Samwise Makers' News
Monday, September 14, 2026
CircuitPython Gets Native-Speed Precompiled Functions via Viper Mode
CircuitPython has gained a significant performance boost with support for precompiled, Viper-mode functions that execute at near-native speed directly from flash memory. The update allows developers to annotate time-sensitive code blocks so the compiler emits optimized machine code rather than interpreting MicroPython bytecode at runtime. For applications that mix slow scripting logic with tight hardware loops — motor control, sensor polling, or real-time signal processing — the precompiled path can deliver an order-of-magnitude speedup without switching languages. The feature is supported on boards running the RP2350 and other capable silicon; documentation and examples are available at circuitpython.org.
OSHintosh Brings the Macintosh 512k Back as Open-Source Hardware
A maker known as DosFox1 on GitHub has released OSHintosh, a fully open-source PCB recreation of the original Macintosh 512k mainboard. The project recreates 68000-era logic using reproduction parts and modern PCB fabrication, designed to run authentic vintage Mac software without emulation. Schematics, Gerber files, and a detailed build guide are available in the public GitHub repository, making OSHintosh accessible to makers experienced in through-hole soldering and vintage component sourcing. The project joins a wave of open-hardware vintage computer revivals aimed at collectors and historians who want a buildable alternative to increasingly scarce original hardware.
Hackaday 2026 Challenge Entry Builds a 16-Bit CPU Entirely from Relays
A homebrew computer builder has submitted a 16-bit relay-based CPU to the Hackaday 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge, implementing a complete arithmetic logic unit and memory system using hundreds of electromechanical relays rather than integrated circuits. The machine executes basic instructions at a leisurely pace dictated by relay switching speeds, but demonstrates that fully deterministic, transistor-free computing remains achievable by motivated makers. The design draws on relay computing traditions dating to the 1940s, adapted with modern relay modules and a custom PCB backplane. Full schematics and build logs are published on Hackaday.io, where the project competes for the challenge prize.
tiny386 x86 Emulator (FRANK) Ported to the RP2350 Microcontroller
A developer has ported tiny386, a compact 386-class x86 emulator nicknamed FRANK, to the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller — giving the dual-core ARM/RISC-V chip the ability to run vintage DOS software. The RP2350 handles instruction decoding and peripheral emulation, supporting VGA-compatible display output through an attached SPI screen. Performance is modest, as expected when emulating one processor architecture on another, but is sufficient to boot MS-DOS and run text-mode programs. The full source code is available on GitHub with wiring diagrams and build notes for makers who want to run retro software on a budget microcontroller.
Polymaker Launches LayerHub for Sharing 3D Printer Filament Profiles
Polymaker has launched LayerHub, a free community platform for 3D printing enthusiasts to share, download, and rate optimized slicer preset profiles for specific filament brands and printer models. Users upload parameter sets they have tuned for materials such as PLA, PETG, TPU, and engineering grades, tagging entries by filament name, brand, and target printer. The goal is to reduce the calibration burden for newcomers and give experienced users a tested starting point rather than tuning from scratch. LayerHub launched with profiles covering Polymaker's own filament line and is open to third-party contributions from any supported slicer software.
JetKVM Mini Cuts Cost by Replacing Linux with an ESP32-P4X
JetKVM has released JetKVM Mini, a compact, lower-cost KVM over IP device built around Espressif's ESP32-P4X microcontroller. The new model replaces the original JetKVM's Rockchip RV1106G3 Linux SoC with the ESP32-P4X, which handles 1080p video capture, H.264 encoding, USB HID emulation, and network connectivity without a full operating system. The design reduces cost significantly while retaining both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity and adding a small OLED information display. JetKVM Mini targets makers and homelab enthusiasts who need reliable remote access to headless machines at a lower price than Linux-based KVM solutions.
Sources: CNX Software
Arduino VENTUNO Q Reference Design Targets Autonomous Mobile Robots
Arduino has published a detailed reference design showing how its VENTUNO Q single-board computer can serve as the central platform for autonomous mobile robot development. The board pairs a Linux-capable multi-core processor with an integrated real-time MCU, allowing ROS 2 navigation, SLAM mapping, and edge AI inferencing to run on the Linux side while deterministic motor control, encoder feedback, and proximity sensing run on the microcontroller. The architecture targets warehouse delivery robots, inspection platforms, and other AMRs requiring both high-level path planning and low-latency physical control. Integration guides for Edge Impulse and Nav2 are available on the Arduino documentation site.
Sources: Arduino Blog
Top Crowdfunding
Kickstarter / Indiegogo
HeyGears G1X Color 3D Printer — $15M+ raised (Kickstarter, recently closed)
NestWorks C500 Desktop CNC — $12.2M, 3,200+ backers (Kickstarter)
None confirmed this week — check kickstarter.com/discover/category/hardware
GitHub Trending
Makers & Hardware
pishposh/gamma-ray-spectrometer — 358★ — DIY Pico-based gamma spectrometer
amiga-hardware/amiga500-pcb — 311★ — Open-hardware Amiga 500+ mainboard
openfan/fan-controller — 292★ — Open-source PC fan controller
Upcoming Events
Maker Faire Porto — Sep 18–20, 2026 (Porto, Portugal)
Maker Faire Coney Island — Sep 19–21, 2026 (Coney Island, NY)
Maker Faire Bay Area — Sep 25–27, 2026 (Mare Island, CA)
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency