Arducam Hawk-Eye
Arducam has opened reservations for its Hawk-Eye, a Raspberry Pi camera equipped with a 64MP sensor measuring 7.4 × 5.55 mm. The module's technical specifications include a maximum aperture of f / 1.8, a viewing angle of 84 ° (equal to a 24mm lens on a full frame camera) and support for auto focus. Undoubtedly, these are respectable characteristics when compared to the average of similar products for the popular single board computer, although the sensor size is certainly not close to that of professional cameras.Photo Credit: ArduCam Arducam Hawk-Eye interfaces with the system through the libcamera library, uses the same ribbon connector and has the same size as the Raspberry Pi camera module 2.1; therefore, it can be replaced without problems within projects that already make use of the camera module. The device is capable of taking photos with a resolution of 9,152 × 6,944 pixels on a Raspberry Pi 4 or Compute Module 4, while the maximum resolution obtainable on previous versions is limited to 16MP and videos can be shot up to 1080p at 30fps. We don't know exactly who the manufacturer of the sensor, which also offers a 10x digital zoom, is, but, according to a comment on YouTube, it should be backlit with a pixel pitch of 0.8μm.| ); }
Photo Credit: ArduCam A few days ago, we told you about an interesting photography project, which brought maker Christopher Getchmann to make two cameras with 3D printed cases and interchangeable lenses using a Raspberry Pi Zero W. For more information on this, we recommend reading our previous dedicated article.
We Would Not Want To Be Stormtroopers Right Now
Humanity is another step closer to a fantasy-accurate lightsaber thanks to Hackaday alumnus [James Hobson] at Hacksmith. Their proto-saber cuts through (cosplay) stormtrooper armor, (foam) walls, and a (legit!) 1/4″ (6.35mm) steel plate. For so many reasons, we want to focus on the blade and handle. (Video, embedded below.)
The blade is a plasma stream designed for glassworking and burns a propane/oxygen mix with almost no residue, but the “blade” stays in a tight cylinder shape. With a custom PCB hosting a mixing controller, the blade extends and retracts like in the movies. The handle is not a technical marvel; it is an artistic wonder and if you want to see some machining eye-candy, check out the first video after the break. The second video demonstrates just how much damage you can do with a 4000° Fahrenheit tube of portable plasma.
You won’t be dueling anyone just yet, since there is no magnetic field shaping the blade like the ones [Lucas] envisioned. Unfortunately, you can’t block anything more substantial than a balloon sword since solid material will pass right through it, but it will suffer a mighty burn in the process. Lightsabers are a fantasy weapon, but the collective passion of nerds have made it as real as ever, and the Guinness folks give credibility to this build.
Thank you for the tip, [cyberlass].