Simplifying the SmartKnob
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/simplifying-the-smartknob/

A knob can make a surprisingly versatile interface, particularly if it’s the SmartKnob, which builds a knob around a BLDC motor for programmable haptic response. It can rotate freely or …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/simplifying-the-smartknob/)

A 1990s VNA Gets An LCD
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/a-1990s-vna-gets-an-lcd/

A Vector Network Analyser, or VNA, is the ultimate multi-tool of RF test equipment. They can now be had in not very capable form for almost pocket money prices, but …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/a-1990s-vna-gets-an-lcd/)

ESP with EEG — No, Not That ESP!
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/esp-with-eeg-no-not-that-esp/

While EEG research might help you figure out extrasensory perception, we won’t be betting on it. However, if you want to read EEG data and use an ESP32, [Cerelog-ESP-EEG] might …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/esp-with-eeg-no-not-that-esp/)

Reverse-Engineering the Tamagotchi IR Connection
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/reverse-engineering-the-tamagotchi-ir-connection/

The Tamagotchi Connection is a series of Tamagotchi toys that took the original portable pet concept and mixed things up with a wireless connection, which allowed you to interact with …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/10/reverse-engineering-the-tamagotchi-ir-connection/)

A Much Faster Mac On A Microcontroller
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/11/a-much-faster-mac-on-a-microcontroller/

Emulating older computers on microcontrollers has been a staple of retrocomputing for many years now, with most 8-bit and some 16-bit machines available on Atmel, ARM, or ESP32 platforms. But …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/11/a-much-faster-mac-on-a-microcontroller/)

The SCSI Film Scanner Resurrection
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/11/the-scsi-film-scanner-resurrection/

[Ronan] likes 35mm film photography, but the world, of course, has gone digital. He picked up an Epson FilmScan 200 for about €10. This wonder device from 1997 promised to …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/11/the-scsi-film-scanner-resurrection/)

The Intel 8087 and Conditional Microcode Tests
https://hackaday.com/2026/01/11/the-intel-8087-and-conditional-microcode-tests/

Continuing his reverse-engineering of the Intel 8087, [Ken Shirriff] covers the conditional tests that are implemented in the microcode of this floating point processing unit (FPU). This microcode contains the …read more (https://hackaday.com/2026/01/11/the-intel-8087-and-conditional-microcode-tests/)