smoke Air Purifier, LightBurn software, MKSLaser app

Today, we’ll review the ACMER P3 48W laser engraver suitable for engraving and cutting various materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and coated thin metals. It has a fully enclosed design protecting against laser light and reducing smoke in the room for better safety. The laser engraver also supports air filtration through the ACMER AP220 air purifier which we received for review as part of a full kit. Additionally, the P3 48W comes with a built-in camera for precise work positioning and previewing before engraving or cutting begins. Other safety features include automatic operation shutdown when the machine cover is opened. Users can import files through USB, Wi-Fi, or SD card, and the machine is compatible with popular software like LightBurn and LaserGRBL, as well as the ACMER mobile app, making it easier to use with file formats such as PNG, JPG, SVG, and DXF. ACMER P3 48W laser engraver […]

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, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 6 Comments

Kidwants KN1 is a $104 mini PC with a large touchpad on its top cover

Most mini PCs have pretty much the same features these days, but the Kidwants KN1 mini PC has a rather unique feature since it integrates a touchpad in its top cover allowing the user to interact without a mouse. The specifications are low-end with an Intel Celeron N4000 dual-core Gemini Lake processor first introduced in 2017, 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, and 128GB eMMC flash. The mini PC also offers two 4K-capable HDMI video outputs, Ethernet and WiFi 5 connectivity, five USB ports, and an audio jack. Kidwants KN1 specifications: SoC – Intel Celeron N4000 dual-core Gemini Lake processor @ 1.10 GHz / 2.6 GHz (Turbo) with Intel UHD graphics; 6W TDP System Memory – 8GB LPDDR4 RAM Storage 128GB eMMC flash M.2 2280 SATA socket for up to 1TB SSD Video – 2x HDMI ports up to 4Kp60 Audio – 3.5mm audio jack Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 […]

Rockchip RK3568, RK3588 and Intel x86 SBCs and SoMs in 2025

January 30, 2025March 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, 2025March 30, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 36 Comments

Radxa Orion O6 Review – Part 1: Unboxing, Debian 12 installation, and first benchmarks

Radxa sent me a sample of the Orion O6 mini-ITX motherboard for review. The system is powered by an CIX P1 (CD8180) 12-core Armv9 processor, equipped with 16GB RAM, and offers features like 5GbE, HDMI and DisplayPort, a PCIe Gen4 x16 slot, and more. It’s one of the most anticipated boards of the first part of 2025 since it’s powerful, offers a good performance/value ratio, and eventually promises to boot any ISO Arm64 image through an open-source BIOS / EDKII bootloader. I’ll start this review with an unboxing, NVMe SSD and WiFi module installation, and a short tutorial showing how to install Debian 12 operating systems before getting some system information and running a few benchmarks. In a few weeks, I’ll publish a more detailed review with features testing and more benchmarks to see what works and what doesn’t at this very early stage. Radxa Orion O6 unboxing I received […]

Boardcon CM3588 Rockchip RK3588 System-on-Module designed for AI and IoT applications