Tinker Thoughts Blog
TTB #10: Why Your USB-C Cable Won't Program Your Microcontroller
Think all USB-C cables are the same? Think again. In this video, I demonstrate why some USB-C cables won’t let you upload code to your microcontroller — even though they still charge your device. If you've been struggling to connect to your PTSolns Nano Flip, PTSolns ESP32 microWatt, or any other board and keep getting mysterious errors, your cable might be the problem. Many USB-C cables are power-only and completely lack the data lines required for programming. Watch as we show how to spot the difference, test your cables, and avoid this frustrating mistake in future projects.
TTB #10: Why Your USB-C Cable Won't Program Your Microcontroller
Think all USB-C cables are the same? Think again. In this video, I demonstrate why some USB-C cables won’t let you upload code to your microcontroller — even though they still charge your device. If you've been struggling to connect to your PTSolns Nano Flip, PTSolns ESP32 microWatt, or any other board and keep getting mysterious errors, your cable might be the problem. Many USB-C cables are power-only and completely lack the data lines required for programming. Watch as we show how to spot the difference, test your cables, and avoid this frustrating mistake in future projects.
TTB #9: How to Install Brass Heat Set Inserts in 3D Printed Parts
Learn how to install M3 brass heat-set inserts into 3D prints using a reliable and beginner-friendly method. This technique is perfect for securely fastening lids or mounting PCBs inside custom enclosures. In this video, we guide you through the essential tools and walk you through each step to insert the brass nuts cleanly and accurately. Whether you're new to 3D printing or looking to improve your builds, this method provides strong, professional-grade fastening that works for various insert sizes.
TTB #9: How to Install Brass Heat Set Inserts in 3D Printed Parts
Learn how to install M3 brass heat-set inserts into 3D prints using a reliable and beginner-friendly method. This technique is perfect for securely fastening lids or mounting PCBs inside custom enclosures. In this video, we guide you through the essential tools and walk you through each step to insert the brass nuts cleanly and accurately. Whether you're new to 3D printing or looking to improve your builds, this method provides strong, professional-grade fastening that works for various insert sizes.
TTB #8: Can a 3.3V Signal Reliably Switch a 5V Relay Module?
Wondering if the PTSolns ESP32 microWatt can control a 5V relay module with its 3.3V logic? This post dives into real-world testing, current draw, and includes a detailed schematic to show it works—reliably and safely.
TTB #8: Can a 3.3V Signal Reliably Switch a 5V Relay Module?
Wondering if the PTSolns ESP32 microWatt can control a 5V relay module with its 3.3V logic? This post dives into real-world testing, current draw, and includes a detailed schematic to show it works—reliably and safely.
TTB #7: [Guest Post] How to Verify the Clock Source on a Nano
This tutorial shows how to verify the frequency of the clock source on a microcontroller development board. The process is similar for a range of boards, but we will use the popular Nano. This is a good exercise to do as it helps the user get a more in-depth understanding of the Nano microcontroller development board.
TTB #7: [Guest Post] How to Verify the Clock Source on a Nano
This tutorial shows how to verify the frequency of the clock source on a microcontroller development board. The process is similar for a range of boards, but we will use the popular Nano. This is a good exercise to do as it helps the user get a more in-depth understanding of the Nano microcontroller development board.
TTB #6: [Guest Post] Changing Bootloader on a Nano using a Custom Shield
This tutorial demonstrates how to switch between the old and new bootloader on a Nano. The Uno is used to burn the bootloader to the Nano, and a Proto-Shield is used to connect the Uno to the Nano during the burning process. This is a great introductory project for beginners who want to learn about microcontrollers and how to use a shield for prototyping projects.
TTB #6: [Guest Post] Changing Bootloader on a Nano using a Custom Shield
This tutorial demonstrates how to switch between the old and new bootloader on a Nano. The Uno is used to burn the bootloader to the Nano, and a Proto-Shield is used to connect the Uno to the Nano during the burning process. This is a great introductory project for beginners who want to learn about microcontrollers and how to use a shield for prototyping projects.
TTB #5: [Guest Post] Making a Simple RF Network
In this project, we will be making a simple communication network using the Nordic nRF24L01+ set of RF modules. We will be making two nodes: a transmitter node (TxN), and a receiver node (RxN). The TxN consists of an Uno (more on that below), with the NRF-Shield. Also connected to it is the Sparkfun BME280 module via QWIIC to gather temperature data. The RxN also consists of an Uno with an NRF-Shield. However, it has an LCD connected to print out the transmitted temperature data.
TTB #5: [Guest Post] Making a Simple RF Network
In this project, we will be making a simple communication network using the Nordic nRF24L01+ set of RF modules. We will be making two nodes: a transmitter node (TxN), and a receiver node (RxN). The TxN consists of an Uno (more on that below), with the NRF-Shield. Also connected to it is the Sparkfun BME280 module via QWIIC to gather temperature data. The RxN also consists of an Uno with an NRF-Shield. However, it has an LCD connected to print out the transmitted temperature data.