James Bowman

2025-07-15 • firmware usb rp2040 manager mt7629, st7789

The post discusses the TermDriver, a USB/serial adapter available on Crowd Supply, highlighting its hardware development, firmware, and functionality. It explains how the device efficiently manages data traffic between UART and US...

2025-06-17 • text formatting lcd and led displays manager usb adapter crowd supply

The post discusses the TermDriver, a USB/serial adapter with a small 240x240 pixel display designed to show serial character traffic. It explains the challenges and techniques involved in rendering text on the display, including s...

2025-10-21 • electronics pricing testing counterfeit goods ti adc

The blog post discusses the pricing discrepancies of the TI ADC, ADS1115, highlighting how it can be purchased for $4 from US suppliers like Mouser and Digikey, or for $0.50 from Chinese supplier LCSC. The author explores the conc...

2025-10-14 • electronics microcontrollers and microprocessors analog digital converter testing precision measurement

The author discusses their experience with the ADS1115 ADC, comparing it to microcontroller-integrated ADCs. They highlight the ADS1115's superior accuracy and dynamic range, while also noting discrepancies in pricing and performa...

2025-11-04 • diy projects internet of things raspberry pi solar energy home automation

The author describes a DIY project involving a solar-powered chicken coop that utilizes a Raspberry Pi Pico to monitor battery voltage and the status of the coop door. The setup includes sensors for temperature and magnetic direct...

2025-09-30 • open source python microcontrollers and microprocessors oled display adafruit

The author recounts a personal experience helping his adult son Felix troubleshoot a malfunctioning OLED display connected to a Pico and SPIDriver. After suspecting software issues, they utilized Adafruit's open-source drivers and...

2025-06-10 • firmware rp2040 manager usb adapter crowd supply

The post discusses the development of TermDriver, a USB/serial adapter designed to monitor serial traffic without requiring PC software. The author, inspired by the limitations of existing FTDI chips, utilized the RP2040 microcont...

2025-09-23 • 3d printing efficiency metrics box assembly mandrel design

The author discusses the successful experimentation with box-forming mandrels for assembling flat boxes for TermDriver2. The mandrel aids in the assembly process, making it easier to open and shape the boxes. The author details th...

2025-09-09 • engineering prototyping 3d printing semiconductor packaging

The author discusses the development of a box-forming mandrel to streamline the assembly of boxes for TermDriver2 at Excamera Labs. The mandrel, designed for desktop-scale production using 3D printing, allows for efficient box ass...

2025-07-29 • debugging raspberry pi 3d printing manager openscad

The post discusses the TermDriver2 campaign on Crowd Supply, highlighting its success and introducing the TermDriver, a miniature console that connects directly to the Raspberry Pi's serial pins. The author shares their experience...

2025-07-22 • rp2040 qr code adafruit tiny code reader i2c driver

The Tiny Code Reader (TCR) is a self-contained module designed to decode QR codes, appealing for applications in desktop manufacturing. It connects easily via the Qwiic connector standard and features a color LED for status indica...

2025-07-08 • engineering automation 3d printing production i2c driver

The author, James Bowman, describes the production process at Excamera Labs, focusing on the assembly of 1000 I²CMini units. He details the challenges of manual testing and the need for efficiency in a small-scale operation. To st...

2025-08-26 • manager circuitpython i2c driver excamera labs dollar store

The post discusses the launch of TermDriver and provides updates on various products from Excamera Labs, including a new 5" touchscreen and improvements to the I²CDriver. It highlights the availability of products through multiple...

2025-08-12 • technology equity crowdfunding retro computing manager retrocomputing

The author discusses the unexpected questions received during a crowdfunding campaign for TermDriver, particularly focusing on the demand for 300 baud support for antique computers like the TRS-80 Model 100. The author reflects on...

2026-01-27 • diy projects 3d printing wi-fi standards and technologies qr code ai

A creative method for sharing Wi-Fi details with guests using a mobile QR code ornament, highlighting the efficiency of AI in coding.

2026-01-06 • chatgpt productivity organization python scripting qr code

A personal account of using QR codes and a database to enhance the organization and retrieval of stored items, inspired by a need to reduce search time.

2025-09-02 • diy projects home improvement 3d printing california theatre lighting design

The author, originally from the UK and now living in California, discusses two aspects of Californian life: the mild weather allowing for year-round outdoor showers and the frequent power outages. He shares his experience of addin...

2024-02-01 •

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