Hackster's August Impact Spotlight Pushes the Limits of Connectivity
Featured projects ranged from payment systems and long-range communication devices to remote monitoring platforms and weather stations.
Hackster's August Impact Spotlight centered on connectivity with detailed projects that offer practical, creative use of connected hardware. From secure payment systems and long-range communication devices to remote monitoring platforms and data-driven weather stations, each project demonstrated how engineers and makers are finding innovative ways to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
Payment Gated Lockbox
First guest Eric Pietrowicz highlighted his updated Payment Gated Lockbox — a Little Free Library-inspired, payment-gated lockbox that’s remotely controlled via digital payments, utilizing the Particle platform and Stripe. The idea is to phase out the “honor system” when it comes to roadside stand purchases and those that can only accept cash as payment. In essence, it offers security from theft and allows users to accept electronic payments.
Pietrowicz designed his custom lockbox around Particle's multi-radio M-SoM that enables cellular connectivity for remote operation and inventory management. The cabinet is outfitted with a solenoid lock, which unlocks the door automatically once a verified Stripe payment is completed. An onboard DC-DC regulator provides stable voltage conversion for the lock and electronics, while a MOSFET driver acts as an electronic switch to drive the solenoid lock safely.
LoRa Messenger 1.0
Second guest speakers, Vishal Soni and Shlok Gupta, were on hand to throw a spotlight onto their LoRa Messenger 1.0, a portable device designed for long range texting in remote locations without needing a cellular network or Wi-Fi router. As the name suggests, the messenger takes advantage of LoRa technology and Bluetooth connectivity for texting up to five kilometers in distance, even with multiple users.
The LoRa Messenger 1.0 is built around an Arduino Nano that’s equipped with an HC-05 Bluetooth module and LoRa antenna, a LoRa SX1278 module, a AMS1117 3.3V regulator, and a battery to power each device. Because the LoRa Messenger 1.0 leverages LoRa technology, the device is free to use and doesn’t require any telecommunication infrastructure, making it ideal for use in remote locations.
3D-Printed Mini Time-Lapse Camera with XIAO ESP32 S3 Sense
Third speaker, Pradeep, detailed his 3D-Printed Mini Time-Lapse Camera, that makes use of Seeed Studio's XIAO ESP32S3, which he states, can shoot impressive time-lapse videos on a budget. Pradeep chose this particular XIAO board for its dual-core processing, built-in USB, Wi-Fi connectivity, and low power consumption, making it ideal for portable photography projects. To house the electronics, Pradeep tasked JUSTWAY to 3D print a custom case that protects the components, allows for different mounting options, and can be tailored for durability and outdoor use.
Arduino-Based Boat Monitor
Tom Gohring was the next guest on the Connectivity-centric spotlight, where he showcased his Arduino-Based Boat Monitor that keeps tabs on his boat when away from the marina. The system combines geofencing and alarms with environmental and fuel monitoring, while also giving him with the ability to remotely control equipment, including a battery charger and ice maker.
On the safety side, the setup makes use of an Arduino MKR WiFi 1010 and Adafruit breakout boards for the GPS and sensors. The data garnered is sent to the Arduino IoT Cloud to trigger alarms if the boat leaves its designated area, if another boat collides with it, doors are opened, or if water has entered the boat. Sensors also monitor fuel levels, battery charge, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, all of which is displayed on an intuitive dashboard. Remote control is handled via relays, allowing Gohring to power his devices connected to the system from miles away.
Weather Station with Indoor & Outdoor Data
Final speaker, Sridhar Rajagopal, presented his Weather Station that provides both indoor and outdoor data, which includes temperature, humidity and pressure. Rajagopal designed the device around an Arduino Giga R1 WiFi, along with an Adafruit Display Shield, an Adafruit BME280 sensor board, and an Arduino Proto Shield to tie it all together.
The weather station works by taking the collected data garnered from the BME280 sensor with outdoor weather data collected via the Open Weather Map API. The system displays both sets of data through an intuitive GUI thanks to the LVGL library.
Conclusion
Hackster's August Impact Spotlight detailed how accessible hardware and clever design can solve problems both big and small, whether it’s protecting a lockbox, texting off-grid, monitoring a boat from miles away, or tracking weather indoors and out. These projects highlight not only what’s possible today, but how much there still is to explore, refine, and reimagine the way we stay connected using off-the-shelf hardware.