OpenPLC – Open-source Programming Language Controller Suite Supported by a Wide Range of Hardware

OpenPLC is a fully-featured standardized Programming Logic Controller Suite that officially supports a variety of platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi 2/3/4, Windows, and Linux. This openPLC consists of two main parts named the Runtime software and the programming Editor. While you use the Editor to create, design, compile, and upload your PLC programs, you use the Runtime to execute the programs that you have created on the Editor.

The Editor IDE is very easy to use and offers more flexibility when it comes to programming a PLC.  It is IEC 61131-3 standard compliant and thus supports the five high-level programming languages defined in it– Ladder Logic programming, Function Block Diagram, Instruction List, Structured Text, and Sequential Function Chart. Compared to Arduino PLC IDE where all the programming languages defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard are licensed and you have to pay almost $18 for their Potenta Machine control PLC key, this PLC IDE is completely open source and does not require you to pay license fee for any of the programming languages that it supports. You are only charged for buying copies of the standard, as required by IEC.

OpenPLC Runtime is claimed to be able to run from the tiniest of all microcontrollers to real PLC and then to powerful cloud servers. It is fully supported on several development boards and actual PLC hardware, including:

  • ESP32 / ESP8266
  • Arduino Nano / Uno / Micro / Leonardo
  • Arduino Mega/Due
  • Arduino Mkr / Zero / WiFi
  • Arduino Nano Every/IoT/BLE
  • Arduino Pro
  • Productivity Open P1AM
  • PiXtend
  • Neuron PLC
  • Controllino Maxi/Automation/Mega/Mini
  • UniPi industrial platform

Ideally, OpenPLC finds its use mostly in IoT, industrial automation, and control systems but its open-source nature has made it possible for many researchers to also leverage it as a framework for industrial cybersecurity research.

For support and inquiries, the OpenPLC developer, Thiago Alves, encourages users to engage their vibrant community forum which currently has over 3,000 members from everywhere in the globe and over 50,000 page views per month. The forum is fully supportive; you can see all the new stuff coming to the OpenPLC project, drop bug reports from the Editor, or just get engaged in general discussions that relate to the OpenPLC project. You will also have access to learning materials where you can learn about PLC programming, HDMI development, etc. Alves also revealed that they are currently working on bringing training to the community encompassing all major topics, from basic ladder logic programming to advanced cybersecurity.

Other useful details on the OpenPLC including source codes for the Runtime and Editor can be found on the developer’s GitHub repository while the website has links to download the OpenPLC Editor for Windows, Linux and macOS.

AAEON Up Xtreme i12 Board Allows for Expandability and Extended Use

The industry leader in embedded solutions, AAEON, last year introduced an innovative next-generation board with high-level performance. The Up Xtreme i12 development board is designed with features that make it perfect for smart retail, IoT, and robotics projects.

Features of the Up Xtreme i12 development board

It combines Performance and Efficiency: The board is built to accommodate one of four choices of the Intel i-core 12th Gen processors also known as the Alder Lake- P processors. Compared with its predecessor, the Alder Lake-P SoCs bring increased energy efficiency to projects, offering more CPU performance while retaining continuous and efficient operation.

It facilitates Extended Use: The board’s wide 12V-36V power input range support allows for expanded use in a wide range of applications. Its utility extends to more rugged industrial applications such as smart manufacturing.

Delivers faster operations with Flexible Connecting Options: The board comes with up to 32GB of onboard LPDDR5 system memory, USB 4.0, and 2.5GbE LAN ports that ensure greater processing power and high-speed connectivity to external devices such as cameras and sensors. The board also boasts support for up to four simultaneous displays with 4K resolution, thanks to the Intel Xe graphics.

Offers increased Functionality: The Up Xtreme i12 board has support for 5G, WiFi 6, PCIe 4.0 storage and AI accelerated module. It is able to prioritize real-time workloads, execute tasks within specific time frames, and give smarter image classification inference performance.

Specifications

  • Alder Lake-P SoC:
    • Intel Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Celeron processors clocked at up to 4.5GHz / 4.4GHz / 4.2GHz / 1.0GHz
    • GPU: 1.35GHz Iris Xe graphics / 1.3GHz Iris Xe graphics / 1.25 GHz Intel UHD graphics / 1.1GHz Intel UHD graphics
  • Onboard LPDDR5 up to 32GB
  • 4x Independent displays with 4K resolution at 60Hz
  • Two stacked LAN ports supporting 1x 2.5GbE and 1x GbE
  • Support for WiFi 6
  • Support 5G via M.2 3052
  • 2x M.2 2280 connectors for PCIe 4.0 and AI module
  • 1x SATA 3.0 interface
  • USB 4.0 Type-C
  • 2x USB 2.0
  • 1x USB 2.0 Type-A
  • 3x USB 3.2 Type-A
  • 40-pin HAT connector
  • TPM 2.0
  • 1x LED and Power Button
  • Operating temperature: 0 – 60°C
  • Size: 120.35 mm x 122.5 mm
  • Net Weight: 0.4 kg
  • OS support: Windows 10 Enterprise, Ubuntu 22.04, Yocto

The company did not say anything regarding the price of the board but they provided a link that leads to how you can contact them. You will also find other useful details about the Up Xtreme i12 board there. The product page also shows that the standard order also comes with the option of an active heatsink.

Industrial mini PC from ICOP Features Modern OS Support, Wide Temperature Range and Support for Various I/O Interfaces

Many times, when we think of an industrial mini computer, we expect to see a lot of ruggedness and extra capabilities that we would not find with a traditional desktop or laptop. Industrial computers usually come with really fast processors, plenty of memory and storage, strong hardware design, and support for some legacy and modern operating software – some great features that it needs to handle the demands of industrial applications.

ICOP, a world-class manufacturer of industrial computing products with over two decades of experience, has developed a new industrial mini-computer aimed at industrial-grade applications such as factory automation, machine control, data acquisition, digital signage, and transportation systems. The company had before designed several industrial-embedded computers, industrial motion controllers, industrial-embedded controllers which have all spoken well for themselves so the new EBOX-58 mini-PC would not be any different.

The EBOX-58 fanless industrial computer is offered with one of two Intel processors, up to 8GB DDR3 memory, a wide temperature range, HDMI 1.4b for display support, digital I/O interfaces, two Gigabit LAN, USB, SATA Gen3 interfaces and optional serial ports. There are also multiple connectivity options which also makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. The board also maintains compatibility with modern operating systems such as DOS, Win 7/10/11, QNX, and Android-x86.

EBOX-58 mini PC is made with industrial-grade components, thus, it is able to withstand shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and other environmental stresses encountered in industrial settings. Its compact and fanless design also guarantees reliability, durability, and ease in being installed in small spaces.

Features And Specifications

  • Intel Atom x5-E8000 (up to 2.0GHz; 2MB cache; 5W TDP) or Intel Celeron N3160  (up to 2.34GHz; 2MB L2 cache; 6W TDP)
  • Up to 8GB DDR3L-1600 SO-DIMM slots
  • 1x SATA Gen3 (HDD/SSD)
  • 1x microSD card slot
  • 1x HDMI 1.4b
  • Min-in/Line-out (Realtek ALC62VD)
  • M.2 2230 E-Key for Wifi and Bluetooth modules
  • 2x GbE RJ45
  • 4x USB 3.0 ports
  • Optional 2x RS-232/485/TTL
  • Optional TPM 2.0
  • Optional VESA/Din Rail support
  • PXE diskless boot
  • Power: 8V-16V DC
  • Temperature range: 0 – 60°C
  • Dimensions: 115mm x 115mm x 35mm
  • Certifications: CE, FCC, VCCI

Pricing and Availability

The variant of the board that comes with the Intel Atom processor is sold for $231 while the one with the Intel Celeron N3160 processor goes for $328. You will find purchase links as well as other useful details relating to the board on WDLSystems platform. You can also refer to the company’s page for more information.

Mekotronics Includes 4G LTE connectivity and PoE support in their R58X-4G RK358 board

Mekotronics has released an upgrade to the original R58X RK3588 mini-computer, adding support for 4G LTE and Power over Ethernet (PoE). The compact R58X-4G mini PC is perfect for a wide range of applications including home entertainment, digital signage, light gaming, and remote work. It is powerful and versatile, offering two 8K capable HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs, one 4K HDMI input, and a few USB ports. Thanks to the 4G LTE which was included in the board; you can easily connect it to mobile networks for internet access and this will work well for you if you are in a place that has no reliable internet connection. You also do not need to get yourself a separate power source as you can power the board with the same Ethernet cable that is used for data connectivity. This also means easy and convenient installations for you, thanks to the PoE support.

The mini PC also has support for up to 16GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5. At its heart is the high-performance Rockchip RK3588 processor optimized for use in IoT devices, embedded systems, and mini PCs.The processor is based on an 8-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU architecture and Mali-G610 MP4 graphics.

Key Features and Specifications Include:

  • Rockchip RK3588 with:
    • 4x Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4GHz and 4x Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz CPU
    • Arm Mali-G610 MP4 Graphics Processing Unit
    • 6.0 TOPS NPU
    • 8K 10-bit decoder and 8K encoder
  • 4GB/8GB/16GB RAM
  • 32GB/64GB/128GB eMMC 5.1
  • SATA 3.0 plus power connectors
  • M.2 2280 (PCIe 3.0) slot for NVMe SSD
  • 2x GbE RJ45 port
  • Dual-band WiFi 6
  • 4G LTE and GPS mini PCIe modem
  • NanoSIM card slot
  • 4x antennas for network and cellular connectivity
  • Display Output: 1x 8K-capable HDMI 2.1 port and 1x 8K-capable DisplayPort 1.4
  • Display Input: 1x HDMI 2.0 and 1x 2-lane MIPI CSI
  • Video Encoder: Real-time H.265/264 video encoding up to 8Kp30
  • Video Decoder:
    • 8K 60Hz H.265 VP9, AVS
    • 8K 30Hz H.264 AVC/MVC
    • 4K 60Hz AV1
    • 1080p60 MPEG-2, MPEG-1, VC-1, VP8
  • 3.5mm audio jack for microphones and headphones
  • USB 3.0 Type-A
  • 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
  • 1x USB Type-C for debugging
  • 1x M.2 M-Key PCIe
  • Mini PCIe for 4G LTE/GPS module
  • RS232, RS485, GPIOs, I2C industrial ports
  • 12V power output
  • Four LEDs for Power, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and Ethernet
  • 1x Power Button
  • RTC plus CT2032 battery
  • Power: 12V/2A via DC jack or header; 4-pin PoE header
  • Dimensions: TBD
  • Operating System: Android 12, Debian 11, Ubuntu 20.04, Buildroot
  • Certifications: CE, RoHS, FCC

Pricing and Additional Information

You can get the R58X-4G RK3588 mini computer at different prices depending on your choice of system memory and storage:

  • 4GB RAM and 32GB eMMC flash variant – $225
  • 8GB RAM and 64GB eMMC flash variant – $259
  • 16GB RAM and 64GB eMMC flash variant – $295
  • 16GB RAM and 128GB eMMC flash variant – $329

Purchase links as well as other specifics relating to the board can be found on the product page.

New Energy-Harvesting Module Uses Electromagnetic Wave Noise from Common Devices to Provide Electrical Energy for IoT Sensors

Sony Semiconductor Solutions has just developed a revolutionary energy-harvesting module that turns electromagnetic noise energy into usable power for sensors – a breakthrough in sustainable power supply technology intended to help resolve power supply issues arising from embedded devices. This method of power harvesting has a high level of power generation and it is applicable to a wide range of use cases including detecting the working status of electronic devices.

“The new module applies technology that SSS has cultivated in the tuner development process to generate power from electromagnetic wave noise with a high level of efficiency,” says Sony. “For example, this technology can use the constant electromagnetic wave noise generated by robots inside factories, monitors and lighting in offices, monitors and TVs in stores, homes, and the likes to provide the stable power supply needed to run low-power consumption IoT sensors and communications equipment.”

Other known energy harvesting systems harness sources ranging from solar energy to movement energy but this module chose to utilize electromagnetic noise instead. It uses a device’s existing metal parts as part of a receiving antenna for a high-efficiency rectifier circuit which can capture electromagnetic noise at different frequency levels, thus outputting milliwatt-level power for receiving sensors.

Key Points to Note About Sony’s Energy-Harvesting Module

  • High level of generation and supply: It has the potential to harvest from several dozen μW to several dozen mW of Power, thus enabling it to supply power to low-power consumption sensors and equipment.
  • Several Sources of Power Available: It can leverage electronic equipment as an energy source to generate a sufficient amount of electromagnetic wave noise. These equipment include household appliances, vending machines, industrial equipment, computers, lighting equipment, elevators, etc.
  • Its method of harvesting power is not susceptible to environmental factors: Unlike other methods that rely heavily on factors such as indoor environments and lighting brightness, this method of power harvesting is only limited by the availability of power in the electronic devices. As long as electronic devices are powered, the module can always generate power from them.
  • It enables continuous power harvesting: Even when the electronic devices are not in active use, the module can still harvest power from them.
  • It can easily be installed: The module has a compact size of 7mm by 7mm, hence allowing more freedom of installation.
  • It can be used as a remote sensor for predictive maintenance in electronic devices: By observing the changes in the harvested voltage, the module can easily identify the internal status of the noise-generating device like detecting whether light is functioning normally or predicting device failure in devices with built-in motors.

Speaking on the future of this technology and what industries stand to gain from its adoption, the company claimed that the new innovation shows promise across a wide range of use cases and it plans to work with partners from various industries to develop products based on it.

“This is the industry’s first energy harvesting technology based on this method that achieves highly efficient power generation. By efficiently utilizing previously ignored electromagnetic wave noise as a new power source, it enables a stable power supply for equipment,” they said.

Sony’s energy-harvesting module is not ready to be commercialized yet, but other useful details are available on their website.

RP2040 Pi Zero Development Board is a Mix of Low-cost, Small Form Factor, High Power and Multiple Connection Interfaces

Waveshare, a China-based Electronic Specialist whose expertise over the years has unveiled some of the most reliable electronic components and modules for engineers, designers, and makers around the world, recently released a new cost-effective development board with a mix of small form factor, high power and an interesting series of connections.

The new RP2040 Pi Zero board is a low-cost board powered by the Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor with an operating frequency of up to 133MHz and up to 16MB of external flash memory. The RP2040 Pi Zero board also integrates multiple interfaces which allows for more possibilities such as an onboard DVI port that can drive most HDMI screens, a PIO-USB port, and a 40-pin GPIO header compatible with some Raspberry Pi HATS. It also features a TF card slot, a battery connector, and a microSD card socket that provides room for more storage and access to 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x UART, 12-bit ADC, and 16x PWM interfaces. The product page mentioned that the RP2040-PI Zero development board has support for C/C++, Micropython, and Arduino – a potent board for robotics and machine learning applications.

The RP2040 Pi Zero board combines the Zero form factor of the Raspberry Pi Zero and the RP2040 SoC of the Raspberry Pi Pico board. Further comparisons show that the RP2040 Pi Zero has up to 16MB of external flash as well as a microSD card slot, but the Raspberry Pi Pico only comes with just 2MB flash. The only downside to this RP2040 Pi Zero board is that it lacks support for WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Key Features and Specifications Include:

  • Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ processor @ up to 133 MHz
  • 16MB NOR Flash
  • 264KB of SRAM
  • 1x MicroSD card slot
  • 1x DVI port
  • 40x GPIOs
  • 1x onboard TF card slot
  • 1x USB Type-C port
  • 1x onboard PIO-USB port
  • Compatibility with 7-inch HDMI LCD and 1.3-inch LCD HAT
  • 1x Reset button
  • 1x Boot button
  • 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x UART, 4x 12-bit ADC, 16x controllable PWM interfaces
  • 8x Programmable Input and Output state machines for custom peripheral support
  • Temperature sensor
  • On-chip clock and timer
  • Sleep and Dormant Modes at minimum power consumption
  • Onboard Lithium battery header suitable for mobile scenarios
  • 1x 3.7V Battery connector (PH2.0)
  • Dimensions: 65mm x 30mm

The Waveshare RP2040 Pi Zero board is currently selling for $10 on the company’s online selling platform. Other useful details on the board including links to some professional tech support and manuals and development resources are also available there.

Arduino Series B Funding gets a major support from ARM

Arduino has announced a $22 million boost in its Series B funding project intended to support their expansion into enterprise and break into the large-scale Industrial IoT market. This massive fundraiser includes a big investment from Arm and the reasons are not far-fetched after all. Arduino had recently made major moves at building a closer relationship with Arm, basing its IIoT-focused Pro range on Arm processor IP and also moving its much-loved Uno series from Microchip’s AVR platform to Arm.

The Series B fundraiser now sums up to an impressive $54 million and Arduino has expressed how pleased they are with this current development.

“We are happy to announce that Arduino raised an additional $22 million round, taking our Series B funding to $54 million, thanks to an expansion co-led by CDP Venture Capital and Anzu Partners. Joining them is semiconductor leader Arm, following up on earlier investments,” they said.

Giving specific details on how they intend to put the funds into good use, the Arduino team stated that most of it would be directed to further strengthening its Research and Development team so they are able to focus on enterprise offerings including developing new application libraries and integrating embedded AI features into Arduino Cloud for Business. They also added that some other part of the investment will go into growing their presence within the United States and Europe, revealing that they recently opened offices in Austin and Chicago. The remaining funds will be used to “accelerate go-to-market initiatives and customer support in selected areas.”

“This investment will allow us to further fuel our transformational platform initiative for professional customers, lowering the barriers to entry in IoT and AI by providing a continuum for HW [Hardware] to Cloud. We strongly believe that a top-notch R&D team and impeccable Go-to-Market [offering] are the only recipe for success for our demanding customers,” Arduino CEO, Fabio Violante said, assuring the public of their unwavering determination to advance the IIoT market through this initiative.

Arm has also declared its intentions to continue to partner with Arduino in their quest to provide developers with platforms that allow for quick and easy innovation. Hopefully, deploying new computing solutions for IoT applications will be accelerated and IoT will continue to deliver edge AI capabilities.

“Arduino came a long way from its humble beginning, becoming a powerful industrial tool used by cutting-edge organizations all over the world,” says the company’s co-founder, Massimo Banzi, who expressed how honored he is by the investment. Banzi, who also doubles as the chief marketing officer, added that the turn-out of investment towards actualizing large-scale IoT further confirms that their “original formula keeps applying to new domains.”

Arduino has some more details available on their blog.

Orange Pi 3B – RK3566 SBC offers exceptional value for its features

Shenzen Xunlong Software has unveiled its latest SBC, The Orange Pi 3B. Housing a Rockchip RK3566 SoC, this device hosts many unique features you don’t often find in a credit card-sized form factor—notably, a full-sized HDMI port and an M.2 key socket for storage. Priced at $35, the Orange Pi 3B offers exceptional value for its features.

Designed with a 22nm process, the Rockchip RK3566 is a Quad-core 64-bit CPU, ARM Mali G52 2EE GPU, and a 0.8 TOPS INT8 NPU. The GPU supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1, and 2D hardware acceleration. with these features, it can easily render 4K@60fps videos in H.265, H.264, and VP9 formats.

Looking at the memory and storage options, the possibilities are diverse. This SBC comes with three different RAM variants: 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4/4x. The board also supports EMMC storage ranging from 16GB to 128 GB. On top of that, it features 16MB or 32MB of SPI flash and an M.2 slot that supports SATA3 SSD. Lastly, the board also features a MicroSD card slot on the rear side of the SBC.

The SBC also features a 40-pin GPIO header that supports UART, I2C, SPI, and PWM, a Fan header, and an option to connect a battery for RTC.

In terms of wireless capabilities, this board features a CDTech 20U5622 wireless module with support for WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.

Features and Specification of the Orange Pi 3B

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3566 quad-core 64-bit (22nm, up to 1.8GHz)
  • Graphics: ARM Mali G52 2EE (OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.0, Vulkan 1.1)
  • AI Processor: Embedded NPU (0.8Tops computing power)
  • Video: VPU supports 4K@60fps decoding (H.265/H.264/VP9) & 1080P@100fps encoding (H.265), 8M ISP & HDR
  • Memory: Options of 2GB/4GB/8GB (LPDDR4/4X) & eMMC (up to 256GB)
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi5, BT5.0 with BLE, Gigabit LAN, HDMI, M.2 M-KEY, Micro SD, USB2.0 & 3.0, 3.5mm jack, MIPI DSI & CSI, eDP, 40-pin expansion
  • Applications: Suitable for TV boxes, tablets, edge computing, face recognition, smart security, smart home, and more, enabling AI & IoT applications.
  • OS Support: Android 11, Ubuntu (20.04, 22.04), Debian (11, 12), OpenHarmony 4.0 Beta1, Orange Pi OS variants, and more.
  • Display/Audio: HDMI 2.0 (4Kp60), MIPI DSI/LVDS (1080p60), 3.5mm audio jack
  • Camera: 2x MIPI CSI (24-pin FPC)
  • USB: 1x OTG 2.0, 3x Host 2.0, 1x 3.0
  • I/O: 1x Serial (debug), 2x UART, UART, I2C, SPI, and PWM
  • Other Features: Recover Key, Power switch, RTC + battery connector
  • Power: 12V/3A DC
  • Dimension: 110 x 140mm

The list of supported operating systems is comprehensive; it includes Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 12, Android 11, OpenHarmony, and the company’s own Orange Pi OS builds (including one based on Arch Linux and another on OpenHarmony, which is an open-source version of Huawei’s HarmonyOS). Additional technical details regarding the Orange Pi 3B will be available on the wiki page. Images for the product can be downloaded once the page is updated. Currently, the Orange Pi 3B is not listed.

The base variant of Orange Pi 3B with 2 GB of RAM starts at US$30 on AliExpress. Alternatively, there are different SKUs with 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM and various eMMC flash storage configurations. For example, the SBC with 2GB (no eMMC) starts at $34.99 with a $5 discount, while the most expensive variant includes 8GB RAM + 256GB eMMC priced at $67.99.

AlgoLaser Delta 22W Laser Engraver : A Budget-Friendly Machine For Makers

New Tools to Inspire Creativity

As a consultant in the 3D printing space, one of my goals is to help fellow makers discover affordable tools and technologies that can unlock new possibilities. When I came across reports of the upcoming AlgoLaser Delta laser engraver, my interest was piqued by its promise of professional results at an approachable price point.

While manufacturers often tout budget machines as “game changers” that perform beyond their cost, claims don’t always match reality. So when an opportunity arose to get hands-on with Delta before its launch, I was eager to evaluate its capabilities firsthand. However, due to high pre-order demand filling initial supply, I did not receive a review unit in time.

Rather than dismissing Delta without testing it myself, I decided the ethical approach was to research publicly available information and customer reviews to share an informed perspective. What follows is an assessment of Delta’s value proposition based on official specifications and early adopter feedback.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

One area the Delta seems well-suited for is ease of use. Its integrated touchscreen interface and pre-calibrated setup are touted to slash the learning curve down to mere minutes. Even children could potentially operate basic functions under guidance with the right safety precautions in place.

Streamlining complex tools into approachable devices opens up creative exploration for many just dipping their toes in. And for small businesses, quick ramp-up means faster time to first projects. Simplicity also supports longevity through intuitive operation years down the line as technologies advance.

Power and Precision Beyond Competition

Specs claim the Delta’s 22W CO2 laser can cleanly cut materials up to 30mm thick, like 1⁄2” plywood in a single pass. Combine this with a 0.06mm laser spot for high-resolution engraving far below the pixel level on screens and photos.

Early adopters report results even surpassing advertised specs. One woodworker achieved detail reproduction rivaling machines twice the Delta’s price. Videos showcase laser processes running as quickly as some hobby-grade 3D printers.

Performance at a glance exceeds competition while undercutting costs significantly. A capable machine at such an affordable price point could empower new applications limited by hardware barriers.

User-Friendly Design Extras

Small touches like a magnetic, removable cover that aids cleaning without disassembly streamline the experience. Integrated air assist for fumes mirrors this focus on simplifying use.

Customer service also seems a priority with a one-year warranty included. Ongoing support through timely software updates helps maximize value over the lifespan. Such bells and whistles separate serious tooling from momentary novelties.

Safety Measures Set a Trusted Standard

When evaluating new technologies, prioritizing user well-being is paramount. Here the AlgoLaser Delta laser engraver earns praise with interlocking safety closures that disable the laser engraver if opened, plus integrated filters that avoid the need for external ventilation.

Formal safety certifications provide reassurance too. Quiet operation ranks it on par with common office equipment as well. Factor in the bundled protective equipment and risks seem carefully mitigated for education or casual use of the laser engraver.

Confidence in a tool starts with protecting both operators and bystanders. A laser engraver carrying an approachable price point still grounded in safety basics sets an example for others to follow.

All-In-One Convenience for Creators

Promising professional output across substrates from wood and leather to glass and metals, the Delta offers versatility in a compact package. An all-in-one system streamlines complex works into a simple plug-and-play process.

With free design software included and compatibility with industry leaders like Lightburn, the Delta provides easy entry to laser services formerly restricted to industrial settings. Creatives can now bring intricate visions to life that would otherwise require outsourcing.

Perfecting details down to microscopic levels, cutting, and marking in one setup expands self-sufficiency. Such factory-grade features at an affordable cost reshape expectations for desktop fabrication. For enthusiastic amateurs or small entrepreneurs, the Delta appears a smart long-term investment.

A Laser Game Changer

While future real-world testing will provide a full picture of its abilities and shortcomings, current reviews and official specs leave me convinced the AlgoLaser Delta more than delivers on promises at an unprecedented price point for laser systems.

Its unprecedented combination of power, precision, ease of use, and safety at a budget-minded cost raises the bar for inaccessible desktop tooling. With 10x faster speeds, higher resolution than any screen, and versatility cutting over 30 different materials, Delta’s value proposition stands far above previous “budget-friendly” machines that compromised too much. In summarizing feedback, my impression is this may well be the”Best Laser Engraver of 2023” based on its balance of core functionality and approachability for new or casual users on a strict budget. As open-source hardware continues easing adoption barriers, the Delta empowers new levels of self-sufficient creativity industry-wide.

As With Any New Technology, Do Your Research

Naturally, no product is perfect, and early adopters may encounter unforeseen issues a reviewer cannot anticipate. Reading customer service reviews after launch will help prospective buyers gauge real-world reliability. Some may also require learning new skills to master complex tools. That said, for innovators on a budget seeking a laser engraver, CNC router, custom metalworker, or anyone wishing to expand into new frontiers of fabrication, the value proposition simply cannot be ignored based on all the information available. I have high hopes this may inspire completely new applications and communities of makers.

Whether casually personalizing gifts or launching a 3D printing/laser-cutting Etsy shop, the AlgoLaser Delta looks positioned to empower self-sufficient creativity like never before at an astoundingly affordable price. For that reason alone, it earns my strong recommendation.

Naturally, one of the best places to learn more about and purchase the AlgoLaser Delta Laser Engraver is through GearBerry – an online supplier with an excellent selection of high-quality tools and machines for makers at all levels.

In addition to stocking hard-to-find innovative products, GearBerry offers fast worldwide shipping from multiple warehouses. Their customer support is also top-notch for assisting with any post-purchase needs.

For those interested in the Delta Laser Engraver or browsing other tooling to unleash your creativity, I highly recommend checking out GearBerry. Be sure to sign up for their mailing list for the latest product updates and special offers.

Finally, while Delta is not yet in my hands, all indications are that it offers an unparalleled ability to raise the bar for accessibility desktop manufacturing. At a fraction of the cost of competitors, it can democratize alliance-level outcomes and inspire entirely new applications and communities. For aspiring creators, I can’t wait to see all the amazing works this little engine can create.

Video Review

Turing RK1 SOM – Pricier yet Superior Raspberry Pi Alternative

Turing Machines, a maker of cluster computers has recently launched its anticipated Turing RK1 system-on-module (SOM). Equipped with a robust Rockchip RK3588 Arm processor and a 6 TOPS NPU, this module, priced at $130, presents itself as an alternative to the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4.

Turing has been making mini-ITX boards for Raspberry Pi and Jetson modules for years now, but last year they announced their own SOM: the Turing RK1. They also launched the Turing Pi 2 cluster board on Kickstarter, raising over 2 million dollars in the process.

The Turing RK1 is built with Rockchip RK3588 SOC that houses four Arm Cortex-A76 high-performance cores running at 2.4GHz, and four Cortex-A55 low-powred cores running at 1.8GHz. It also has a Mali-G610 graphics processor with 6 TOPS NPUs. There is 15GB eMMC storage as standard and support for an 8K encoder and decoder.

Talking about performance, the Rockchip RK3588 is about four times better than the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. The CM4 has a Broadcom BCM2711, which is much less potent than the RK3588.

When compared to the Jetson Orin NX, the performance of the RK3588 is far better, based on Geekbench 5 scores. However, the Jetson Orin NX is superior in AI tasks with its 70 to 100 TOPS, while the RK3588 has only 6 TOPS.

The Turing RK1 is a versatile module compatible with the Turing Pi 2 cluster board as well as boards designed for Jetson Nano and NX modules, thanks to their shared standard connector. This means you can substitute the RK1 for the Jetson Nano in its official developer kit. The module runs on Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS with the Linux 5.15 LTS kernel. Additionally, it supports a 6 TOPS NPU using the RKNN toolkit v2. Comprehensive documentation is provided, offering detailed specs and instructions.

Turing RK1 Compute Module Specifications

  • SOC is the Rockchip RK3588.
  • Features an octa-core CPU with 4x Arm Cortex-A76 (2.4 GHz) and 4x Arm Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz).
  • GPU is the Arm Mali-G610 MP4, supporting various graphic standards.
  • VPU supports multiple video formats, including 8K, and encodes 8K H.265/H.264 and JPEG.
  • NPU is 6 TOPS for generic AI tasks.
  • It comes with 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR4 Memory configurations.
  • Internal storage is 32GB eMMC 5.1 flash.
  • It uses a standard 260-pin SO-DIMM, compatible with Jetson designs.
  • It has support for SD 3.0 interface.
  • Has Support for HDMI 2.1 (up to 8Kp60), DisplayPort 1.4, and MIPI DSI.
  • Offers multiple MIPI CSI connections for cameras.
  • For Audio, it Uses 2x I2S ports for sound.
  • It supports a Gigabit Ethernet connection.
  • In terms of USB ports, it has 2x USB 3.0 and 2x USB 2.0 ports.
  • PCIe Features include PCIe Gen 3.0 slot.
  • It measures 69.6 x 45 mm in size.
  • Operating Temperature is -20°C to 70°C and can be stored between -40°C to 85°C

The Turing RK1 is up for pre-order and you have to pay $130 for 8GB RAM, $170 for 16GB, and $260 for 32 GB. For an extra $10, you can get a heatsink with an integrated fan. Shipping for this incredible module starts on October 27.

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