Electromaker of the Month - July 2023 Winners

The arrival of June heralds a surge of fantastic creations in our project hub! Our panel of judges has rigorously evaluated all the entries received during the month, and as always the standard is high. Nonetheless, only three individuals can proudly secure the coveted position of Electromaker of the Month. Let us now acquaint ourselves with our triumphant champions!

In case you missed it - Electromaker of the Month celebrates the top three community projects (as picked by our independent judges) and rewards them with prizes, including cash (provided by the lovely folks at Mouser) and Electromaker Swag!

1. Arduino Nano and ESP powered POV Rotating Display

Our first prize winner this month is a mesmerizing rotating display created using a precisely balanced Persistence of Vision (PoV) concept. The display takes the form of a PCB resembling a CD, mounted on a repurposed CD motor. This setup generates an enchanting visual effect where images or text seem to float in mid-air as the PCB spins rapidly. The PoV display is driven by an Arduino Nano and an ESP module, enabling wireless control and communication through a local internet connection.

The timing and synchronization required for pixel display during each revolution are achieved using a hall effect sensor. The project also incorporates a wireless power transfer system underneath the PCB, with PWM control to adjust the rotation speed for optimal image quality. Project creator LHM0 outlines the process of design and creation in his in depth YouTube video on the build:

Our judges loved this project's intricate planning and the decision to use simple and easily available parts. They were also very impressed with the documentation, which covered not only how the build came together but the challenges involved and how they were overcome.

Huge congratulations to LHM0 for winning 1st prize! You win the top Electromaker of the Month prize, $150 Cash and a pile of Electromaker Swag!

2. Arduino Nano Carboard Laser Tag

In second this month was an innovative project combining simple components found in an Arduino starter kit with an original Arduino Nano. The result? A professional looking laser tag game made out of cardboard. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these cardboard guns possess functional triggers, reloading mechanisms, and even display segments.

Merging craftsmanship with electronics, maelstudio's creation employs an Arduino Nano to power the game, utilizing infrared LEDs, receivers, buttons, and LEDs for immersive gameplay. You can see just how good the guns look and feel, along with details of the build processing the accompanying YouTube video [French language]:

The judges were impressed with several aspects of this build. The use of simple parts available to most makes it a great starting point for others, and the code is provided in the documentation. The fantastic finish, incorporating a functional trigger and reload mechanism was also amazing to see!

Congratulations maelstudio, $100 Cash and an Electromaker Swag bag will arrive with you shortly!

3. ESP8266 Reaction Party Game

Third place this month is a modern spin on an old party game. The rules are simple, a drink in placed between two players. Then, both players have to react to an outside event, like a person's voice or a click of the fingers. The last person to hit the table must drink the forfeit. It's especially brutal when played with chili sauce.

Electromaker Community member MakeItForLess puts a modern spin on it using an ESP8266 based devboard, some nice chunky arcade buttons, OLED screen, and a servo. A 3D-printed case houses the game, and whichever player hits the button last when the LED lights up gets handed a shot by the servo arm in the casing:

our judges loved how this project looked and the clean and tidy way the electronic parts of the game worked with the overall aesthetic.

Congratulations MakeItForLess! You win the third prize: $50 cash and a pile of Electromaker Swag!

Will You Be the Next Electromaker of the Month?

Every month we celebrate the inventive, curious, and resourceful nature of our Maker community. Any project published on the Electromaker website is eligible to win, and there's a whole host of great prizes!

To get started, register for a free Electromaker account, and upload your project!