HardwareXPub Date : 2025-06-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00664
Daniele Ingrassia , Gaia Di Martino , J.C. Mariscal-Melgar , Mohammed Omer , Liane Sayuri Honda , Luisa Lange , Marc Kohlen , Manuel Moritz , Tobias Redlich
{"title":"Open Lab Starter Kit Small Laser V2–an open source Fab lab produced laser cutter","authors":"Daniele Ingrassia , Gaia Di Martino , J.C. Mariscal-Melgar , Mohammed Omer , Liane Sayuri Honda , Luisa Lange , Marc Kohlen , Manuel Moritz , Tobias Redlich","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rise of Open Source manufacturing ecosystems is a multifaceted phenomenon, fueled by the proliferation of digital fabrication technologies, the collaborative spirit of the Open Source movement, and the creation of spaces like hackerspaces, and fab-labs. Part of the efforts is the Open Lab Starter Kit (OLSK), a set of machines designed to lower the barriers to entry for everyone. The OLSK Small Laser V2, an integral component of the OLSK, represents the second phase of design and prototyping within the scope of an Open Source Laser Cutter initiative. Being reproducibility and accessibility central goal of the OLSK, great attention was given not only to the design of the hardware, but also to the development of comprehensive documentation. The documentation, encompassing repositories and assembly manuals, assumes a pivotal role within the project framework, aiming to facilitate swift reproduction and user-friendly accessibility. Functionally, the OLSK Small Laser V2 is comparable with mainstream off-the-shelf laser cutters, demonstrating proficient cutting capabilities across commonly processed materials compatible with a 40 W CO<sub>2</sub> laser cutter, such as plywood, acrylics and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MFD), with a cutting area of 400 mm x 600 mm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00664"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-06-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00663
Deema Balalta, Sara Bals
{"title":"Low-cost 3D-printed mask system for versatile selective sample deposition on in situ TEM chips","authors":"Deema Balalta, Sara Bals","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>In situ</em> liquid electron microscopy has emerged as a powerful technique for studying dynamic processes at the nanoscale. However, selective deposition of samples on <em>in situ</em> biasing MEMS chips is far from straightforward due to the relatively small area of the electron-transparent window and the compact design of the three electrodes. This is particularly challenging for samples dispersed in solvents or those fabricated through physical vapor deposition. Here, we address these challenges by proposing a simple, low-cost, 3D-printed loading stage with an integrated mask system. Our design enables controlled deposition, as demonstrated by the successful deposition of AuPdPt nanoparticles from liquid suspension, sputtered Au clusters, and a cluster-based Au thin film onto the working electrode. The design can be easily fabricated in any electron microscopy lab, making it accessible and adaptable to various MEMS <em>in situ</em> chips and sample types.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00663"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144240527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Naturalight: A controlled illuminated environment to study light exposure impact on behavior and cognition in freely moving rats","authors":"Christophe Hecquet , Maylis Etcheberry , Nadine Ravel , Philippe Litaudon , Frédéric Pain","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In humans, scientific studies have shown that the increased use of screens at night and prolonged exposure to artificial light, particularly blue light, can significantly disrupt the organization of sleep-wake cycles and the functions that depend on them like memory. In rodents, moderate and even weak exposures to light have been shown to have various and either detrimental or beneficial effects on circadian rhythms, behavior, cognition. Yet, scattered and sometimes opposite effects are reported in the literature, which is largely attributed to differences in experimental conditions, especially on the definition and evaluation of the actual dose of light received. To address this issue, we have built an enclosure with controlled and characterized illumination. It can be used as a standalone experimental environment or eventually connected to naturalistic environment where several animals live constantly and interact freely within several housing modules, including the controlled illumination one.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00662"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144222806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00659
Giulio Giovannetti , Nicola De Zanche
{"title":"Printed, dual-loop magnetic field sniffer probe for bench measurements on radio frequency MRI coils","authors":"Giulio Giovannetti , Nicola De Zanche","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work describes an open-source design for decoupled dual-loop radio frequency (RF) probes which are common tools in the RF lab. In magnetic resonance (MR) applications dual-loop probes are used to measure the tuning frequency and quality factor of RF coils and associated electronics. Traditional dual-loop probes, however, are delicate and not readily available commercially because they are made using semi-rigid or hand-formable coaxial cable, and they require skill and experience to build well. Our dual-loop probe design is tough, reliable, and can be mass-produced inexpensively, thus allowing new and established labs to obtain these probes with minimal effort. We used two overlapped shielded loops fabricated with multilayer printed circuit board technology. Design files are published under an open-hardware license. The printed probe achieves the required levels of durability and high isolation (better than 50 dB up to 500 MHz) which are equivalent to those achieved with traditional probes, and much more resistant to degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00659"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144196455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00661
Ebbe Poulsen , Søren Rysgaard , Peter Melvad , Claus Melvad
{"title":"Rugged, low-cost, and lightweight rosette water sampler for ocean profiling and mooring deployment","authors":"Ebbe Poulsen , Søren Rysgaard , Peter Melvad , Claus Melvad","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oceanographers studying climate change, marine ecosystems, and water mass distribution rely heavily on seawater measurements from various depths and locations. A critical tool for obtaining these measurements is the rosette water sampler, which collects and isolates seawater at multiple specified depths for later analysis. However, most commercially available samplers are designed for large sample volumes (>500 mL), requiring heavy-duty lifting equipment typically found only on larger research vessels.</div><div>This creates unnecessary costs and operational challenges, especially in coastal areas, when large sample volumes are not needed. In response, we present a small, lightweight, and rugged rosette water sampler specifically developed for smaller sample volumes and efficient deployment from small boats without the need for lifting equipment. Weighing 16 kg, the sampler can collect 13 samples of 20 mL each in a single profiling cast, with a maximum depth of 250 m. The instrument has been successfully tested in Northeast Greenland and along the East Greenland coast during three field campaigns between 2021 and 2023. Further development could lead to additional weight reductions and improved ease of use, enhancing its practicality for broader applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00661"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144205445","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-05-31DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00656
Elizabeth Ospina-Rojas , Juan Botero-Valencia , Daniel Betancur-Vasquez , Joshua M. Pearce
{"title":"Open-source three-dimensional IoT anemometer for indoor air quality monitoring","authors":"Elizabeth Ospina-Rojas , Juan Botero-Valencia , Daniel Betancur-Vasquez , Joshua M. Pearce","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ventilation in an enclosed space can significantly influence people’s comfort, health, and safety. Poor ventilation can generate temperatures dangerous to health or obstruct the dispersion of environmental pollutants, such as toxic gases or pollution. Measuring indoor environmental conditions can thus help improve the quality of the environment and protect people’s health and comfort. This work proposes the design of an open-source anemometer to measure wind speed and direction in three dimensions. The purpose of this anemometer is to monitor wind conditions in enclosed spaces and environmental conditions related to air quality and temperature. The prototype uses an array of six unidirectional flow sensors, each pointing towards a different axis. Carbon dioxide (CO<span><math><msub><mrow></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span>), volatile organic compounds (VOC), temperature, humidity, pressure, and gas presence sensors are integrated to monitor indoor environmental conditions accurately. Measuring the vertical component of the wind provides more detailed information on wind conditions. Test results show that the device can detect variations in wind speed with a deviation of 0.25 m/s, detect changes in horizontal wind direction with a deviation of 3.7°, and detect vertical wind direction variations with a deviation of 3.02°. These measurements demonstrate that the proposed device is capable of detecting wind changes in three dimensions, validating its potential for detailed indoor airflow monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00656"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"eLogUp! A precise, affordable and open-source IoT data logger to scale-up long-term environmental monitoring","authors":"Franck Perret , Ilane Cherif , Frédéric Cherqui , Nicolas Walcker , Adrien Barra , Bastien Bourjaillat , Laëtitia Bacot , Oldrich Navratil","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>eLogUp! is a low-cost, modular, and open-source data logger designed to support both research and operational environmental monitoring applications requiring accurate data recording and storage, efficient power management, and reliable data transmission. It serves as a key component for the implementation of effective Low-Cost Network Sensor (LCNS) systems, enhancing environmental observation capabilities. eLogUp! consists of a custom-designed PCB integrated with an Arduino® MKR microcontroller, enabling data acquisition from a wide range of analog and digital sensors, such as temperature, water level, and humidity probes, with user-defined sampling intervals. A distinctive feature of eLogUp! is its auto-wake-up function, which powers down the system between measurements to optimize energy consumption. It also integrates several electronic components (e.g. RTC) to minimize the overall footprint of the system. The system can thus operate on a small LiPo battery and solar panel. Data transmission can be carried out using different protocols (e.g., WiFi, GSM, or LoRaWAN). Developed as an alternative to commercial environmental data loggers, which are often expensive, overly specialized, proprietary, or limited to a narrow set of parameters, eLogUp! offers an affordable, adaptable, and open-source solution. This makes it a versatile tool for environmental researchers, field practitioners, and citizen science initiatives, providing a scalable and accessible approach to long-term environmental data collection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"23 ","pages":"Article e00660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144471398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-05-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00658
Andres Felipe Cotrino Herrera , Jesús Alfonso López Sotelo , Juan Carlos Blandón Andrade , Alonso Toro Lazo
{"title":"Low-cost prototype for bearing failure detection using Tiny ML through vibration analysis","authors":"Andres Felipe Cotrino Herrera , Jesús Alfonso López Sotelo , Juan Carlos Blandón Andrade , Alonso Toro Lazo","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The document presents a low-cost, open-source device designed to facilitate the learning of technologies like artificial intelligence in embedded systems through vibration analysis. It also aims to enhance students’ skills by introducing industrial challenges into the classroom via a scaled-down prototype. This study analyzes the vibrations generated by bearings to classify, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), whether they are defective. The device integrates electronic, mechanical, and software components, leveraging online technologies and platforms like Arduino to support hands-on learning. The document provides detailed instructions on the components used, circuit connections, step-by-step construction, and implementation, allowing replication of the prototype. This device fosters the development of STEM skills, promotes the application of AI and TinyML in real-world contexts, and enriches educational programs by encouraging interdisciplinary learning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00658"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144135016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HardwareXPub Date : 2025-05-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00657
Simón F. Nogueira , Alejandro J. Vitale , Sibila A. Genchi , Agustina Roth , Steven Martínez Vargas , Agustin Siben , Lucas Nuciari , Gerardo M.E. Perillo
{"title":"Design and development of a cost-effective buoy using 3D printing for coastal monitoring","authors":"Simón F. Nogueira , Alejandro J. Vitale , Sibila A. Genchi , Agustina Roth , Steven Martínez Vargas , Agustin Siben , Lucas Nuciari , Gerardo M.E. Perillo","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An adequate knowledge of water (and air) environment parameters in ocean and coastal areas becomes of crucial importance for management practices. The behavior of oceans and coasts covers a large range of spatial and time scales that leads to the importance of high-frequency and widespread monitoring by using cost-effective platforms. This article proposes the design, development and deployment of a low-cost, small and compact buoy platform for coastal monitoring, which was built almost entirely on 3D printing technology in a modular way. The buoy called EMAC buoy -V3.0- (EMAC: Estación de Monitoreo Ambiental Costero) was significantly improved in the last few years based on cost-effective optimization and physical constraints inherent to coastal waters, providing the advantages of simplicity and flexibility. This study considered oceanographic and meteorological measurements of a buoy moored in the San Matías Gulf on the northern Patagonian Continental Shelf.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00657"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144167197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Battery Heater Board for precise temperatures during tests","authors":"Alexander Blömeke , Rodolfo Borges , Morian Sonnet , Niklas Hörnschemeyer , David Wasylowski , Florian Ringbeck , Dirk Uwe Sauer","doi":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00655","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00655","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Battery Heater Board is an open-source hardware designed for precise temperature control during battery testing. This device integrates the heater, driver, and temperature sensors on a single metal core printed circuit board, allowing for accurate and compact temperature control. The board uses a synchronous buck converter to drive a custom layout heating trace integrated into the metal core printed circuit board. The included script for meandering a trace used as a heating foil helps to adapt to other applications or formats. In addition, the metal core printed circuit board provides both precise temperature control and a smooth surface, which is critical for accurate battery testing. This paper describes the heater’s design, components, and assembly and presents validation results demonstrating the device’s effectiveness in setting stable temperatures. The Battery Heater Board is an open-access, cost-effective solution for battery researchers and engineers requiring reproducible and precise temperature conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37503,"journal":{"name":"HardwareX","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article e00655"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143936059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}