DIY Electronics Projects — DIY builds from the TinkerNews archive
Every DIY Electronics build featured in TinkerNews, the weekly DIY electronics newsletter. Each entry was selected for a published issue and summarizes a real project, with a link to its original source for the full instructions, parts and code. New builds appear here as issues are published.
DIY Electronics builds
Add Motorized Faders Over Two I2C Pins
Several motorized sliders usually mean extra drivers, feedback wiring, and GPIO use. FaderBuddy puts that work on a modular board for 60 mm faders, with an ATtiny1616 handling motion locally. One I2C bus can serve multiple boards, while ESPHome connects the controls to Home Assistant with a little YAML.
Read the build on github.com: Add Motorized Faders Over Two I2C PinsA CYD Project Menu for Makers
One inexpensive ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display can become a music dashboard, F1 notifier, game system, video player, graphics demo, or 3D-printer panel. This community directory gathers links and flashing tools in one place, while reminding readers to check each project’s parts, documentation, wiring, and installation steps first.
Read the build on github.com: A CYD Project Menu for MakersESP32 Hot-Air SMD Rework Station
Thermocouple feedback and PID control give this ESP32 hot-air station a measured way to heat surface-mount parts. Its custom PCB, MicroPython firmware, and programmable airflow make it more than a loose collection of modules, while the high-temperature hardware demands careful insulation, grounding, cooling, and power handling.
Read the build on github.com: ESP32 Hot-Air SMD Rework StationReverse-Engineering a Failed Fellow Opus Grinder
Two snapped capacitor legs stopped a Fellow Opus grinder after a year of use. A careful teardown found a layered Class II enclosure, modular power and control boards, and a simple path toward diagnosis. Comparing the failed 2023 unit with its 2025 replacement also revealed useful design lessons for appliance repair.
Read the build on hackaday.io: Reverse-Engineering a Failed Fellow Opus GrinderReconstructing a Forgotten Microprofessor Sound Board
Photographs, a MAME ROM dump, and knowledge of the AY-3-8910 help rebuild an obscure Microprofessor sound board. The result is a useful KiCad schematic and annotated software, not a finished replica. Missing manuals still leave its interface and routines partly unverified, but the work preserves valuable hardware clues.
Read the build on hackaday.io: Reconstructing a Forgotten Microprofessor Sound BoardOOMWOO: A Local, Open Robot Vacuum
OOMWOO treats a robot vacuum as a complete maker-built system: 3D-printed parts, LiDAR, Raspberry Pi computing, microcontrollers, ROS2, and Home Assistant work together without required cloud services. It remains an early-development project, though, with full build instructions planned for Fall 2026 rather than a ready-made weekend kit.
Read the build on github.com: OOMWOO: A Local, Open Robot VacuumBuild a Raspberry Pi Handheld Console
A Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, custom controls, and a 3D-printed case become a portable game console in this detailed build. The guide covers setup, GPIO wiring, screen mounting, battery power, assembly, and testing, while honestly describing the soldering, programming, fitting, and troubleshooting skills the project demands.
Read the build on leandrolinares.com: Build a Raspberry Pi Handheld ConsoleA Touchless Dustbin for Under ₹800
An ordinary dustbin becomes hands-free with an Arduino, ultrasonic distance sensor, and servo-powered lid. The article presents the build as a low-cost beginner project, but the supplied excerpt omits the exact board, component prices, wiring, pin numbers, code settings, power source, and mounting details needed to reproduce it reliably.
Read the build on robocraze.com: A Touchless Dustbin for Under ₹800A Compact Four-Axis ESP32 Motion Board
This early board design packs an ESP32-WROOM, four TMC2209 stepper drivers, storage, communications, cooling, and an auxiliary MOSFET output onto one PCB. It is aimed at custom CNC and motion systems, but the project has not yet established firmware behavior, electrical limits, testing results, or machine performance.
Read the build on hackaday.io: A Compact Four-Axis ESP32 Motion BoardA 40-Year-Old DIY MOSFET Power Amplifier That Still Works
Built from a 1986 Elektor design, this MOSFET amplifier drove discos and beach sound systems for years. Its surviving test unit still worked after decades in a damp basement, offering useful lessons about power supplies, field testing, construction records, and the limits of old performance claims.
Read the build on hackaday.io: A 40-Year-Old DIY MOSFET Power Amplifier That Still WorksExciting DIY Smart Home Automation with Android
This project guides you through creating a smart home system using an Android device and a microcontroller. It covers integration with home appliances, providing detailed instructions, code, and schematics. Perfect for makers looking to enhance home efficiency and customization.
Read the build on instructables.com: Exciting DIY Smart Home Automation with AndroidDIY Internet Router in 2026
Building your own internet router in 2026 is a rewarding project for tech enthusiasts. This guide covers the necessary hardware and software, step-by-step assembly instructions, and solutions to common challenges. Learn how to optimize performance and explore the benefits of a custom router.
Read the build on hackaday.com: DIY Internet Router in 2026Build Your Own MACROPAD
Creating a MACROPAD involves crafting a custom keypad with programmable shortcuts. You'll need a microcontroller, customizable keys, and detailed instructions for wiring and programming. The guide includes code snippets to help set up the keypad's functions, making it adaptable for various tasks.
Read the build on instructables.com: Build Your Own MACROPADBuild a Spot Mini Clone Robot Dog
Crafting your own Spot Mini Clone Quadruped Robot Dog is a rewarding project. It involves 3D printing parts, using microcontrollers and servos for movement, and programming with Arduino IDE. This DIY project offers a hands-on way to learn about robotics and programming.
Read the build on instructables.com: Build a Spot Mini Clone Robot DogInnovative DIY Smartphone Using Raspberry Pi
Building an open-source smartphone is now within reach using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module. This project emphasizes modularity and repairability, offering full access to schematics and code. It's a customizable, open-source solution that invites future developments and applications.
Read the build on hackaday.com: Innovative DIY Smartphone Using Raspberry PiMassive Electronics Project Repository
Access a treasure trove of over 2000 free electronics projects, complete with circuit diagrams and software codes. Perfect for engineering students and hobbyists, this resource offers a wide range of projects, from Arduino to Raspberry Pi, catering to various interests and skill levels.
Read the build on electronicsforu.com: Massive Electronics Project RepositoryBuild a Mini Electronic Piano with Arduino
Constructing a mini electronic piano with Arduino is an engaging project for electronics enthusiasts. This guide covers the essentials, from gathering materials to programming the Arduino for sound generation. It's a practical way to learn about circuits and coding while creating a functional musical instrument.
Read the build on instructables.com: Build a Mini Electronic Piano with ArduinoBuild an Arcade Cabinet with Arduino
Crafting an arcade cabinet at home using Arduino UNO Q is a rewarding project. You'll need components like joysticks, buttons, and speakers. Follow a step-by-step guide to assemble the cabinet, wire controls, program games, and enhance it with sound and aesthetics for a personalized gaming experience.
Read the build on projecthub.arduino.cc: Build an Arcade Cabinet with ArduinoCrafting a Miniature Aquatic World: DIY Table Top Aquarium
Building a tabletop aquarium is a fun and educational project. Gather materials like glass panels, silicone sealant, and a filtration system. Follow steps to assemble the base and frame, and integrate electronics for lighting. Learn about potential challenges and enjoy the aquarium's beauty.
Read the build on instructables.com: Crafting a Miniature Aquatic World: DIY Table Top Aquarium