Tag Archives: hardware

How many vlan’s are enough?

Many years ago i started segmenting my network using vlans.

In 2022 i started to reconfigure my lab and using a lot more Mikrotik switches.
So how many … is to many, because i always overdo stuff.

Well .. is 9 to many for home environments?

  • default vlan – did’t bother to configure
  • old DMZ .. to be migrated
  • DMZ – my servers live here
  • Wifi personal workstations – Mobiles and laptops .. macaddress limited
  • IOT – only arduino’s, raspberries and other hardware live here
  • Personal workstations – UTP connected workstations with less networking limitations
  • LAB – My lab environment, Ovirt virtualisation for fun and manage access to servers in dmz
  • Storage – my SFP enabled all-flash storage
  • Management – really tight restricted access to management interfaces (switches/routers/storage/ILO)

Hard to manage? All those vlan’s? .. Sure, but i learn a lot!
(Not really .. when you got the basics down, more of the same.
Hardest part? .. not cutting-off connections/switchports you are using!)

Working Amiga 500

Got a working amiga again. \o/ woot
Needed to replace Paula chip, cleaning and some TLC.

Modulator
Chip donor

Scart cable i’ve got is one without the resistors, so my monitor isn’t detecting the signal.
Using a A520 modulator works. At least RF, don’t know why RCA/composite video isn’t working.

Even a memory expansion and second drive (5.24 inch) are working.

One of the first disks i tested

To do:

  • Fix something to get disk images from and to my pc.
  • (My old catweasel card only fits in a ISA slot which i don’t have any more)
  • I was wrong .. i’ve got a IV Catweasel .. PCI it is
  • Fix scart
  • Fix my Action Replay, which i soldered into a non working state apparently .. 🙂
  • Get a better mouse!
Catweasel IV

Disks to convert:

  • Personal text files from ages ago
  • My first seka demo
  • My oscillator drawing program
  • Other assembly source files

Got another one running today also:

Old hardware hacks

This page is a ‘work in progress’ page .. i’ll keep adding info

Somewhere 90s

  • Oscilloscope drawing
  • Joystick with memory
  • Laser drawing using videodisc mirror’s
  • Amiga keyboard hack
  • Crt monitor hack
  • First copperbar (before i knew it was a thing) on a hercules monitor
  • Floppy boot demo with EDK
  • Own build webcam with x,y movement using stepper motors, and a analog (rca) camera
  • Reverse engineering stuff like a led scroller bar
  • Sid chip in a amiga
  • Own build 8bit computer

My Electronics Lab

Update: 20220829 – Microscope G1200

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Tools:

Bought some boxes for chips

Wannahaves

Fun .. but do i need it?

HackRF One

HackRF One from Great Scott Gadgets is a Software Defined Radio peripheral capable of transmission or reception of radio signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. Designed to enable test and development of modern and next generation radio technologies, HackRF One is an open source hardware platform that can be used as a USB peripheral or programmed for stand-alone operation.

  • 1 MHz to 6 GHz operating frequency
  • half-duplex transceiver
  • up to 20 million samples per second
  • 8-bit quadrature samples (8-bit I and 8-bit Q)
  • compatible with GNU Radio, SDR#, and more
  • software-configurable RX and TX gain and baseband filter
  • software-controlled antenna port power (50 mA at 3.3 V)
  • SMA female antenna connector
  • SMA female clock input and output for synchronization
  • convenient buttons for programming
  • internal pin headers for expansion
  • Hi-Speed USB 2.0
  • USB-powered
  • open source hardware

I’ve got dvb alternative below now. Hackrf cannot be bought anymore

Gemini PDA

Android / Linux PDA

ALTAIR 8800 EMULATOR KIT

The Altair 8800 is a microcomputer designed in 1974 and based on the intel 8080 CPU. Using only switches to program and leds for output.
Even my DIY build computer has a hex keyboard input and 7segments display.

Omnicharge 20+ Usb C Wireless Power Bank 20,000mAh Power Delivery 3.0 + Quick Charge 3.0

You can use this as a mobile soldering station using a TS100 soldering iron.

Rigol Oscilloscope DS1054

SDCard reader for C64 and other commodore machines

Got this one now, superb. Will post about this

 Tv Stick Dab Fm Dvb-t RTL2832 R820T Sdr RTL-SDR Dongle Stick Digitale Tv Tuner Ontvanger TVSDVBS816

Update : got this one, review later on.

Clear case for amiga and tank mouse

OldSkool Computer Cartridges/expansions/add-ons

(Todo : add photos/designs )

Amiga:

Action Replay IIOwned since … 80s 90s?

Modded this one, as part of my modular
amiga system where i wanted to remake
every part onto 10×15 euro prints. So i could
swap things out for other boards.
Memory expansion512k .. missing in action
Go a new one in … ?
Boot selectorSwaps df0 and df1
DIY version was a wirewrap ic socket with a cross switch, now i have a Gotek buffered switching module with can be actvated with a keystroke.
(Gotek post)
Keyboard modHidden key (in the space of the stands, which triggered a extra key stroke)
Kickstart selectorA print you can insert in the ROM socket of your amiga. Had only 1.2 and 1.3.
Now there are many .. like diagnostic roms.
I made a altered 1.2 version .. which was unusable .. i f*cked it up
SID modAdded a sid parallel on the 8020 CIA chip
Gotek driver emulatorI made a arduino version to read disks. (Other post)
But this is a disk image drive emulator.
See Gotek post
Boot sector warnPiezo beeper which warned me when a boot sector was being written (virus alert)
Sound filter fixAmiga audio filter enhancer, using capacitors and resistors

C64:

Final Cartridge III
Led modMemory activation leds
KCS Power CartridgeSepp’s old cartridge?
Rom selectorDIY rom selector
Data Manager 2Can’t find anything on this one on other sites !?!?!
https://www.henriaanstoot.nl/2022/07/17/mystery-cartridge-c64/

Atari:

Vic-20:

Reset modDIY reset mod
ROM selectorDIY ROM selector
Many cartridgesSold in 2022, kept only some useful once’s

PC:

PC speaker modSpeaker to audio jack
Seek time monitorWhen a seek took too long, LEDs would light up, time to defrag!
Covox modA pre sound card parallel to audio resistor bridge.
Only a few demo’s and games supported this mod.
VGA to scartDisplay hack
VGA to Scart hack

Monitor:

Monitor modDIY horizontal flip using relays
Color modGreyscale / RGB switcher

Generic:

Joystick recorderrecorded movements when playing a game, so it could replay parts.

MQTT Keyboard

A fancy keyboard….. At last a clickety keyboard. A Razer Blackwidow V3 mechanical keyboard. I’m not a gamer, but i like the clickety sounds. RGB leds are always nice to play with.

One of the nice things about razer is the Linux support!

Some nice links:

https://github.com/openrazer/openrazer

https://openrazer.github.io/

Even several python scripts can be found, but no MQTT.
So made a fast ‘n simple hack to control my keyboard with mqtt/nodered.

When someone is at the frontdoor, my keyboard changes from white to red.

Below a node-red example

My python code:

import paho.mqtt.client as mqttClient
import time
import os
import subprocess
import json

def on_connect(client, userdata, flags, rc):
    if rc == 0:
        print("Connected to broker")
        global Connected
        Connected =True
    else:
        print("Connection failed")

def on_message(client, userdata, message):
    subprocess.Popen(["razer-cli", "-c", message.payload])

Connected = False

broker_address = "your.mqtt.brokerip.here"
port = 1883
#user = "user"
#password = "password"
client = mqttClient.Client("mqttrazer")
#client.username_pw_set(user, password=password)
client.on_connect = on_connect
client.on_message = on_message

client.connect(broker_address, port=port)
client.loop_start()

while Connected != True:
    time.sleep(0.1)

client.subscribe('razer/in')

try:
    while True:
        time.sleep(1)

except KeyboardInterrupt:
    print ("exiting")
    client.disconnect()
    client.loop_stop()

Hex Dimmer

Control a dimmer using a hex wireless box.

Parts

  • Wemos Mini
  • MPU6050 – Gyroscope Module
  • 10k Resistor
  • TP4056 – Battery Charger Module
  • Mini Battery
  • Wireless Charger

Put the box flat on the table to switch off.
When you put it on one side, it will controll your lights brightness.
20,40,60,80 and 100%, just by rotating and putting it down on its sides.

3D printed case

Schematics (without the wireless charging part)

Wireless part

Node-Red Controll part (source below)

Nice to have’s :
Arduino-sleep mode, wakeup with a movement sensor.

Arduino Code

#include <Wire.h>
//#include <SPI.h>
#include <PubSubClient.h>
//#include <string.h>
//#include <stdio.h>
#include <ESP8266WiFi.h>

// Wifi settings
const char* ssid = "xxxxxx";
const char* password = "xxxxxxxxxx";
const char* mqtt_server = "10.1.0.17";

// I2C address of the MPU-6050 - 0x68 or 0x69 if AD0 is pulled HIGH
const int MPU = 0x68;
int16_t AcX, AcY, AcZ, GyX, GyY, GyZ;
float gForceX, gForceY, gForceZ, rotX, rotY, rotZ;

// Wifi MAC address
byte mac[]= {  0xDE, 0xED, 0xBA, 0xFE, 0xFE, 0xED };

WiFiClient espClient;
IPAddress ip;
PubSubClient mqttClient(espClient);

// IP address of your MQTT server
const char* server = "10.1.0.17";
//const char* outTopic = "test/";
//const char* server = "iot.eclipse.org";

void dataReceiver(){
  Wire.beginTransmission(MPU);
  Wire.write(0x3B);  // starting with register 0x3B (ACCEL_XOUT_H)
  Wire.endTransmission(false);
  Wire.requestFrom(MPU,14,true);  // request a total of 14 registers
  AcX = Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  // 0x3B (ACCEL_XOUT_H) & 0x3C (ACCEL_XOUT_L)     
  AcY = Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  // 0x3D (ACCEL_YOUT_H) & 0x3E (ACCEL_YOUT_L)
  AcZ = Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  // 0x3F (ACCEL_ZOUT_H) & 0x40 (ACCEL_ZOUT_L)
  GyX = Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  // 0x43 (GYRO_XOUT_H) & 0x44 (GYRO_XOUT_L)
  GyY = Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  // 0x45 (GYRO_YOUT_H) & 0x46 (GYRO_YOUT_L)
  GyZ = Wire.read()<<8|Wire.read();  // 0x47 (GYRO_ZOUT_H) & 0x48 (GYRO_ZOUT_L)
  processData();
}

void processData(){
  gForceX = AcX / 16384.0;
  gForceY = AcY / 16384.0; 
  gForceZ = AcZ / 16384.0;
  
  rotX = GyX / 131.0;
  rotY = GyY / 131.0; 
  rotZ = GyZ / 131.0;
}

void debugFunction(int16_t AcX, int16_t AcY, int16_t AcZ, int16_t GyX, int16_t GyY, int16_t GyZ){
  // Print the MPU values to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Accelerometer: ");
  Serial.print("X="); Serial.print(gForceX);
  Serial.print("|Y="); Serial.print(gForceY);
  Serial.print("|Z="); Serial.println(gForceZ);  
  Serial.print("Gyroscope:");
  Serial.print("X="); Serial.print(rotX);
  Serial.print("|Y="); Serial.print(rotY);
  Serial.print("|Z="); Serial.println(rotZ);
}

void reconnect() {
  // Loop until we're reconnected
  while (!mqttClient.connected()) {
    Serial.print("Attempting MQTT connection...");
    // Attempt to connect
    if (mqttClient.connect("arduinoClient")){
      Serial.println("connected");
    } 
    else {
      Serial.print("failed, rc=");
      Serial.print(mqttClient.state());
      Serial.println(" try again in 5 seconds");
//      Wait 5 seconds before retrying
      delay(1000);
    }
  }
}

void setup(){
  Serial.begin(9600);

    setup_wifi();
  
  Wire.begin(0,2);
  Wire.beginTransmission(MPU);
  Wire.write(0x6B);  // PWR_MGMT_1 register
  Wire.write(0);     // set to zero (wakes up the MPU-6050)
  Wire.endTransmission(true);

  mqttClient.setServer(server, 1883);
  
//  Ethernet.begin(mac);
//  ip = Ethernet.localIP();
  
  Serial.println(ip);  
  Serial.println(server);
  //delay(1500);
}

char* init(float val){
  
  char buff[100];

  for (int i = 0; i < 100; i++) {
      dtostrf(val, 4, 2, buff);  //4 is mininum width, 6 is precision
  }
   return buff;

}

void setup_wifi() {

  delay(10);
  // We start by connecting to a WiFi network
  Serial.println();
  Serial.print("Connecting to ");
  Serial.println(ssid);

  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);

  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }

  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected");
  Serial.println("IP address: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
}

void dataAcc(){

  char mpu6050X[100]= "";   
  strcat(mpu6050X,init(gForceX));

  char mpu6050Y[100]= "";   
  strcat(mpu6050Y,init(gForceY));

  char mpu6050Z[100]= "";   
  strcat(mpu6050Z,init(gForceZ));

  // accelerometer - "topic, mpu6050"
  mqttClient.publish("AcX/", mpu6050X);
  mqttClient.publish("AcY/", mpu6050Y);
  mqttClient.publish("AcZ/", mpu6050Z);
//  mqttClient.publish(outTopic, "text to send via mqtt");
}


void dataGy(){

  char mpu6050X[100]= "";
  strcat(mpu6050X,init(rotX));

  char mpu6050Y[100]= "";
  strcat(mpu6050Y,init(rotY));

  char mpu6050Z[100]= "";
  strcat(mpu6050Z,init(rotZ));
  
  // gyroscope - "topic, mpu6050"
  mqttClient.publish("GyX/", mpu6050X);
  mqttClient.publish("GyY/", mpu6050Y);
  mqttClient.publish("GyZ/", mpu6050Z);
//  mqttClient.publish(outTopic, "text to send via mqtt");
}

void loop(){
  dataReceiver();
  debugFunction(AcX,AcY,AcZ,GyX,GyY,GyZ);

  if (!mqttClient.connected()) {
    reconnect();
  }

  mqttClient.loop(); 

  dataAcc();
  dataGy();

  delay(2000);
}

Nodered Flow

[
    {
        "id": "7550958a.b29dec",
        "type": "mqtt in",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "topic": "hex/x",
        "qos": "2",
        "broker": "8c74c5f6.9a7a48",
        "x": 270,
        "y": 100,
        "wires": [
            [
                "d251dd79.5700d"
            ]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "e84b0a1.18096f8",
        "type": "mqtt in",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "topic": "hex/y",
        "qos": "2",
        "broker": "8c74c5f6.9a7a48",
        "x": 270,
        "y": 180,
        "wires": [
            [
                "9c27bc8f.b62dd"
            ]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "6a1a0d8d.b3e754",
        "type": "mqtt in",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "topic": "hex/z",
        "qos": "2",
        "broker": "8c74c5f6.9a7a48",
        "x": 270,
        "y": 260,
        "wires": [
            []
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "2d2a911a.6af3fe",
        "type": "ui_gauge",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "group": "d43a9f25.6c874",
        "order": 23,
        "width": 0,
        "height": 0,
        "gtype": "gage",
        "title": "gauge",
        "label": "units",
        "format": "{{value}}",
        "min": "0",
        "max": "100",
        "colors": [
            "#00b500",
            "#e6e600",
            "#ca3838"
        ],
        "seg1": "",
        "seg2": "",
        "x": 1010,
        "y": 120,
        "wires": []
    },
    {
        "id": "d251dd79.5700d",
        "type": "function",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "Get level from box",
        "func": "var my=msg.payload;\nmsg.payload = {};\nif (my == 0.85){\n    msg.payload=20;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse if (my == 0.86){\n    msg.payload=20;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse if (my == 0.87){\n    msg.payload=20;\n    return msg;\n}\n\nelse if (my == 0.03){\n    msg.payload=40;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse if (my == 0.02){\n    msg.payload=40;\n    return msg;\n}\n\nelse if (my == 3.17){\n    msg.payload=60;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse if (my == 3.18){\n    msg.payload=60;\n    return msg;\n}\n\nelse if (my == 0.04){\n    msg.payload=80;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse if (my == 0.05){\n    msg.payload=80;\n    return msg;\n}\n\nelse if (my == 3.95){\n    msg.payload=100;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse if (my == 3.96){\n    msg.payload=100;\n    return msg;\n}\nelse {\n    return msg;\n    \n}\n",
        "outputs": 1,
        "noerr": 0,
        "x": 510,
        "y": 120,
        "wires": [
            [
                "ecd746cc.fce348",
                "8721e902.45d8b8",
                "39c8f1ac.86affe"
            ]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "39c8f1ac.86affe",
        "type": "function",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "Set Living spots level (idx 5)",
        "func": "var level = Number(msg.payload);\nmsg.payload = {};\nmsg.payload.idx = 5;\nmsg.payload.switchcmd = (\"Set Level\");\nmsg.payload.command = \"switchlight\";\nmsg.payload.level = level;\nreturn msg;  ",
        "outputs": 1,
        "noerr": 0,
        "x": 820,
        "y": 260,
        "wires": [
            [
                "bc0d6507.1d7748"
            ]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "bc0d6507.1d7748",
        "type": "mqtt out",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "topic": "domoticz/in",
        "qos": "",
        "retain": "",
        "broker": "8c74c5f6.9a7a48",
        "x": 1080,
        "y": 260,
        "wires": []
    },
    {
        "id": "9c27bc8f.b62dd",
        "type": "function",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "Flat or standing up",
        "func": "var mya=msg.payload;\nmsg.payload = {};\nif (mya < -3.80){\n    flow.set(\"levely\",1);\n    msg.payload  = \"plat\";\n        }\nelse {\n    flow.set(\"levely\",2);\n    msg.payload  = \"rechtop\";\n}\nreturn msg;",
        "outputs": 1,
        "noerr": 0,
        "x": 450,
        "y": 200,
        "wires": [
            [
                "ecd746cc.fce348"
            ]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "ecd746cc.fce348",
        "type": "debug",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "active": true,
        "tosidebar": true,
        "console": false,
        "tostatus": false,
        "complete": "false",
        "x": 640,
        "y": 340,
        "wires": []
    },
    {
        "id": "8721e902.45d8b8",
        "type": "function",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "Gate for level ",
        "func": "\nvar x = msg.payload;\ny = flow.get(msg.payload);\nvar y = flow.get('levely') || 0;\n\nif (y == 1){\n    msg.payload = {};\n        msg.payload = 0;\n} else {\n    msg.payload = x;\n}\n\nreturn msg;",
        "outputs": 1,
        "noerr": 0,
        "x": 810,
        "y": 120,
        "wires": [
            [
                "2d2a911a.6af3fe",
                "da72437e.88376"
            ]
        ]
    },
    {
        "id": "da72437e.88376",
        "type": "debug",
        "z": "a0126a6a.9c70b8",
        "name": "",
        "active": true,
        "tosidebar": true,
        "console": false,
        "tostatus": false,
        "complete": "false",
        "x": 890,
        "y": 200,
        "wires": []
    },
    {
        "id": "8c74c5f6.9a7a48",
        "type": "mqtt-broker",
        "z": "",
        "name": "10.1.0.17",
        "broker": "10.1.0.17",
        "port": "1883",
        "clientid": "",
        "usetls": false,
        "compatmode": true,
        "keepalive": "15",
        "cleansession": true,
        "birthTopic": "",
        "birthQos": "0",
        "birthPayload": "",
        "closeTopic": "",
        "closePayload": "",
        "willTopic": "",
        "willQos": "0",
        "willPayload": ""
    },
    {
        "id": "d43a9f25.6c874",
        "type": "ui_group",
        "z": "",
        "name": "Control",
        "tab": "739541e2.18396",
        "order": 1,
        "disp": true,
        "width": "6",
        "collapse": false
    },
    {
        "id": "739541e2.18396",
        "type": "ui_tab",
        "z": "",
        "name": "7inch",
        "icon": "dashboard",
        "order": 1,
        "disabled": false,
        "hidden": false
    }
]

Broken or slow laptop? Screen still works?

Remove the screen and check its connector.

Maybe you can buy a controller board in china for cheap.
I took apart a EEEpc with a nice little screen.

I looked for HSD100IFW1-A00 1024-600 controller.
And ordered a
Driver Board for 10.1 “HSD100IFW1-A00/HSD100IFW1-A04 / HSD100IFW1 Lcd Composite + Tv(RF) + Usb + Vga + Hdmi-Compatibel 1024 × 600 Controller Board

It was only around 20 euro’s.