Engineering general.
Check out the project on GitHub and DangerousThings . In my previous posts about NFC security models and custom hardware tokens, I explained why I want a hardware token which can perform computations and is freely programmable, and how I built a development prototype based on the NXP P71 chip. As I explained, I always wanted to use the VivoKey… Read More →
In 2018, I bought my first and only 3D-printer: The Anet “Firestarter” A8 DIY kit. A few months later, I wrote a post about what upgrades and modifications I did to this printer (No more firestarter). Now, in 2022, I once again upgraded this printer. Like the Ship of Theseus, at what point does it stop being the original printer?… Read More →
Check out the project on GitHub. In my previous post about NFC security models, I explained why a hardware token that is able to do some computation on its own is required for a secure (enough) authentication. The obvious solution would be to use a YubiKey, however I want to use my own code and control the hardware as well… Read More →
Check out the project on GitHub. Recently, I became interested in the security of various NFC/RFID contactless access control systems. You have probably seen some in action, for example smart door locks which you can unlock using a small key fob. Even credit cards and recent smartphones use the same technology to pay by touching the register terminal. I am… Read More →
Check out the project on GitHub. During the last few months, two interesting opportunities coincided: First, I was asked to design a purpose-built electrical control board for a water pumping system. In addition, I had an idle offer for financial sponsorship waiting in my inbox. This finally gave me a reason and the means to expand my PCB design skills… Read More →
Check out the project on GitHub, and join our Discord server if you want to. Due to quarantine, several interesting and fun computer games resurfaced and got popular. One of these games is “Among Us” by InnerSloth, an online multiplayer social deduction game, similar to the board games “The Resistance” and “Mafia”. When I play with my friends, we usually… Read More →
Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should. I wanted to learn more about WebAssembly (Wasm), the new and cool kid in town. When testing out a new technology, you should always know why you are doing this and what you want to achieve. Except sometimes, it is just… Read More →
My laser cutter is working perfectly. However, depending on the thickness of the material being cut, the focus of the laser lens needs to be adjusted. This is done by turning the lens screw in front of the laser, which is both finicky and imprecise. To improve this situation, I 3D-printed a small focus-lever with a scale. First things first,… Read More →
The Raspberry Pi is a great little computer for makers. However, it lacks the performance to compile big software packages in an acceptable timeframe. So I set out to create a fast and easy-to use docker-based cross-compiler for the Pi, which runs on much more powerful machines like for example a VPS. Continuous Integration This server does not only host… Read More →
Like many makers, I took my first steps in hardware programming using the Arduino platform. And just as Atmel Microchip hoped, I am still pretty faithful to the AVR platform today. To program AVR microchips, you need some kind of (USB) programmer. I opted for a cheap USBasp clone, because it is cheap but still reliable. However, you still have… Read More →
