[blakesmith]

Taught myself the basics of embedded systems, and completed a few projects. Learned circuit design, PCB layout, CAD / laser cutting, and embedded C / C++ in the process. Started with a 555 LED blinker [1]. Then built a desk clock, with a goal of writing a device driver for the LED display from the data sheet of a controller I found on DigiKey. After that, built my own USB keyboard, since I wanted to learn more about how USB devices work. I use this keyboard at work now as my daily driver now!

Taking a break from embedded for a bit, and teaching myself Rust. Working on a queue server at the moment!

[1] LED blinker: https://www.instagram.com/p/BaND2tQlvlB/

[2] LED desk clock ("picoclock"): https://www.instagram.com/p/Blf_Fw1gBAO/

[3] USB keyboard ("KeeBee"): https://photos.app.goo.gl/zKgCkudf97FjraJp7

[ChrisGammell]

Great looking circuit boards!

[blakesmith]

Chris! I owe you big time for your getting started with KiCad youtube series. Your "Getting To Blinky" video is what gave me the confidence to get started with PCB design, so thank you! If you're ever in the Chicago area, I'd love to buy you a beer.

[ChrisGammell]

I live in Chicago, actually! You should come to our meetup, going to have one in January: https://www.meetup.com/Hardware-Happy-Hour-3H-Chicago/

[blakesmith]

Whoa, nice! Sometimes, the world is smaller than you think. Joined up, looking forward to January!