Qball
@qballcow.bsky.social
#lowpower, #tech, #esp32, #fpga, #rofi, #embedded
My #esp32 image frame now uses libjpeg-turbo as fallback decoder if the hardware fails. (what a pain to get that module to work..).
I also use hw blending to transition between images. This is getting pretty close to being done.
I wonder if there is interest in this project.
I also use hw blending to transition between images. This is getting pretty close to being done.
I wonder if there is interest in this project.
December 7, 2025 at 5:46 PM
My #esp32 image frame now uses libjpeg-turbo as fallback decoder if the hardware fails. (what a pain to get that module to work..).
I also use hw blending to transition between images. This is getting pretty close to being done.
I wonder if there is interest in this project.
I also use hw blending to transition between images. This is getting pretty close to being done.
I wonder if there is interest in this project.
Anybody knows the model/type of this connector. I am looking for the part that mates with this. Its from a (very old) Norma power analyzer. Not visible here, but it also has a shield on 1/2 the side.
December 7, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Anybody knows the model/type of this connector. I am looking for the part that mates with this. Its from a (very old) Norma power analyzer. Not visible here, but it also has a shield on 1/2 the side.
I got an photo frame for my dad.. Almost every single one you buy is based on frameo now. The first one that arrived (android tablet in a cheap frame) kept restarted. After to much hassle got it returned, next one works. somewhat.
December 7, 2025 at 11:24 AM
I got an photo frame for my dad.. Almost every single one you buy is based on frameo now. The first one that arrived (android tablet in a cheap frame) kept restarted. After to much hassle got it returned, next one works. somewhat.
More playing with 'jpeg' playback. Analysis showed the fetching of the jpeg over http is the biggest delay.
Incr. buffer of `esp_http_client` improved it, then the pipeline: [fetch image] --> [decode] --> display. With 4 FB and 16 image fifo depth gave 24fps, 0.1% > 0.5 and < 1.0 frame late.
Incr. buffer of `esp_http_client` improved it, then the pipeline: [fetch image] --> [decode] --> display. With 4 FB and 16 image fifo depth gave 24fps, 0.1% > 0.5 and < 1.0 frame late.
December 3, 2025 at 9:33 PM
More playing with 'jpeg' playback. Analysis showed the fetching of the jpeg over http is the biggest delay.
Incr. buffer of `esp_http_client` improved it, then the pipeline: [fetch image] --> [decode] --> display. With 4 FB and 16 image fifo depth gave 24fps, 0.1% > 0.5 and < 1.0 frame late.
Incr. buffer of `esp_http_client` improved it, then the pipeline: [fetch image] --> [decode] --> display. With 4 FB and 16 image fifo depth gave 24fps, 0.1% > 0.5 and < 1.0 frame late.
lvgl keeps confusing me. @tomgranger.bsky.social project got me thinking about playing movie on my round displays.
tjpg kept crashing but I got an external decoder it worked, but after ~800 frames: watchdog timeouts in a spinlock ->crash
Remove lvgl and it now been playing at 30fps for 12+hours.
tjpg kept crashing but I got an external decoder it worked, but after ~800 frames: watchdog timeouts in a spinlock ->crash
Remove lvgl and it now been playing at 30fps for 12+hours.
December 2, 2025 at 5:07 PM
lvgl keeps confusing me. @tomgranger.bsky.social project got me thinking about playing movie on my round displays.
tjpg kept crashing but I got an external decoder it worked, but after ~800 frames: watchdog timeouts in a spinlock ->crash
Remove lvgl and it now been playing at 30fps for 12+hours.
tjpg kept crashing but I got an external decoder it worked, but after ~800 frames: watchdog timeouts in a spinlock ->crash
Remove lvgl and it now been playing at 30fps for 12+hours.
hmm crusty.. very hard to clean the trace.
November 27, 2025 at 6:52 PM
hmm crusty.. very hard to clean the trace.
First item of my next aliexpress batch.. Regrettable this been a bit of a dud so far. 5" DSI screen.
It seems aliexpress now uses unknown shipping companies, I got a call during work: 'I got a package for you, you are not home'.. 'we have no pick up point' to 'Ill throw it on your balcony.'..
It seems aliexpress now uses unknown shipping companies, I got a call during work: 'I got a package for you, you are not home'.. 'we have no pick up point' to 'Ill throw it on your balcony.'..
November 26, 2025 at 9:12 PM
First item of my next aliexpress batch.. Regrettable this been a bit of a dud so far. 5" DSI screen.
It seems aliexpress now uses unknown shipping companies, I got a call during work: 'I got a package for you, you are not home'.. 'we have no pick up point' to 'Ill throw it on your balcony.'..
It seems aliexpress now uses unknown shipping companies, I got a call during work: 'I got a package for you, you are not home'.. 'we have no pick up point' to 'Ill throw it on your balcony.'..
New aliexpress haul.
* Another 4" display like I got recently.
* esp32p4-m3
* Two banana to crocodile clamps. (to get free shipping)
I've been wanting to try out the p4 for ages, no use case *yet*. Need to find out how to re-program the c6.
The cables are '40 Amp'..3.5mm. What will be reality.
* Another 4" display like I got recently.
* esp32p4-m3
* Two banana to crocodile clamps. (to get free shipping)
I've been wanting to try out the p4 for ages, no use case *yet*. Need to find out how to re-program the c6.
The cables are '40 Amp'..3.5mm. What will be reality.
November 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
New aliexpress haul.
* Another 4" display like I got recently.
* esp32p4-m3
* Two banana to crocodile clamps. (to get free shipping)
I've been wanting to try out the p4 for ages, no use case *yet*. Need to find out how to re-program the c6.
The cables are '40 Amp'..3.5mm. What will be reality.
* Another 4" display like I got recently.
* esp32p4-m3
* Two banana to crocodile clamps. (to get free shipping)
I've been wanting to try out the p4 for ages, no use case *yet*. Need to find out how to re-program the c6.
The cables are '40 Amp'..3.5mm. What will be reality.
I got an Bluetti elite 30 v2 as new UPS. The reasoning was, its about the same price, has UPS functionality and compared to same price UPS has around 10 times the battery life time.
Ideally the lifepo4 should have a longer life then the lead-acid in the APC.
www.bluettipower.eu/products/eli...
Ideally the lifepo4 should have a longer life then the lead-acid in the APC.
www.bluettipower.eu/products/eli...
BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station | 600W 288Wh
BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 – 600W 288Wh portable power station with ≤10ms UPS, 140W PD fast charging & LiFePO4 battery. Perfect for camping, home backup & off-grid use. Shop now.
www.bluettipower.eu
November 7, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I got an Bluetti elite 30 v2 as new UPS. The reasoning was, its about the same price, has UPS functionality and compared to same price UPS has around 10 times the battery life time.
Ideally the lifepo4 should have a longer life then the lead-acid in the APC.
www.bluettipower.eu/products/eli...
Ideally the lifepo4 should have a longer life then the lead-acid in the APC.
www.bluettipower.eu/products/eli...
3D print this morning tore a layer of my glass print bed...
RIP sidewinder. It was old-ish, but had a nice huge print bed and happily printed stuff like ASA.
RIP sidewinder. It was old-ish, but had a nice huge print bed and happily printed stuff like ASA.
November 6, 2025 at 6:11 PM
3D print this morning tore a layer of my glass print bed...
RIP sidewinder. It was old-ish, but had a nice huge print bed and happily printed stuff like ASA.
RIP sidewinder. It was old-ish, but had a nice huge print bed and happily printed stuff like ASA.
Can somebody tell me what the actual timings are for a WS2812b chip? I've made an FPGA module to drive them, following the timings from the datasheet. Doesn't work.
Increased Treset to 100uS, now some work. But others don't.
Found out some need 280uS, increased it. still some clones don't work.
Increased Treset to 100uS, now some work. But others don't.
Found out some need 280uS, increased it. still some clones don't work.
November 4, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Can somebody tell me what the actual timings are for a WS2812b chip? I've made an FPGA module to drive them, following the timings from the datasheet. Doesn't work.
Increased Treset to 100uS, now some work. But others don't.
Found out some need 280uS, increased it. still some clones don't work.
Increased Treset to 100uS, now some work. But others don't.
Found out some need 280uS, increased it. still some clones don't work.
You know you are tired, when you order 10 fuses (and even double checking this), while you need 16...
Now to get to my minimum ordering amount again @ mouser.
Now to get to my minimum ordering amount again @ mouser.
November 4, 2025 at 5:14 PM
You know you are tired, when you order 10 fuses (and even double checking this), while you need 16...
Now to get to my minimum ordering amount again @ mouser.
Now to get to my minimum ordering amount again @ mouser.
real lug, vs amazon lug.. Spot the difference.
October 30, 2025 at 6:35 PM
real lug, vs amazon lug.. Spot the difference.
ugh.. package arrived from china.. its in the dhl machine close by.. but because they did not use my e-mail, I have no way to pick it up...
October 30, 2025 at 5:44 PM
ugh.. package arrived from china.. its in the dhl machine close by.. but because they did not use my e-mail, I have no way to pick it up...
Ugh. bought ring cable lug on amazon, because I needed it very quick... stupid move.. Why do I keep doing this?
Its so thin and bad, it should never be used/sold.
It will do for a day or two, but I need to replace this asap. So now ordering from an actual shop, instead of a glorified trashheap.
Its so thin and bad, it should never be used/sold.
It will do for a day or two, but I need to replace this asap. So now ordering from an actual shop, instead of a glorified trashheap.
October 28, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Ugh. bought ring cable lug on amazon, because I needed it very quick... stupid move.. Why do I keep doing this?
Its so thin and bad, it should never be used/sold.
It will do for a day or two, but I need to replace this asap. So now ordering from an actual shop, instead of a glorified trashheap.
Its so thin and bad, it should never be used/sold.
It will do for a day or two, but I need to replace this asap. So now ordering from an actual shop, instead of a glorified trashheap.
For now lets make a control panel for it for some measuring equipment/power supplies I have.
Now to hook everything up, mqtt is the easiest, but I will need SCPI for other stuff, so maybe investigate that.
Now to hook everything up, mqtt is the easiest, but I will need SCPI for other stuff, so maybe investigate that.
October 26, 2025 at 12:20 PM
For now lets make a control panel for it for some measuring equipment/power supplies I have.
Now to hook everything up, mqtt is the easiest, but I will need SCPI for other stuff, so maybe investigate that.
Now to hook everything up, mqtt is the easiest, but I will need SCPI for other stuff, so maybe investigate that.
Another (small) aliexpress haul, a 4" 480x480 esp32s3 display module (with touchscreen). It looks good, but importantly it is not spi, but paral. interface with vsync. So I should be able to make the interface tear-free. No use for it yet, but it looks a perfect panelmount.
below the widget demo:
below the widget demo:
October 25, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Another (small) aliexpress haul, a 4" 480x480 esp32s3 display module (with touchscreen). It looks good, but importantly it is not spi, but paral. interface with vsync. So I should be able to make the interface tear-free. No use for it yet, but it looks a perfect panelmount.
below the widget demo:
below the widget demo:
Below is the discharge curve of one of the li-sodium cells. While easy to determine the capacity left, it is terrible for powering stuff.. the 4s pack starts at 16V, then you go down to 8V. I saw you can now buy a power station with these batteries, wonder how they set it up.
October 21, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Below is the discharge curve of one of the li-sodium cells. While easy to determine the capacity left, it is terrible for powering stuff.. the 4s pack starts at 16V, then you go down to 8V. I saw you can now buy a power station with these batteries, wonder how they set it up.
Been playing with li-sodium batteries a while back. Currently have a 20Ah (2p4s) pack in use, decided to make it 4p4s.
Made a PCB to link up the 4p where each is fused incl. status led to show if there is an issue. Use a jk-bms, it allows me to set the parameters close enough for this chemistry.
Made a PCB to link up the 4p where each is fused incl. status led to show if there is an issue. Use a jk-bms, it allows me to set the parameters close enough for this chemistry.
October 19, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Been playing with li-sodium batteries a while back. Currently have a 20Ah (2p4s) pack in use, decided to make it 4p4s.
Made a PCB to link up the 4p where each is fused incl. status led to show if there is an issue. Use a jk-bms, it allows me to set the parameters close enough for this chemistry.
Made a PCB to link up the 4p where each is fused incl. status led to show if there is an issue. Use a jk-bms, it allows me to set the parameters close enough for this chemistry.
I've created +-50A isolated current sensor before using hal sensor, this works great. However they tend to have an offset and drift. So when measuring 1mA up to +-30A, this is not great. Shunt meas is better, but not isolated. I saw this one: docs.m5stack.com/en/unit/Unit.... Great idea.
m5-docs
The reference docs for M5Stack products. Quick start, get the detailed information or instructions such as IDE,UIFLOW,Arduino. The tutorials for M5Burner, Firmware, Burning, programming. ESP32,M5Stick...
docs.m5stack.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:32 PM
I've created +-50A isolated current sensor before using hal sensor, this works great. However they tend to have an offset and drift. So when measuring 1mA up to +-30A, this is not great. Shunt meas is better, but not isolated. I saw this one: docs.m5stack.com/en/unit/Unit.... Great idea.
Showed unCAL out of nothing. Going into the menu running rom/ram test passed and it seems happy again, but not a good sign.
October 5, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Showed unCAL out of nothing. Going into the menu running rom/ram test passed and it seems happy again, but not a good sign.
Always fun when you find out that 3 years ago you where an idiot, did not read the datasheet and then for the next 3 year continue to copy/paste the error. At least I (in a now unneeded step) calibrated my error away.
a bald man in a red sweater is covering his face with his hand .
ALT: a bald man in a red sweater is covering his face with his hand .
media.tenor.com
October 5, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Always fun when you find out that 3 years ago you where an idiot, did not read the datasheet and then for the next 3 year continue to copy/paste the error. At least I (in a now unneeded step) calibrated my error away.
It's frustrating getting issue reports: 'X does not work'. Checking out what they are doing, its a complete chaos. Using config options that never existed or been gone for 5+ years.
They waste much of their own time and mine. Instead of using AI, reading the docu would have solved it in minutes.
They waste much of their own time and mine. Instead of using AI, reading the docu would have solved it in minutes.
October 2, 2025 at 10:12 PM
It's frustrating getting issue reports: 'X does not work'. Checking out what they are doing, its a complete chaos. Using config options that never existed or been gone for 5+ years.
They waste much of their own time and mine. Instead of using AI, reading the docu would have solved it in minutes.
They waste much of their own time and mine. Instead of using AI, reading the docu would have solved it in minutes.
Can we start a petition to get the floppy drive header back on motherboards... I need one..
September 29, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Can we start a petition to get the floppy drive header back on motherboards... I need one..
For the past 8 years, I used 1L pcs or laptops for my work. A year or so ago I bought a AMD 8700G pc so I could do some small games. However, while this worked amazingly well. Especially after overclocking the memory and cpu a bit. However I did get a cheap 2nd hand rx6600, older gen, less memory.
September 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM
For the past 8 years, I used 1L pcs or laptops for my work. A year or so ago I bought a AMD 8700G pc so I could do some small games. However, while this worked amazingly well. Especially after overclocking the memory and cpu a bit. However I did get a cheap 2nd hand rx6600, older gen, less memory.