Samwise Makers' News
Sunday, May 10, 2026
LisaFPGA Faithfully Recreates Apple Lisa on Open-Source FPGA Board
Electronics hobbyist AlexElectronics has built a fully functional Apple Lisa computer on an Artix 7-100T FPGA, delivering modern conveniences alongside faithful recreation of the 1983 original. The single-board design pairs the FPGA with 2MB of SRAM and includes HDMI audio and video output, USB keyboard and mouse support, onboard hard disk and floppy disk emulation via SD card, and USB-to-serial connectivity. The board accepts both original Lisa peripherals and modern USB devices. Testing confirms the implementation runs every operating system the original Lisa supported without compatibility limitations. The fully open-source LisaFPGA project will be published on GitHub.
Sources: Hackaday
Noctua Fan CAD Files Put 3D Printing Limits to the Test
After Noctua released CAD files for many of its computer fans, Gamers Nexus tested whether functional replicas could be 3D printed on a Bambu Lab FDM printer using PLA filament. The results highlight fundamental limitations of consumer 3D printing for high-performance mechanical components. The printed fan produced a similar noise profile to the original NF-A12x25 G2 but delivered only about half the airflow. Noctua has stated the released models have intentionally modified internal impeller geometry, ensuring printed replicas cannot match authentic performance. The company positions the CAD files for fit testing, visualization, and integration into larger designs rather than functional reproduction.
Sources: Hackaday
1xBTS Delivers Complete Open-Source CDMA2000 3G Network Stack in Rust
Developer Chrismoos has released 1xBTS, an open-source Rust implementation of the CDMA2000 protocol stack that lets anyone build a functional 3G cellular network. The project implements the complete lower three layers of the protocol, starting with a software-defined radio air interface at the bottom. Above the SDR layer sit BTS and BSC components, a mobile switching center, SMS center, home location register, packet data handling, and a web-based management dashboard. CDMA2000 served as one of the 3G network standards and is now being phased out worldwide, making experimentation with the protocol increasingly accessible as spectrum becomes available. The project provides a rare hands-on platform for studying cellular network architecture.
Sources: Hackaday
Crankless Bicycle Design Challenges a Century of Pedaling Convention
A novel bicycle design eliminates the traditional crankset and chain drive in favor of a linear pedaling mechanism, challenging over a century of cycling convention. Instead of rotating cranks, the rider pushes pedals forward and backward in a linear stroke, with the motion converted to wheel rotation through a proprietary drive system. The design aims to reduce knee strain by keeping the leg motion more natural and eliminating the dead spots inherent in circular pedaling. Early prototypes demonstrate the concept works in practice, though efficiency comparisons with conventional drivetrains remain limited. The project highlights how fundamental mechanical assumptions in established technologies can still be rethought by independent makers.
Sources: Hackaday
Maker Faire Trieste 2026 Opens with Record 440 Exhibitors from Eight Countries
The 13th Maker Faire Trieste opened this weekend in Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, setting a new record with 440 makers from eight countries exhibiting across the historic Italian square. Participants from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, Serbia, Czech Republic, Sweden, and a delegation from Maker Faire Shenzhen showcase projects spanning environmental monitoring, open-source hardware, digital preservation, and creative technology. The program features a Makers' Village with 30 wooden huts and a large tent hosting hands-on workshops in robotics, Tesla-coil music, and ukulele-building. Side events include Science Picnic, Fanta Maker sci-fi talks, and a Sumo Science challenge. Entry is free for all visitors.
Sources: Make:
Remembering the BBC Computer Literacy Project and Its Lasting Impact
A retrospective examines the British government's Computer Literacy Project, exploring how the 1980s initiative transformed computing in the United Kingdom from an obscure technical pursuit into an accessible skill for ordinary citizens. The project partnered the BBC with Acorn Computers to produce the BBC Micro, a machine designed for education that shipped to schools across Britain. The accompanying television series introduced programming concepts to millions of viewers who had never touched a computer. A 1992 review found the project had lasting impact on technical literacy, with many professionals in the British computing industry tracing their interest directly to the BBC Micro and its educational programming.
Sources: Hackaday
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Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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