🔧 Tool of the Week
MakerSuite 3D
Open, inspect, and share PCB, schematic, and STEP files entirely in your browser — no upload, no account, fast 3D view and BOM price checks. Great for reviewers, mechanical checks, and quick procurement. 🔗 https://pcbviewer.app/en (pcbviewer.app)
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🛒 Deals & Finds
- Waveshare Pico e-Paper 4.2 (400×300)
– Low-power e‑ink for Pico projects (noise-free display that persists without power). Good match for news / clock / language builds. 🔗 https://www.waveshare.com/pico-epaper-4.2.htm (waveshare.com)
- piBrick PocketCM5 kit (open-source handheld for Raspberry Pi CM5)
– Kit ships with assembled mainboard, AMOLED flex display, keyboard and 3D printed case — practical if you want a pocket Linux dev machine. Estimated kit/parts option discussed in the coverage. 🔗 CNX Software coverage (cnx-software.com)
- Espressif ESP32‑E22 (Wi‑Fi 6E) — Linux drivers released
– Tri‑band Wi‑Fi 6E module with starter Linux drivers now public; worth bookmarking if you build host‑connected wireless devices. 🔗 https://www.cnx-software.com/2026/06/13/espressif-esp32-e22-wi-fi-certified-certificate-an-open-source-wifi-and-bluetooth-linux-drivers/
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🧪 Cool Build
LanguageLearner — Pico W + 4.2" e‑paper bilingual news feed
Small, cheap, and instructive: Pico W wakes, fetches an RSS snippet, translates it, and updates an e‑paper screen. Good template for low‑power info displays or language flashcards. 🔗 https://github.com/0300962/LanguageLearner (github.com)
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📚 Worth Reading
- Matter 1.6 Released — NFC commissioning, Joint Fabric, smarter thermostats – Short, practical summary of what changes for device makers. 🔗 https://homekitnews.com/2026/06/17/matter-1-6-released-with-nfc-based-commissioning-joint-fabric-and-more/ (homekitnews.com)
- Meet Armbian Imager 2.0 – New official flasher for 300+ SBCs; useful when you’re provisioning many different boards. 🔗 https://blog.armbian.com/meet-our-new-armbian-imager-2-0/ (blog.armbian.com)
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⚡ Quick Hits
- pico-epaper driver (MicroPython/C helper) — plug-in for Waveshare Pico e‑paper modules. 🔗 https://github.com/phoreglad/pico-epaper (github.com)
- piBrick project files (OSHWLab) — PCB, STL, and firmware for the PocketCM5 if you want to fabricate yourself. 🔗 https://oshwlab.com/amarullz/pibrick-pocketcm5 (oshwlab.com)
- Waveshare Pico e‑paper wiki — official docs, demo code and MicroPython examples. 🔗 https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/Pico-ePaper-4.2 (waveshare.net)
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📺 Cool Videos
- Making an analog clock with Raspberry Pi Pico + Waveshare e‑paper
– Short build demo that shows wiring, code and the e‑paper update behaviour (useful reference for Pico e‑paper projects). 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7izADfk7rCI (waveshare.com)
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Notes: links point to hands‑on tools, drivers, or build files only. No fluff — pick one item and try it this weekend.