iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Building a new electronics workbench. It’s coming along nicely. I’ve confirmed the left-half shelf (for instrumentation) can support my weight in this arrangement without any diagonal brace. Pretty happy about that.

An electronics workbench frame made from strut.

How the strut is arranged for the instrumentation shelf.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

…And I’m now officially taking orders for my invention, Blinky Hawk, your DMM’s new BFF. Blinky Hawk lets you work faster, safer by telling you when “0V” means “Floating Probes” and when it means “Closed.” If you use a DMM you should buy one. #electronics Learn more at: www.blinkyhawk.com

A small purple box, Blinky Hawk, blinking green attached to a DMM with shorted probes.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Working on the website BlinkyHawk.com. It is live and more-or-less ready for public viewing. Working on product photos.

Two DMMs, both with my BlinkyHawk attachment. One showing continuity, the other plugged into an outlet showing 120VAC.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Newest version of my “Blinky Hawk” open-lead detect DMM tool arrived today (smaller board, orange). I got the size down dramatically while speeding up assembly time and making some battery optimizations. And it works! Pretty happy about this. I am getting closer to my life goal of shipping.

Two circuit boards, one smaller than the other but with a speaker and LED installed.

Two items named Blinky Hawk. One much smaller.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

FreeCAD works fine for simple things. (I prefer Solidworks, but taught myself FreeCAD when a place I worked only had occasional 3D printing needs. I can’t remember running into any hard limitations for designing basic prints.)

110

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Just got home from #teardown2026. It was awesome. I gave a talk on my creation, a DMM accessory that tells you when “0v” means “floating” vs “closed.” I had a great time in talking about DMMs, circuits, and electronics more broadly all weekend. Project site: oihdesigns.github.io/ClosedLeadCh...

A Teardown conference badge that says I want people to talk to me about DMMs. Also a DMM.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Recent Project: The Minimum Viable Voltmeter This design has an isolated differential input and outputs a single-ended valve to your development board. The GUI is via computer or Android app. Project write up: www.oihdesigns.com/the-minimum-...

A breadboard with an Arduino Nano and various other components documented in the project write up.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

Prototyping a process controller. I have accomplished using all four outputs on a recently purchased very nice power supply. I think this justifies the cost…

A breadboard populated with an Arduino and various modules has four different voltage rails coming in off a power supply.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

This is a great idea. Fewer wires for quick prototype tests, and (I assume) no ground loops to avoid.

130

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

If you don’t find one LensRentals is great for equipment you want to test before you buy (they will often give a discount on buying the exact piece of equipment you rented).

210

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

Nope, I just drew a trace wrong in the schematic, and putting a resistor under the transistor pin corrects the error...

230

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

No mistakes. Just “happy little accidents.”

PCB where I have to stick a resistor under a MOSFET because I made a mistake.

120

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Another example video of my DMM that automatically reports open vs closed leads in a voltmeter circuit. Note that the meter reports continuity when in parallel with the transformer, but then the ~120vac when I flip it on. (No spoken audio)

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

I just finished writing a description of it, here: www.oihdesigns.com/mannvoltmete... (Short answer, I open a MOSFET after a 0 reading to break a bridge and that puts a 2.5vdc through a 500k resistor to one probe, and I check if the other probe sees it.)

oihdesigns.com

MannVoltmeterBridge — OIH Designs

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Thanks! I have a long write-up here, which also links to a GitHub where I’ve published my designs: www.oihdesigns.com/arduino-

oihdesigns.com

110

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Video of my DMM showing voltage - floating leads - closed leads measurements. (No spoken audio.) #arduino #electronics

131

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

My custom DMM can now report the difference between "0 Volts - they're floating" and "0 Volts - same potential." Pretty stoked to get this working. Should save a lot of "is it off or am I measuring in the wrong place?" when troubleshooting. #arduino #electronics

A DMM screen reporting "V Floating" when the leads aren't touching anything.

A DMM screen reporting 9vdc when connected to 9vdc battery.

A DMM screen reporting "V Closed" when the leads are touching each other.

111

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

You can get remote control relays for this. I was adding some light switches in my house and using remote controls saved a lot of wire and hassle.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

Just got calibrated voltage references for my DMMs. Now I can official know how accurate they are. I also modded one of my PCBs to work with 3.3vdc boards (level shifting the SDA/SLC lines). Now have an Arduino Giga version, where I can plot the voltage readings. #Arduino #Electronics

Giga DMM showing a reading of 5.0008vdc off a 5.0000 source (because of the divider this is within 2 steps of the ADC smallest unit). Also a plot showing the actual reported voltage by the ADC is bouncing between 4.996 and 5.003

Normal Version, showing 5.0004vdc off a 5.0000 source.

011

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

I don’t know why Bluesky hates my photos… *sigh*

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Photos that didn't upload correctly before.

100

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Photo day for my most recent Arduino / XIAO board-based DMMs. My very detailed write up on how awesome this DMM is: www.oihdesigns.com/arduino-mult... I have also published my designs on GitHub: github.com/oihdesigns/M... #electronics #instrumentation

210

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

I have a circuit that uses an LM317 to source a constant 20mA signal. I keep researching if there’s a better option, but any circuit that’s more accurate is far more expensive and/or takes up a lot more board space. The LM317 just works obnoxiously well.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

Just got the most recent Arduino/ XIAO DMM PCBs. It works! It’s precise! I’m happy! Unlike previous designs, on this one: -All the power rail conversions are done on the board instead of 3rd party breakouts. -Precision voltage references for better accuracy. -Over volt/current protection.

061

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

It’ll probably come down to prosecutorial / police discretion even more than it currently does. It’s not like committing petty crimes is particularly hidden right now (see: driving). Might just be “yeah we have the evidence but who cares?”

120

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

I mean, might be the least hassle method of summoning someone to help you up.

110

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

1/4w. YOLO. (In all seriousness, I would probably use 2x the required rating unless I was space constrained. Then I would probably test some from the batch first to see how hot they got.)

020

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

Trying to build a homemade EKG machine. I see a heartbeat! Yay! Now to try and control the noise…

Oscilloscope screenshot with a small heartbeat signal.

030

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

I made a game called “Oscilloscope.” You use a joystick (smoothed by a cap) to try to match a DAC output. Rounds are one minute and it gets harder as you go. Nothing fancy but still fun Hoping it will entertain my toddlers / stealth teach my stepson electronics.

030

Reposted by Nick Mann

Carrie (prev of Alpenglow) @alpenglow.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Playing with my new best $10 thermal label printer friend.

A shiny holographic sticker with black thermal printing over it saying you can just make a circuit board and no one will stop you with a circuit board trace print in the background

4321

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

I won a trophy at work for being the most competitive.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Preparing the photos for an upcoming update to my Arduino (well, now Seeed Studio, but same MCU) super compact and useful DMM guide.

A small DMM in a printed housing, about 2x3x1" big

A small DMM in a printed housing, about 2x3x1" big, with a 1 Ohm resistor connected to resistance circuit.

Another build, this one uses a charge pump for the higher (~9vdc) rail.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

You know. It would maybe be useful if these SMD components had pre-soldered wires on them. Wait. Umm. I am not smart sometimes.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 13/04/2025

Can’t really say yet (I see lots of noise, but I haven’t set up a shielded connection or stable enough source).

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

It works! I'm happy! My emotions are driven by circuits functioning or not in possibly an unhealthy way! But in this case I've discovered an inexpensive IC (MIC4801) that will drive a constant 20mA (or more, but that's what I need) up to 4.8vdc off a 4.9vdc supply. Useful for instrumentation. :D

An electronics breadboard with circuity surrounded by a homemade DMM, a normal DMM, and a handheld scope, showing 20mA running through the circuit.

020

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Figured out how to dim my lights from the TV. Also toggle them on and off. Pretty stoked. (No Internet involved, just an Arduino with a relay and a digital potentiometer to control the power supply.)

030

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

New redesigned multimeter PCBs arrived yesterday. The barrel jacks for input, buttons, and screen all mount directly to the board to save space and assembly time. Soldered it up and it works(!). Yay!

Arduino Uno sized PCB in a small box, turned on with the display reading 0.

Side view, with connectors through the panel.

050

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Most recent Arduino DMM revisions. Works pretty great. Almost done writing updated documentation on how they work.

An Arduino DMM reading a battery and connected to an ammeter module.

Two Arduino DMM versions with their PCB between them.

The Arduino DMM with the cover folded away, showing the custom shield.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Today’s first flight was SAC to DFW. Pretty great geologically. Yosemite, Bryce Canyon / Escalante, and Shiprock, among others. #geology

Bryce Canyon area, I think, from the air

061

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Sitting at the gate for a flight while maintenance addresses something. …They just turned the plane off and back on again as part of the troubleshooting process.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

First official event half marathon* (actually a 0.58 marathon because oops) in the books. I am happy about this. The California hills are as steep as they are pretty. Feel good though.

The view up that hill. It went on for awhile.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Just ran my first half marathon as training for a formal event in a week. I’ve gotten into running this past year (I’m more normally a cyclist) as a way to get my heart rate up with less overhead prep time compared to riding bikes. I am happy about this. I will now eat all the calories.

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

This box has the temperature min/max in different units, except the low temp is the only one where degrees don’t matter.

A cardboard box with handling specs, including a min max for temp of -40F to +70c.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

People who think “AI” is theft: Have you thought about where you draw line between “learning / taking inspiration from other people” and “theft” in non-AI related contexts? Is there a good definition of what counts as theft that applies equally to people or AI, beyond verbatim copying?

010

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

Most people probably want extra counter space more than a second fridge or stove in the kitchen. Many large houses also have secondary kitchenettes. That and secondary garage fridges are fairly common. TVs, sofas, and beds do seem to have gotten bigger.

000

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

For general timeline reference, manufacturing time can be surprisingly fast. Both my recent orders arrived from China within a week of submitting the design. With shipping for 5-10 units it cost ~$5 per (Arduino-size) unit.

140

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

When you want a screen for your Raspberry Pi and you use to work in video… I think the screen has more processing power than the computer, but it works and I didn’t have to buy another thing.

A Raspberry Pi in a case using a video production capture monitor as the display.

030

Nick Mann @analyze-optimize.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Using KiCAD for the design and one of the various online services make it surprisingly easy to design and print your own. KiCAD is pretty straightforward.

110