I started planning the hardware and programming. I listed the hardware and non-volatile memory, then gathered the parts. I want to try adding a supercapacitor to the circuit to see if it will help sustain a working voltage.
I bread-boarded the wireless power module, microcontroller, and eight addressable LEDs. I was delighted to see that the wireless power could sustain all eight lights at full red, but I never tested a more power-hungry color. I used Adafruit's Bluefruit Connect app, which worked on my iPad and Android phone. The next step is to write a custom program and add a 12-bit LED ring.
I found a marvelous pair of earplugs on Thingiverse and printed them, but their adjustability never worked for me. Regardless, they were comfortable because they used silicone earbud covers. I modeled and printed simple stalks to attach spare covers and had a pair of minimalist earplugs, perfect for sticking in my pocket for train rides.
I have used earplugs in various situations, from blocking noise on trains and at concerts to protecting my ears from harmful sounds. I decided to give a talk at Grindfest 2026 about earplugs and will provide attendees with swag bags filled with samples. Loops were my favorite, but they were too expensive to buy for everyone, so I started a model to print a pair for everyone.
The first model was a good start, and showed me exactly what I needed to change. The stalk length and angle were tuned, the hoop got smaller and thinner, and I shrunk the stalk to fit my silicone earbud cover better. My model resembles Loop earplugs, but they work better for my purposes.
We gathered Dash, Kevin Davis, JaVon Stokes, and Matt Knowles to talk about Jurassic Park III. Having eight people together can be chaotic, and not everyone got their due screentime, but we had a lot of fun, and I think that showed.
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
 |
| The parts I need to start |
I bread-boarded the wireless power module, microcontroller, and eight addressable LEDs. I was delighted to see that the wireless power could sustain all eight lights at full red, but I never tested a more power-hungry color. I used Adafruit's Bluefruit Connect app, which worked on my iPad and Android phone. The next step is to write a custom program and add a 12-bit LED ring.
 |
| Wireless everything |
I found a marvelous pair of earplugs on Thingiverse and printed them, but their adjustability never worked for me. Regardless, they were comfortable because they used silicone earbud covers. I modeled and printed simple stalks to attach spare covers and had a pair of minimalist earplugs, perfect for sticking in my pocket for train rides.
 |
| Earplugs with small disc magnets |
I have used earplugs in various situations, from blocking noise on trains and at concerts to protecting my ears from harmful sounds. I decided to give a talk at Grindfest 2026 about earplugs and will provide attendees with swag bags filled with samples. Loops were my favorite, but they were too expensive to buy for everyone, so I started a model to print a pair for everyone.
 |
| Wireframe model of an earplug |
The first model was a good start, and showed me exactly what I needed to change. The stalk length and angle were tuned, the hoop got smaller and thinner, and I shrunk the stalk to fit my silicone earbud cover better. My model resembles Loop earplugs, but they work better for my purposes.
 |
| LEFT - Loop earplug RIGHT - First attempt LEFT - Final design |
We gathered Dash, Kevin Davis, JaVon Stokes, and Matt Knowles to talk about Jurassic Park III. Having eight people together can be chaotic, and not everyone got their due screentime, but we had a lot of fun, and I think that showed.
Critical Affection: Jurassic Park III (1:22)
The rest of the summary posts have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Completed projects from year 6
Completed projects from year 7
Completed projects from year 8
Completed projects from year 9
Completed projects from year 10
Completed projects from year 11
Completed projects from year 12
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information on this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property, or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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