#makercommunity

Before TikTok, viral videos were mostly found on YouTube and spread through email forwards and message boards. “Charlie Bit My Finger” (2007): A candid home video of a toddler biting his brother’s finger became one of YouTube’s first massive hits. Its charm lay in its innocence and relatable family moment. “Numa Numa” (2004): Gary Brolsma’s lip-sync to a Romanian pop song became an early viral…

BIG BIG rainbows on "Sparkle motion" WLED driver board 🌈💡

We got our WLED-friend PCBs

https://blog.adafruit.com/2024/12/02/leftovers-layout-wled-board-revision-a-completed/

and are testing it with various LED grids. First, we tried out a 16x16 NeoPixel grid that runs on 5V. Since that worked well, we're now onto a much bigger 60 x 60 grid - that's 3,600 LEDs! These are some NeoPixel pebble

netting samples we're also testing at the same time; each one has 20 x 60 pixels and uses 12V power, so it's a good test of the DC pass-through for higher voltages. Since WLED has a limit of 2000 pixels per output, this demo uses the three output ports that are then 'merged' together in memory to make a single large grid. We have more to test soon: the onboard IR receiver, USB PD, I2S microphone, extra I/O pins, and I2C, so watch for those videos as they come together. Coming soon -

In electronics development and repair, precision isn't just a convenience-it's a necessity.

Whether you're assembling prototypes, repairing damaged PCBs, replacing SMD components, reworking microcontrollers, or troubleshooting embedded systems, the quality of your tools directly impacts the quality of your work. A reliable rework station can mean the difference between a successful repair and a damaged board.

One of the biggest challenges faced by engineers and technicians today is working with increasingly compact electronics. Modern devices feature densely packed components, fine-pitch ICs, and multilayer PCBs that demand accurate temperature control and dependable performance. This is where a professional 2-in-1 soldering and hot air rework station becomes invaluable.

The Bakon BK602S is designed to address these challenges by combining a powerful 90W soldering iron with a 550W hot air rework station in a single compact unit. This setup allows users to seamlessly switch between precision soldering and hot air rework tasks without requiring multiple pieces of equipment on the workbench.

For makers and hobbyists, it offers the flexibility needed for projects involving development boards, sensors, displays, and communication modules. For repair professionals, it provides the control required for component replacement, IC removal, connector repairs, and PCB maintenance. Educational institutions and laboratories can also benefit from a versatile workstation that supports a wide range of practical electronics applications.

The digital display enables precise monitoring and adjustment of operating parameters, helping users maintain consistent temperatures throughout the soldering and desoldering process. This level of control is particularly important when working with temperature-sensitive components, ensuring reliable results while minimizing the risk of thermal damage.

As electronics continue to evolve, having dependable equipment is becoming just as important as having the right components. Investing in quality tools not only improves productivity but also enhances the accuracy, safety, and longevity of your work.

Learn more about the Bakon BK602S here:

Scary safety issue. A few days ago, a fellow maker reached out to me. She had been experiencing persistent skin peeling on her fingers after soldering. She was confused because the solder tin she purchased on Amazon were explicitly labeled "Lead-Free" and "RoHS Compliant."

I asked her to send some samples to Orien for testing. The results came back today, and they were revealing: Lead, mercury, and cadmium were all present. While the levels were technically "within" RoHS limits, they were dangerously close to the maximum allowed threshold.

Here is the crucial truth: RoHS is an industrial standard. It was designed for circuit boards and electronics, not for wearable jewelry that sits against the skin for hours a day. Industrial standards typically allow up to 1000 ppm, while strict jewelry safety standards demand 100 ppm or less. That is a 10x difference in safety.

Introducing our Glock 17 Gen 5 Skull Scroll Engraving Design — a powerful blend of detailed skull artwork and flowing ornamental scrollwork.

Designed for makers who want more than a standard engraving pattern, this artwork creates a bold custom look while maintaining the elegance of traditional engraving.

🔥 Glock 17 Gen 5 Engraving Design 🔥 Custom Skull Scroll Artwork 🔥 Laser Engraving Ready 🔥 CNC Compatible Vector File 🔥 Instant Digital Download

Included Formats: SVG • DXF • AI • AI8 • PNG • PDF

Perfect for custom slide engraving, fiber laser projects, CNC machining, and professional engraving work.

Every detail is crafted to make an impact—from the intricate skull elements to the flowing scroll patterns that bring the design to life.

Would you choose a 💀 Skull Design or ⚜️ Traditional Scrollwork for your next engraving project?

👇 Drop your choice in the comments!

Pierwsza część warsztatów z cyklu „Artystyczne techniki haftu ręcznego” już za nami!😁

Wczoraj podczas spotkania poznawaliśmy technikę haftu za igłą – jedną z podstawowych technik haftu ręcznego. Było dużo skupienia, kreatywności i świetnej energii przy wspólnej pracy.

Dziękujemy za super atmosferę, ogromne zaangażowanie i tak duże zainteresowanie warsztatami!🥰

Do zobaczenia na kolejnej części już 19 marca!

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The first part of the “Artistic Hand Embroidery Techniques” workshop series is already behind us! 😁

During yesterday’s meeting we explored the backstitch embroidery technique – one of the fundamental hand-embroidery techniques. There was lots of focus, creativity, and great energy while working together.

Thank you for the wonderful atmosphere, huge engagement, and such great interest in the workshops! 🥰