Picoruby is a lightweight implementation of the Ruby programming language specifically designed for microcontrollers. Based on mruby/c, a minimal version of mruby, it aims to bring the flexibility and ease-of-use of a high-level language like Ruby to resource-constrained embedded systems. This allows developers to write more complex logic and algorithms on small devices using a familiar syntax, potentially simplifying development and improving code maintainability. The project includes a virtual machine, a garbage collector, and core Ruby classes, enabling a reasonable subset of Ruby functionality on microcontrollers.
Amazon is discontinuing on-device processing for Alexa voice commands. All future requests will be sent to the cloud for processing, regardless of device capabilities. While Amazon claims this will lead to a more unified and improved Alexa experience with faster response times and access to newer features, it effectively removes the local processing option previously available on some devices. This change means increased reliance on a constant internet connection for Alexa functionality and raises potential privacy concerns regarding the handling of voice data.
HN commenters generally lament the demise of on-device processing for Alexa, viewing it as a betrayal of privacy and a step backwards in functionality. Several express concern about increased latency and dependence on internet connectivity, impacting responsiveness and usefulness in areas with poor service. Some speculate this move is driven by cost-cutting at Amazon, prioritizing server-side processing and centralized data collection over user experience. A few question the claimed security benefits, arguing that local processing could enhance privacy and security in certain scenarios. The potential for increased data collection and targeted advertising is also a recurring concern. There's skepticism about Amazon's explanation, with some suggesting it's a veiled attempt to push users towards newer Echo devices or other Amazon services.
The blog post "ESP32 WiFi Superstitions" explores common practices developers employ when troubleshooting ESP32 WiFi connectivity issues, despite lacking a clear technical basis. The author argues that many of these "superstitions," like adding delays, calling WiFi.begin() repeatedly, or disabling power-saving modes, often mask underlying problems with poor antenna design, inadequate power supply, or incorrect configuration rather than addressing the root cause. While these tweaks might sometimes appear to improve stability, they are ultimately unreliable solutions. The post encourages a more systematic debugging approach focusing on identifying and resolving the actual hardware or software issues causing the instability.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's point about the ESP32's WiFi sensitivity, sharing their own struggles and workarounds. Several commenters emphasized the importance of antenna design and placement, suggesting specific antenna types and advocating for proper grounding. Others pointed out the impact of environmental factors like metal enclosures and nearby electronics. The discussion also touched on potential firmware issues and the value of using a logic analyzer for debugging. Some users shared specific success stories by adjusting antenna placement or implementing suggested fixes. One commenter highlighted the challenges of reliable WiFi in battery-powered devices due to the power-hungry nature of WiFi, while another speculated on potential hardware limitations of the ESP32's radio circuitry.
Wokwi now offers a web-based simulator for developing and debugging embedded Rust programs. This online tool allows users to write, build, and run Rust code targeted for various microcontrollers, including the AVR ATmega328P (like the Arduino Uno) and RP2040 (Raspberry Pi Pico), directly in the browser. The simulator features peripherals like LEDs, buttons, serial output, and an integrated logic analyzer, enabling interactive hardware simulation without requiring physical hardware. Code can be compiled and flashed to the virtual microcontroller, and the simulator provides a debugging environment for stepping through code and inspecting variables. This simplifies the embedded Rust development process, making it more accessible for learning and experimentation.
HN commenters generally expressed enthusiasm for Wokwi's online embedded Rust simulator. Several praised its ease of use and accessibility, noting it lowers the barrier to entry for embedded development. Some highlighted the educational benefits, particularly for those new to Rust or embedded systems. A few pointed out the limitations of simulation compared to real hardware, but acknowledged the simulator's value for initial development and testing. The discussion also touched on potential improvements, including support for more microcontrollers and peripherals, as well as integration with other tools. Some users shared their positive experiences using Wokwi for specific projects, further reinforcing its practical usefulness.
This project introduces an open-source, fully functional Wi-Fi MAC layer implementation for the ESP32 microcontroller. It aims to provide a flexible and customizable alternative to the ESP32's closed-source MAC, enabling experimentation and research in areas like custom protocols, coexistence mechanisms, and dynamic spectrum access. The project leverages the ESP32's existing RF capabilities and integrates with its lower-level hardware, providing a complete solution for building and deploying custom Wi-Fi systems. The open nature of the project encourages community contributions and allows for tailoring the MAC layer to specific application requirements beyond the capabilities of the standard ESP32 SDK.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed excitement and interest in the open-source ESP32 Wi-Fi MAC layer project. Several praised the author's deep dive into the complexities of Wi-Fi and the effort involved in reverse-engineering undocumented features. Some questioned the project's practicality and licensing implications, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and potential conflicts with existing Wi-Fi stacks. Others discussed the potential benefits, including educational value, enabling custom protocols, and improving performance in specific niche applications like mesh networking. A few commenters also offered suggestions for future development, such as exploring FPGA implementations or integrating with existing open-source projects like Zephyr.
The author describes creating a DNS sinkhole using an ESP32 microcontroller to combat doomscrolling. By intercepting DNS requests on their local network and redirecting specific domains (like social media sites) to a local web server, they effectively block access to these sites. The ESP32 runs a custom DNS server that returns a pre-defined IP address for targeted domains, leading devices to a blank webpage hosted on the ESP32 itself. This allows the author to curtail time spent on distracting websites without relying on browser extensions or more complex network configurations.
Hacker News users generally praised the project's simplicity and effectiveness for blocking distracting websites. Several commenters suggested improvements, such as using a pre-built DNS sinkhole list or implementing a local DNS server for better performance. Some discussed the ethics and potential downsides of blocking websites, particularly for families or in situations where access is necessary. Others offered alternative solutions, like using Pi-hole or modifying the hosts file. A few pointed out potential issues with the ESP32's limited resources and the importance of using a reliable power supply. The overall sentiment was positive, viewing the project as a clever, albeit somewhat limited, solution to a common problem.
The blog post "The Miserable State of Modems and Mobile Network Operators" laments the frustrating developer experience of integrating cellular modems into IoT projects. It criticizes the opaque and inconsistent AT command interfaces, the difficult debugging process due to limited visibility into modem operations, and the complex and often expensive cellular data plans offered by MNOs. The author highlights the lack of standardized, developer-friendly tools and documentation, which forces developers to wrestle with legacy technologies and proprietary solutions, ultimately slowing down IoT development and hindering innovation. They argue for a simplified and more accessible ecosystem that empowers developers to leverage cellular connectivity more effectively.
Hacker News commenters largely echoed the author's frustrations with cellular modem integration. Several shared anecdotes of flaky connectivity, opaque documentation, and vendor lock-in issues, particularly with Quectel and SIMCom modems. Some pointed to the lack of proper abstraction layers as a core problem, hindering software portability. The difficulty in obtaining certifications for cellular devices was also highlighted, with some suggesting this complexity benefits larger established players while stifling smaller innovators. A few commenters suggested exploring alternatives like the Nordic Semiconductor nRF91 series or using a Raspberry Pi with a USB cellular dongle for simpler prototyping, while others called for more open-source initiatives in the cellular modem space. Several also discussed the challenges with varying cellular carrier regulations and certification processes internationally. The general sentiment was one of agreement with the article's premise, with many expressing hope for improved developer experience in the future.
Ggwave is a small, cross-platform C library designed for transmitting data over sound using short, data-encoded tones. It focuses on simplicity and efficiency, supporting various payload formats including text, binary data, and URLs. The library provides functionalities for both sending and receiving, using a frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation scheme. It features adjustable parameters like volume, data rate, and error correction level, allowing optimization for different environments and use-cases. Ggwave is designed to be easily integrated into other projects due to its small size and minimal dependencies, making it suitable for applications like device pairing, configuration sharing, or proximity-based data transfer.
HN commenters generally praise ggwave's simplicity and small size, finding it impressive and potentially useful for various applications like IoT device setup or offline data transfer. Some appreciated the clear documentation and examples. Several users discuss potential use cases, including sneaker authentication, sharing WiFi credentials, and transferring small files between devices. Concerns were raised about real-world robustness and susceptibility to noise, with some suggesting potential improvements like forward error correction. Comparisons were made to similar technologies, mentioning limitations of existing sonic data transfer methods. A few comments delve into technical aspects, like frequency selection and modulation techniques, with one commenter highlighting the choice of Goertzel algorithm for decoding.
This post details how to access the Qualcomm Quectel BG96 modem embedded within the RAK5010 WisBlock Core module via USB. The BG96 exposes multiple serial ports over USB, but only one is typically configured for user interaction. The post explains how to use minicom to interact with the modem on its default port and outlines the process of switching to other ports, specifically the diagnostic port, using AT commands. This access allows for deeper interaction with the modem, enabling activities like firmware updates and more granular control, which are not possible through the default port. The author emphasizes the importance of switching back to the default port after completing tasks on the diagnostic port to restore normal functionality.
Several commenters on Hacker News discussed practical aspects of using the RAK5010 and similar devices. Some questioned the practicality of USB tethering for IoT applications, citing power consumption concerns and suggesting alternative solutions like direct TCP/IP connections over cellular. Others shared personal experiences and insights, including one commenter who detailed their success using the RAK7200 with a Quectel modem and another who noted the complexities and lack of clear documentation around AT command interactions for specific modem features. A few comments also touched upon the security implications of exposing the modem via USB, particularly in commercial deployments. The overall sentiment reflected interest in the technical details but also a pragmatic awareness of the challenges involved in this approach.
The blog post "A vending machine, on the internet" explores the concept of building a virtual vending machine using readily available web technologies. It details the author's project, which combines a physical interface (buttons and a display) with a web backend to simulate a real-world vending machine experience. The project uses a Raspberry Pi to control the physical components and communicates with a web server to manage inventory, process transactions, and deliver virtual "goods" like access codes or digital downloads. The post highlights the simplicity and accessibility of building such a project with tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python, showcasing a fun and practical application of web development beyond traditional websites.
Hacker News users generally expressed enthusiasm for the internet-connected vending machine project. Several praised the creator's ingenuity and the "whimsical" nature of the project. Some commenters discussed the technical aspects, focusing on the use of a Raspberry Pi and the potential vulnerabilities of exposing such a device to the internet. Others shared similar personal projects, like controlling Christmas lights remotely. A few raised concerns about security and the practicality of the setup, questioning the real-world use cases beyond a fun experiment. There was also a short discussion about the cost-effectiveness of the hardware choices.
This blog post details the author's successful, yet extremely tight, implementation of a full Wi-Fi networking stack (including TLS) on the memory-constrained nRF9160. Using the Zephyr RTOS, they managed to squeeze in lwIP, mbedTLS, and other necessary components, leaving only about 1KB of RAM free. This required careful configuration and optimization, particularly within lwIP, to minimize memory usage without sacrificing essential functionality. The author highlights the challenges of working with the nRF9160's limited resources and shares specific configuration adjustments, such as reducing TCP window size and disabling IPv6, that enabled them to achieve a working Wi-Fi connection. The post serves as a practical demonstration of pushing the boundaries of what's possible on this resource-constrained platform.
Hacker News users discussed the challenges and ingenuity of fitting a full Wi-Fi stack onto the resource-constrained nRF9161. Several commenters expressed admiration for the author's accomplishment, highlighting the difficulty of working with such limited resources. Some questioned the practical applications, given the nRF9161's integrated cellular modem and the availability of smaller, cheaper Wi-Fi microcontrollers. Others suggested potential uses like captive portals or bridging between cellular and local networks. The Zephyr RTOS was mentioned as a contributing factor to the project's success due to its small footprint. One commenter shared their experience with similar memory constraints on embedded systems and offered debugging advice. The discussion also briefly touched on the implications of this achievement for IoT devices and the potential for further development in low-resource Wi-Fi applications.
Espargos is an open-source project developing a modular, expandable, and affordable WiFi sensing array based on ESP32 microcontrollers. Each node in the array passively monitors surrounding WiFi signals, and through techniques like Channel State Information (CSI) analysis, can detect subtle changes in the environment. These changes can then be interpreted for various applications like gesture recognition, presence detection, and even material identification. The project emphasizes ease of use and customization, allowing users to build arrays of varying sizes and configurations tailored to specific needs. The software platform provides tools for data collection, processing, and visualization, enabling experimentation and development of novel sensing applications using the collected WiFi data.
Hacker News users discussed the Espargos project, primarily focusing on its potential applications and limitations. Some saw promise in using it for security, like detecting intruders or monitoring elderly relatives, while others suggested applications in smart home automation or scientific research like analyzing crowd movement. Concerns were raised regarding privacy implications, the practicality of calibration, and the limited range of the ESP32's WiFi sensing. The reliance on signal strength as the primary metric was also questioned, with some suggesting incorporating time-of-flight measurements for improved accuracy. A few commenters expressed interest in the project's open-source nature and potential for customization. There was some debate on the best use cases, with some arguing its value lay more in research and experimentation than in robust, real-world applications.
Network Address Translation (NAT) presents significant challenges for battery-powered IoT devices aiming for low power consumption. Because devices behind NAT can't be directly addressed from the outside, they must maintain persistent outbound connections to receive data, negating the power-saving benefits of sleep modes. Techniques like keep-alive messages or frequent polling to maintain these connections consume significant energy. This post advocates for solutions that bypass NAT, such as IPv6 with its vast address space enabling globally routable unique addresses for each device, or by employing intermediaries like a message broker positioned outside the NAT. These approaches allow devices to initiate communication only when necessary, drastically reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Several commenters on Hacker News discussed the challenges of NAT traversal for low-power devices, agreeing with the article's premise. Some suggested solutions like using a TURN server or a lightweight VPN, while others pointed out the benefits of IPv6 in eliminating the need for NAT entirely. One commenter highlighted the trade-offs between power consumption and complexity when implementing these workarounds, and another mentioned the difficulty of managing NAT keepalives with devices that sleep frequently. The issue of scaling these solutions for a large number of devices was also raised. Several users shared personal anecdotes of struggling with similar NAT issues. One commenter proposed a simpler approach involving a central server that all devices could communicate with, bypassing direct peer-to-peer communication and thus avoiding NAT complications altogether.
The blog post "Bad Smart Watch Authentication" details a vulnerability discovered in a smart watch's companion app. The app, when requesting sensitive fitness data, used a predictable, sequential ID in its API requests. This allowed the author, by simply incrementing the ID, to access the fitness data of other users without proper authorization. This highlights a critical flaw in the app's authentication and authorization mechanisms, demonstrating how easily user data could be exposed due to poor security practices.
Several Hacker News commenters criticize the smartwatch authentication scheme described in the article, calling it "security theater" and "fundamentally broken." They point out that relying on a QR code displayed on a trusted device (the watch) to authenticate on another device (the phone) is flawed, as it doesn't verify the connection between the watch and the phone. This leaves it open to attacks where a malicious actor could intercept the QR code and use it themselves. Some suggest alternative approaches, such as using Bluetooth proximity verification or public-key cryptography, to establish a secure connection between the devices. Others question the overall utility of this type of authentication, highlighting the inconvenience and limited security benefits it offers. A few commenters mention similar vulnerabilities in existing passwordless login systems.
This project showcases WiFi-controlled RC cars built using ESP32 microcontrollers. The cars utilize readily available components like a generic RC car chassis, an ESP32 development board, and a motor driver. The provided code establishes a web server on the ESP32, allowing control through a simple web interface accessible from any device on the same network. The project aims for simplicity and ease of replication, offering a straightforward way to experiment with building your own connected RC car.
Several Hacker News commenters express enthusiasm for the project, praising its simplicity and the clear documentation. Some discuss potential improvements, like adding features such as obstacle avoidance or autonomous driving using a camera. Others share their own experiences with similar projects, mentioning alternative chassis options or different microcontrollers. A few users suggest using a more robust communication protocol than UDP, highlighting potential issues with range and reliability. The overall sentiment is positive, with many commenters appreciating the project's educational value and potential for fun.
OpenHaystack is an open-source project that emulates Apple's Find My network, allowing users to track Bluetooth devices globally using Apple's vast network of iPhones, iPads, and Macs. It essentially lets you create your own DIY AirTags by broadcasting custom Bluetooth signals that are picked up by nearby Apple devices and relayed anonymously back to you via iCloud. This provides location information for the tracked device, offering a low-cost and power-efficient alternative to traditional GPS tracking. The project aims to explore and demonstrate the security and privacy implications of this network, showcasing how it can be used for both legitimate and potentially malicious purposes.
Commenters on Hacker News express concerns about OpenHaystack's privacy implications, with some comparing it to stalking or a global mesh network of surveillance. Several users question the ethics and legality of leveraging Apple's Find My network without user consent for tracking arbitrary Bluetooth devices. Others discuss the technical limitations, highlighting the inaccuracy of Bluetooth proximity sensing and the potential for false positives. A few commenters acknowledge the potential for legitimate uses, such as finding lost keys, but the overwhelming sentiment leans towards caution and skepticism regarding the project's potential for misuse. There's also discussion around the possibility of Apple patching the vulnerability that allows this kind of tracking.
This satirical blog post imagines Home Assistant in 2025 as overwhelmingly complex and frustrating. The author humorously portrays a smart home overrun with convoluted automations, excessive voice control, and constant notifications, highlighting the potential downsides of over-reliance on and over-complication of smart home technology. The fictional user struggles with simple tasks like turning on lights, battling unintended consequences from interconnected systems, and dealing with the ceaseless chatter of AI assistants vying for attention. The post ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of user-friendliness and simplicity even as smart home technology advances.
Commenters on Hacker News largely expressed skepticism towards the blog post's vision of Home Assistant in 2025, finding it too focused on complex automations for marginal convenience gains. Several pointed out the inherent unreliability of such intricate systems, especially given the current state of smart home technology. The reliance on voice control was also questioned, with some highlighting the privacy implications and others simply preferring physical controls. A few commenters expressed interest in specific aspects, like the local processing and self-hosting, but the overall sentiment leaned towards practicality and simplicity over elaborate, potentially fragile automations. Some found the described setup too complex and suggested simpler solutions to achieve similar results. The lack of significant advancements beyond current Home Assistant capabilities was also a recurring theme.
Printercow is a service that transforms any thermal printer connected to a computer into an easily accessible API endpoint. Users install a lightweight application which registers the printer with the Printercow cloud service. This enables printing from anywhere using simple HTTP requests, eliminating the need for complex driver integrations or network configurations. The service is designed for developers seeking a streamlined way to incorporate printing functionality into web applications, IoT devices, and other projects, offering various subscription tiers based on printing volume.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and potential uses of Printercow. Some questioned the real-world need for such a service, pointing out existing solutions like AWS IoT and suggesting that direct network printing is often simpler. Others expressed interest in specific applications, including remote printing for receipts, labels, and tickets, particularly in environments lacking reliable internet. Concerns were raised about security, particularly regarding the potential for abuse if printers were exposed to the public internet. The cost of the service was also a point of discussion, with some finding it expensive compared to alternatives. Several users suggested improvements, such as offering a self-hosted option and supporting different printer command languages beyond ESC/POS.
ElevationLab introduces TimeCapsule, a protective case for Apple AirTags designed to last for the AirTag's entire lifespan. It incorporates a replaceable CR2032 battery, addressing the AirTag's limited battery life. Made of stainless steel with a cavity to improve signal strength, TimeCapsule includes a keyring and is designed to be more durable and easier to find in bags than the bare AirTag. It effectively transforms the AirTag into a key-sized tracker with a user-replaceable battery estimated to last about ten years.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of the TimeCapsule's claimed 10-year battery life, with several pointing out the impracticality of such a long timeframe for a tracking device. Many suspect the battery will degrade significantly before the 10-year mark, rendering the device useless much sooner. Some users question the actual utility of the product, wondering about real-world scenarios where a decade-long tracking solution would be necessary or even desirable. Others express privacy concerns about the potential for long-term, unnoticed tracking. A few commenters mention the environmental impact of disposable electronics, especially given the long lifespan and specialized battery. Several suggest alternative solutions, including replaceable batteries or solar charging. Overall, the sentiment is one of cautious disbelief and concern over practical limitations and unintended consequences.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43451760
HN users discussed the practicality and performance implications of using mruby and picoruby in resource-constrained environments. Some expressed skepticism about the actual performance benefits, questioning whether the overhead of the interpreter outweighs the advantages of using a higher-level language. Others highlighted the potential benefits for rapid prototyping and easier code maintenance. Several commenters pointed out that Lua is a strong competitor in this space, offering similar benefits with potentially better performance. The suitability of garbage collection for embedded systems was also debated, with concerns about unpredictable latency. Finally, some users shared their positive experiences using mruby in similar projects.
The Hacker News thread for "Mruby/C and picoruby: high level langs in low-level devices?" contains several comments discussing the merits and drawbacks of using Ruby (specifically mruby and picoruby) on resource-constrained devices.
Several commenters express enthusiasm for the idea, highlighting the potential productivity gains from using a higher-level language like Ruby. One commenter points out the appeal of leveraging existing Ruby libraries and the language's generally developer-friendly nature. Another commenter specifically mentions the benefit of using Ruby for scripting and prototyping on embedded systems.
However, concerns are also raised about the overhead associated with Ruby interpreters, particularly in extremely resource-limited environments. One commenter mentions potential issues with garbage collection and memory management. Another suggests that languages like C and Forth might be more appropriate for truly tiny systems, while languages like MicroPython and CircuitPython strike a better balance between ease of use and resource efficiency for slightly larger devices.
The discussion delves into specific technical aspects, including the different memory management approaches employed by mruby and picoruby. Commenters discuss the trade-offs between a smaller binary size (picoruby) and a more fully-featured Ruby implementation (mruby). The implications of using an interpreter versus a compiled language are also touched upon.
Several comments mention alternative approaches and languages for embedded development, including C, C++, Forth, Rust, and various scripting languages. The suitability of each language is debated in the context of specific resource constraints and project requirements.
One commenter offers a practical perspective, noting that the choice of language often depends on the development team's existing expertise and the specific needs of the project. They suggest that Ruby can be a viable option for projects where developer productivity is a priority and the resource limitations are not overly severe.
Overall, the comments present a balanced view of using Ruby in embedded systems, acknowledging both the potential benefits and the challenges. The discussion highlights the importance of carefully considering the trade-offs between ease of use, performance, and resource consumption when selecting a language for embedded development. The thread provides valuable insights into the various factors that developers should consider when evaluating Ruby and other languages for resource-constrained devices.