As a die-hard fan of DIY tech projects, I’m always on the lookout for innovative gadgets. From Raspberry Pi creations to quirky Kickstarter technology projects, I can’t get enough. So when a video titled “I built the open source desk display widget of my dreams, info orbs!” from Brett Tech popped up in my YouTube feed, I was instantly hooked.

Brett’s Info Orbs project was born from a desire for something like the stylish Nixie Clocks, but at a more wallet-friendly price point. Combining round TFT displays with the versatile ESP-32 microcontroller, Brett created a “digital chic” alternative that’s both cost-effective and feature-rich. Unlike simple time displays, Info Orbs connect to WiFi, allowing them to showcase weather updates, stock prices, or any custom data you can imagine.

The fruit of Brett’s labor is the “Info Orbs Dev Kit,” a DIY package that’s far from a plug-and-play gadget. It’s a collection of parts waiting for your soldering skills to bring them to life. In his comprehensive video guide, Brett covers everything from recommending beginner-friendly soldering kits to troubleshooting common assembly issues. He even walks viewers through setting up VS Code to program the ESP-32 using his open-source GitHub code (available under the AGPL-3.0 license).

What truly sets this project apart isn’t just the cool tech – it’s Brett’s inclusive, educational approach. Instead of glossing over the challenging bits with time-lapse footage, he takes the time to address potential hurdles head-on. His tutorial doesn’t just instruct; it empowers viewers who might otherwise feel intimidated by the assembly process. It’s an inspirational approach that I not only applaud but aspire to emulate.

Inspired by Brett’s project, I’ve dusted off my soldering skills and ordered a kit for myself. While I can’t promise a flawless assembly (or video evidence of my rusty technique), I’m excited to share photos of the final product – successful or not. After all, it’s the journey of exploration that counts, right?

So, are you ready to embark on a DIY tech adventure? Whether it’s Brett’s Info Orbs or another project that catches your eye, I encourage you to dive in and start tinkering. The world of DIY tech is waiting for you!