Aalto University releases open source 6-DoF stylus for $155

Aalto University has released an open-source design for a six-degree-of-freedom stylus priced at $155. This hardware brings high-precision spatial tracking capabilities directly to makers and research labs. The project removes financial barriers that typically restrict such specialized input tools to well-funded institutions. By publishing the specifications publicly, the university enables developers to build custom spatial interfaces without proprietary constraints. The affordable cost and accessible documentation allow smaller teams to integrate advanced tracking into their workflows. This move democratizes access to precision input technology, fostering innovation in fields ranging from virtual reality to industrial design.

Laser Layers Create (Almost) Isotropicly Strong 3D Prints

A maker named [I Changed a thing] has strapped lasers to a 3D printer to solve the persistent weakness of layer adhesion. The system pre-melts the previous layer just beneath the nozzle, allowing molten plastic to bond with molten plastic rather than cold plastic. This technique yields ABS parts with a z-axis breaking strain of 94% relative to the x-direction, compared to just 60% in unmodified prints. PLA samples reached 77.9% strength versus 41% without the laser. While the resulting parts are not purely isotropic, the improvement is significant. The added mass of the laser setup may hinder high-speed coreXY printers, though adjusting layer patterns offers an alternative strength boost.

Open-source FM radio design eliminates manual tuning using TEA5767 chip

An open-source FM radio design eliminates manual tuning by integrating the TEA5767 chip, marking a shift from the traditional rite of passage of building AM receivers. While many enthusiasts began with crystal radios, this new approach simplifies the hardware requirements for modern radio construction. The project highlights a move toward accessible, automated tuning mechanisms that remove the need for precise manual adjustments. This development offers a streamlined alternative to classic radio building techniques, making the hobby more approachable for those who prefer digital precision over analog calibration. The design leverages existing, widely available components to achieve reliable performance without the complexity of older methods.

Enthusiast revives 1988 Famicom Network System with 130,000 units sold

Enthusiast Throaty Mumbo is attempting to revive the 1988 Family Computer Network System in 2026, a rare Japanese modem add-on for the Famicom. Nintendo sold 130,000 units, offering services like stock brokering and banking. The primary obstacle is that Nintendo shut down the remote servers decades ago. He also employed a phone line simulator to test dialing capabilities. The project faces significant hurdles, including language barriers, as Mumbo does not speak Japanese. This effort highlights the technical challenges of maintaining legacy hardware without active server infrastructure.

New Wave Overhang Technique Prints Horizontal Structures Without Supports

Engineers have developed a new 3D printing technique called wave overhangs to eliminate the need for support structures on horizontal surfaces. The method instructs slicer software to grow overhangs from the main part rather than drawing them in free space. This approach replaces earlier arc-based solutions that left dimples at the center of each curve. By using wave patterns that diffract around holes and corners, the technology handles more complex geometries than simple vertical T-shapes. Developers are currently refining settings in a fork of Orca slicer. Early tests indicate a potential increase in warping, so users are encouraged to experiment and share results with the community.

Snap-fit Raspberry Pi Pico Case Includes Sensor Cage for External Sensors

Adafruit released a snap-fit Raspberry Pi Pico case featuring an integrated sensor cage. The design accommodates Pico, Pico W, and Pico 2 boards while allowing temperature or humidity sensors to remain mounted outside the electronics enclosure. The unit includes a wall mount, Bootsel button access, a user LED light tube, and a cooling grille. A built-in opener simplifies maintenance. The model requires a 0.4mm nozzle and 0.2mm layer height for printing. This hardware solution enables precise environmental monitoring without exposing sensitive circuitry to external conditions.

Maker builds clock to keep Swatch’s failed 1998 Internet Time idea alive

A maker has built a clock to keep Swatch’s failed 1998 “Internet Time” experiment alive. The Swiss watchmaker once attempted to replace traditional time zones with a decimal system, but the concept failed to gain traction. The new device serves as a tangible artifact of that brief, ambitious attempt to redefine how the world measures the day. It highlights the enduring cultural footprint of corporate initiatives that ultimately did not survive market adoption. The project underscores how niche engineering communities preserve the history of technological missteps that mainstream adoption ignored.

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