ESP32 touchscreen and HMI builds, single board computer reviews, and the custom enclosures that finish them: 3D printed and CNC machined in aluminum.
I build real embedded systems start to finish and show every step: ESP-IDF and Arduino firmware, LVGL interfaces in EEZ Studio, CAN bus, custom PCBs in KiCad, enclosure design in FreeCAD, then 3D printing and CNC machining, including a DIY 4x8 LowRider V4. Code, wiring, and docs are open source on trailcurrent.com and GitHub.
Reviewed so far: Waveshare, Elecrow, Makerfabs, Radxa, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino. Every review is a real build, with honest results.
Home of TrailCurrent, an open-source platform that makes any vehicle smarter: displays, power, GPS, solar, and sensors on one CAN bus, tested in an RV.
Manufacturers: US-based and open to review units and collaborations on dev boards, displays, 3D printers, filament, CNC machines, and tooling. Some links are affiliate links.
Business: info@trailcurrent.com
trailcurrentopensource
You guys said I should build it when I teased an infotainment style system featuring the rotary encoders. So, I listened and even googled the Skoda that was mentioned. I hope you all enjoy it, it is a big project and will have more videos to come. This is a start.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4
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trailcurrentopensource
The new SBC just landed. Let's see if people can guess which architecture it is. Review coming soon.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
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trailcurrentopensource
For those waiting on the CNC update, it's coming. I'm working on test cuts to ensure we have real world results to share. There are some interesting tests that I think really challenge the LowRider V4 CNC and some of the results surprised me. If you're not caught up on where I left off be sure to check out the previous video. Focused on the Torsion box but features the LowRider V4 CNC as the machine doing the cutting.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
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trailcurrentopensource
The latest waveshare rotary encoder really impressed me when I took it out of the box. So I had to find some way to demonstrate what was unique in a video. That ended up being a game that has since consumed more hours of my time than I care to admit. So hopefully others find it helpful.
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
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trailcurrentopensource
Based on the last video, which of the following are you most likely to use as a user interface in your next project? And be sure to share why and what your project is that you're working on.
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1
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trailcurrentopensource
What do others use for hold down on their CNC? Especially those working with materials other than wood. Aluminum, HDPE, and Colorboard
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
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trailcurrentopensource
We just added links to the video launching this morning at 8AM. It includes the FreeCAD Automation Claude Skill, an MCP the skill uses to communicate with FreeCAD. And the torsion box that is in the video itself. Hopefully others find this useful too.
1 month ago | [YT] | 1
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trailcurrentopensource
AI and CNC goes beyond just the pendant we previously built. New video coming tomorrow morning demonstrating using agents to build for the physical world. Plus the update on the #lowridercnc I've been working on. It is absolutely amazing what is possible, but it wasn't without its challenges, so be sure to check it out when it goes live 8AM CT
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
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trailcurrentopensource
I finished cutting ribs for the new torsion table on the Low Rider V4 from V1Engineering. A new product arrived and a review is coming shortly on that. Claude Code is up an running on the PocketTerm35 a video will be coming for that one too. Spars are next for the CNC. Exciting new Linux desktop underway for Raspberry Pi optimized for the touch screen and qwerty keyboard of the Waveshare device. Be sure to stay tuned.
2 months ago | [YT] | 5
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trailcurrentopensource
The new hardware I hinted at in the last video arrived. I am in the process of building something I hope everyone will find interesting with it right now. Video coming soon. Anyone want to guess what it is?
2 months ago | [YT] | 3
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