This blog post details the creation of "Bayleaf," a custom-built, low-profile, wireless split keyboard. The author prioritized a slim design, opting for Choc low-profile switches and a custom PCB to minimize thickness. They used Kailh Choc Red switches and keycaps from MBK. The keyboard halves communicate wirelessly using the nice!nano microcontroller and connect to a computer via Bluetooth. The build process involved designing the PCB, 3D printing a case, and flashing the firmware. The result is a compact and portable split keyboard tailored to the author's preferences for ergonomics and aesthetics.
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.
Motivated by the lack of a suitable smartwatch solution for managing his son's Type 1 diabetes, a father embarked on building a custom smartwatch from scratch. Using off-the-shelf hardware components like a PineTime smartwatch and a Nightscout-compatible continuous glucose monitor (CGM), he developed software to display real-time blood glucose data directly on the watch face. This DIY project aimed to provide a discreet and readily accessible way for his son to monitor his blood sugar levels, addressing concerns like bulky existing solutions and social stigma associated with medical devices. The resulting smartwatch displays glucose levels, trend arrows, and alerts for high or low readings, offering a more user-friendly and age-appropriate interface than traditional diabetes management tools.
Hacker News commenters largely praised the author's dedication and ingenuity in creating a smartwatch for his son with Type 1 diabetes. Several expressed admiration for his willingness to dive into hardware and software development to address a specific need. Some discussed the challenges of closed-loop systems and the potential benefits and risks of DIY medical devices. A few commenters with diabetes shared their personal experiences and offered suggestions for improvement, such as incorporating existing open-source projects or considering different hardware platforms. Others raised concerns about the regulatory hurdles and safety implications of using a homemade device for managing a serious medical condition. There was also some discussion about the potential for commercializing the project.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 46 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43255529
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in the Bayleaf keyboard, praising its low profile and split design. Several commenters compared it favorably to other low-profile keyboards like the Keychron K1 and K3, highlighting the Bayleaf's even thinner form factor. Some questioned the key travel and overall feel, expressing a desire for more details on those aspects. Others discussed the challenges of designing and manufacturing such a slim keyboard, particularly regarding keycap compatibility and battery life. A few users also showed interest in alternative layouts and the possibility of open-sourcing the design. Several comments focused on the keyboard's aesthetics, with some finding it appealing while others considered it too plain.
The Hacker News post "Bayleaf · Building a low-profile wireless split keyboard" has generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the keyboard's design choices, potential improvements, and comparisons to other keyboards.
Several commenters express enthusiasm for low-profile mechanical keyboards, appreciating the Bayleaf's approach. One commenter highlights the importance of key travel in a comfortable typing experience, suggesting that low-profile keyboards often sacrifice this crucial aspect. They mention their preference for a particular low-profile keyboard with slightly more key travel than the Bayleaf appears to offer.
A thread discusses the use of Choc switches, which the Bayleaf employs. One commenter questions the longevity of these switches, expressing skepticism about their durability compared to traditional Cherry MX switches. Another commenter counters this, sharing their positive experience with Choc switches in a different keyboard, claiming they've held up well over extended use. This discussion highlights the ongoing debate around the reliability and feel of different switch types in the mechanical keyboard community.
Another commenter focuses on the aesthetics of the Bayleaf, appreciating its minimalist design and the choice of materials. They compare it favorably to other split keyboards on the market, praising the clean lines and understated look.
The wireless functionality of the Bayleaf is also a topic of conversation. One commenter raises concerns about potential latency, a common issue with wireless keyboards. They inquire about the specific technology used and the developer's experience with lag. While the developer doesn't directly address the latency question in the comments, they do engage in conversation about other design choices, explaining the reasoning behind certain decisions.
A few comments touch on the split keyboard layout and its ergonomic benefits. One user asks about the adjustability of the two halves, inquiring about the options for spacing and angling. This reflects the importance of customization for users seeking an ergonomic typing experience.
While there's no overwhelming consensus on the Bayleaf, the comments demonstrate a general interest in the project. The most compelling discussions revolve around the practicality and longevity of Choc switches, the importance of key travel in low-profile keyboards, and the balance between aesthetics and functionality in keyboard design. The comments offer a valuable glimpse into the considerations and priorities of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.