April 2026 Journal Entries

#0216 (2026-04-14): Matt DiPalma - electronics (misc)

Created the ex04_adc and ex05_pwm ch32v003 template assembly programs. Updated the documentation entry in the microcontroller sandbox.


#0215 (2026-04-13): Matt DiPalma - 03012 (GravityCurtain)

Concepted out Hackaday contest entry, a gravity powered curtain opener/closer. Designed four simple components in 3D that allow weights tied to the center hole of the -005 components to sequentially slide out of a carriage assembly and thereby draw the curtains opened and closed. The -007 slider is connected either to some servo or a bimetallic strip. As it slides inside the -008 channel, at either extreme, it makes an opening for the next -005 sliding component to fall by gravity out of the carriage. A frame will be necessary to hold the -008 and -006 components in relative position, as well as the motion input system.



#0214 (2026-04-12): Matt DiPalma - 03008 (xMM1)

Created barebones documentation entry in project repository.


#0213 (2026-04-12): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

Only burned myself 15 times while soldering and assembling the final modified TL902. It does seem to work pretty well. It manages to get over 220F and the potentiometer enables you to select a different max temperature. I used polyamide tape to secure everything in place on the inside. However the side brackets are beginning to melt at those higher temperatures, so attempts will be made to cast from a high temp polyurethane resin instead. See video.









#0212 (2026-04-11): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

Drew, etched, and soldered the electrical modification board for the thermistor resistance. Was able to do it in less than 30 minutes while streaming, which is pretty quick.






#0211 (2026-04-11): Matt DiPalma - electronics (misc)

Abstracted out specific addresses and values to a definition file for the ch32v003 assembly code. Adapted the ex02 blink program and created an ex03 for SDI (serial debug interface) data printing to a connected computer console. Updated the documentation entry in the microcontroller sandbox.


#0210 (2026-04-10): Matt DiPalma - pd (misc)

Finished reading (175 pages) the non-project section of The Home Machinist's Handbook by Doug Briney. A very good introduction to machine work using Sherline tools.



#0209 (2026-04-09): Matt DiPalma - electronics (misc)

Got ch32v003 dev board to run an assembly code version of blink without the ch32v003fun bloat. Very easy and way more clear in my opinion. Created the documentation entry in the microcontroller sandbox.


#0208 (2026-04-08): Matt DiPalma - electronics (misc)

Got ch32v003 dev board to run slightly modified sample blink routine using ch32v003fun libs. Was trying to do it with less bloat but was unsuccessful. Will try again later.



#0207 (2026-04-07): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

Rebuilt the laminator using the new side brackets and, although they were not perfect (in reality the lower pin on the motor side bracket needs to be adjusted slightly, though it works as is), and resoldered all the connections after threading the wires through the printed pieces. The motion system works perfectly as intended. See video of it in action.









#0206 (2026-04-06): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

Updated design for left-hand bracket per fitment test of previous iteration. Prints should complete overnight. There is no need to actually bond these two together, as they will be clamped together in the assembly. Likely won't need to print/source new gears, as the existing ones seem to mesh fine with the greater separation distance.






#0205 (2026-04-05): Matt DiPalma - web (misc)

Updated mary-bot to automatically report pentecost-pursuit progress on a daily basis at midnight.


#0204 (2026-04-05): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

Incorporated design iterations in 43001-002 and divided into an upper/lower half to facilitate printing.



#0203 (2026-04-04): Matt DiPalma - manufacturing (misc)

Added 2 tsp of sodium hydroxide to 500 mL of water to dissolve off the hardened photoresist on the test panel. It only took a few minutes. The only remnant was the oxidation that built on the exposed areas.









#0202 (2026-04-02): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

"Fixed" the printer problem from last night by leaving the lid open. The right-hand bracket does seem to fit all the components perfectly, though the top pegs can be thickened, though they currently match the original part. Designed and printed left-hand bracket piece, without stepper motor standoffs.












#0201 (2026-04-01): Matt DiPalma - 43001 (TL902 Mod)

Revised right-hand roller support bracket to improve fitment and modeled left-hand bracket. Left-hand bracket needs mounting holes as well as standoffs to mate with the motor bracket. Had printer issues related to the thermistor while trying to print. I think it's some connectivity problem and am working to fix.