#hardware

OpenTrailPaper — DIY e-paper bike computer

Open-source firmware and hardware design for a DIY e-ink bike computer based on the LilyGO T5S3. Features offline maps, GPS, Bluetooth sensor support, FIT recording, and firmware installable via browser. Actively maintained indie hardware project.

GentleOS/16 - Hobby OS for vintage 16-bit PCs

A handcrafted hobby operating system for vintage 16-bit PCs (8086+). Built in C, features a live browser-based emulator, runs on authentic hardware like Tandy and Amstrad portables, and is free and open source (GPL-2.0). Designed entirely for tinkering and technical joy.

Cobalt: Kobo e-reader App Platform

Open-source application platform for Kobo e-readers featuring a signed App Store, Rust SDK, and isolated app runtime. Install once via USB; apps update over Wi-Fi. Enables running static ARM binaries on e-reader hardware with community-tested support across multiple Kobo models.

The Listening Museum

Interactive curatorial experience of 36 mechanical keyboards and their sounds, from vintage IBM Model M (1985) to modern Topre and thocky customs. Click keyboards to explore anatomy and history, type on your own keyboard to hear each sound simulated in real-time. Thoughtfully curated from open-source community recordings with explicit methodology acknowledging limitations.

New Parts for Old Computers

A researched, community-curated catalog of hardware upgrades and parts for vintage computers (Apple, Atari, Commodore, PC systems, etc.). Includes 12 sections, 149 pages, 762 products with documented research methodology. Each product links to makers, documentation, or reliable sources. Also covers reverse-retro (using vintage parts with modern systems). Active, well-organized reference site with RSS feed.

Old Vintage Computing Research

Personal blog documenting vintage computing projects, retrocomputing restoration, and technical deep-dives into classic systems like the Apple Workgroup Server and MkLinux.

FreeInk — Open e-reader ecosystem

Open-source hardware and software collective building an e-reader ecosystem where every layer (software, firmware, hardware) is open for community extension and customization.

MSAP-2 Simulator

Interactive web-based simulator for a custom 8-bit discrete logic computer. A handcrafted educational tool exploring retrocomputing and digital circuit design through an explorable, interactive interface.

WhatCable: USB-C cable diagnostic tool

A free Mac app that displays USB-C cable specifications, negotiated power profiles, and e-marker data to help diagnose charging bottlenecks. Solves a real technical problem—determining whether cable, charger, or device is limiting charge speed.

blinry.org — Personal maker/DIY blog

A tutorial documenting the design and build of a circular LCD wall clock powered by a Raspberry Pi. Well-researched, creative problem-solving, with detailed hardware/software walkthrough. Appears to be from an active personal blog (metadata shows: date 2026-07-09, author attribution, multiple categories: making/software, CC-BY-SA licensed, has RSS/Atom feed). Strong signal: mentioned 5 times on Lobsters.

Hackster.io

Community for electronics and hardware hacking. Tutorials, projects, and news for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other development boards.

Tindie

Marketplace for independent hardware makers. Buy unique electronics, dev boards, sensors, and creative hardware projects from makers worldwide.

Jeff Geerling

Raspberry Pi enthusiast, Ansible expert, YouTuber. Detailed guides on hardware hacking and self-hosting.

Thirty Three Forty

George Hilliard's embedded systems blog. Famous for making a business card that runs Linux.

Bryan's Workshop

Bryan made an open-source laptop from scratch. Hardware documentation, design files, and build logs.

Awesome Raspberry Pi

Curated list of Raspberry Pi tools, projects, and resources. Hardware hacking essentials.

Awesome Electronics

Curated list of electronics resources. PCB design, simulation, and learning materials.

Stavros Korokithakis

Hacker and maker. Creator of Ledonardo light painting hardware and various web tools.

Daylight Computer

60fps e-paper tablet for reading and writing. LivePaper display technology for easy-on-eyes computing.

Ben Eater

Build a computer from scratch. Video series on building a CPU, GPU, and networking from basic components.

Hackaday.io

Platform for hardware projects. Electronics, 3D printing, and making shared by a global community.

McMaster-Carr

Industrial supply catalog with exceptional UX. Fast search, detailed specs, overnight shipping. A masterclass in e-commerce.