Category: Open Source

Combining open source hardware with free and open source software

ANAVI Macro Pad 10 Gets a 3D-Printed Case Upgrade

ANAVI Macro Pad 10 is a compact, open-source, custom-programmable mini keypad that’s as versatile as it is stylish. With nine hot-swappable Gateron red mechanical switches, translucent keycaps, and a rotary encoder with a clickable switch, this little powerhouse is built to boost productivity and personalization.

Its black, gold-plated PCB is loaded with thoughtful design details: yellow backlighting under each key, a front-facing RGB LED, and four WS2812B LEDs for gorgeous under-lighting effects. Thanks to its hot-swappable sockets, switching out mechanical switches is a breeze: no soldering required!

From Plexiglass to 3D Printing

Originally, the Macro Pad 10 shipped with a simple transparent laser-cut plexiglass enclosure. While functional, recently we have a major customer interested in having the keyboard in a more solid case.

As a result we now have a 3D-printed case for ANAVI Macro Pad 10, designed by Pavlin Saksanov, a very skilled engineer with mechanical expertise. The new case is fully compatible with the original plexiglass enclosure and is available as STL and STEP files in the project’s GitHub repository. Like the rest of the design files, it has been shared under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.

The 3D printing was brought to life by Experify 3D, a specialized 3D printing company also based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Special thanks go out to Samuil Gospodinov, who supported both prototyping and production of the final version. The finished case is printed in black PLA filament imported from Poland. It uses M3x3x5mm threaded inserts, ensuring the case can be assembled and disassembled multiple times without wear or damage. The inserts make the case compatible with M3 16mm DIN 965 screws for secure and reliable assembly. Just like ANAVI Macro Pad 10, the new 3D printed case is also made in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, EU.

Open Source Inside and Out

Like other devices by ANAVI Technology Ltd, the printed circuit board of ANAVI Macro Pad 10 was designed using KiCad, the cross-platform, open-source electronics design automation suite. The keyboard supports both KMK firmware (CircuitPython-based) and QMK firmware, giving users flexibility and control over their setup.

ANAVI Macro Pad 10 wass launched alongside the ANAVI Knob 1 and ANAVI Knobs 3 through a Crowd Supply campaign on November 7, 2022. Today, it remains available through Crowd Supply, as well as distributors like Mouser, The Pi Hut, Tindie, and Lectonz.

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Introducing ANAVI TPM 2.0: Trusted Security for Your Raspberry Pi

We are excited to unveil our latest product: ANAVI TPM 2.0, a powerful, open source hardware add-on board that brings industry-standard TPM 2.0 security to Raspberry Pi single board computers.

Built around the Infineon Optiga SLB 9672 chip, ANAVI TPM 2.0 connects to your Raspberry Pi via the SPI on the 40-pin header, making it easy to add hardware-based cryptographic security to your projects. From secure key storage and digital signatures to disk encryption and measured boot, TPM 2.0 enables a wide range of security-critical applications. It even functions as a True Hardware Random Number Generator (TRNG), a crucial feature for any system requiring high-entropy randomness.

Whether you are a developer, engineer or hobbyist, ANAVI TPM 2.0 offers a reliable solution to enhance trust and integrity in your Raspberry Pi setup. To support different use cases, the board will be available in two hardware configurations:

  • Horizontal version with a standard 2×5 (2.54 mm) female header
  • Vertical version with a 2×5 (2.54 mm) female header mounted at a 90-degree angle

ANAVI TPM 2.0 will launch soon via a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply, our trusted long-term partner. As usual, we will manufacture the boards in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, EU. Please, subscribe on the Crowd Supply page to be notified when the campaign goes live and be among the first to secure your board!

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Control NeoPixel WS2812B LED Panels with WLED and ANAVI Miracle Emitter with XIAO ESP32C3

WLED is a powerful open-source firmware that makes managing NeoPixel WS2812B LED panels simple and efficient. Designed for ESP32 and ESP8266, it provides an intuitive interface for seamless LED control. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, WLED offers a highly customizable lighting experience.

Why Choose WLED for NeoPixel LED Panels?

Our previous blog post shared the exact steps how to install WLED directly from a web browser. This firmware includes a built-in local HTTP server, allowing LED control from any device on the same network. It also integrates smoothly with Home Assistant, enabling smart home automation, voice control, and advanced lighting effects. WLED supports both LED strips and 2D LED matrices, making it a versatile choice for various lighting projects.

Demo: ANAVI Miracle Emitter + XIAO ESP32C3

In this tutorial, we will walk through the setup and configuration of NeoPixel WS2812B LED panels using WLED firmware. The demonstration features the open source hardware ANAVI Miracle Emitter, an open-source IoT board designed specifically for controlling NeoPixel LEDs.

Hardware & Accessories Used:

  • ANAVI Miracle Emitter – A small ESP32C3-based board, ideal for WLED applications.
  • NeoPixel WS2812B LED Panels – High-quality, customizable LED panels.
  • Wago Splicing Connectors – Secure and easy wiring connections.
  • DC Barrel Jack to Terminal Block Adapter – Simplifies power connections. For example AP364 or from Pololu.
  • External 5V Power Supply – Powers both the LED panels and the development board.

ANAVI Miracle Emitter: Open-Source LED Controller

ANAVI Miracle Emitter is a compact open-source IoT board built for NeoPixel LED control. It also supports I2C sensors and a mini OLED display, making it a great choice for interactive projects. Designed using KiCad, this board will soon be available through a Crowd Supply crowdfunding campaign. If you’re looking for a powerful and compact way to control NeoPixel WS2812B LED panels, the ANAVI Miracle Emitter with WLED is an excellent solution. The XIAO ESP32C3, with its 32-bit RISC-V core, delivers strong performance in a small package, making it ideal for compact LED projects. Stay tuned for more tutorials on maximizing WLED and the ANAVI Miracle Emitter for your next LED lighting setup.

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How To Install WLED on an ESP32 Board from Chrome Web Browser? Example with ANAVI Miracle Emitter and XIAO ESP32C3

WLED is a powerful open-source firmware designed for controlling addressable LED strips, including NeoPixel LEDs like WS2811, WS2812B, TM1809, and more. It supports ESP32 and ESP8266 devices, making it a go-to solution for DIY lighting projects. WLED runs a local HTTP server with a sleek, modern UI, allowing you to control your LEDs easily from any device on the same network. It also integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant, enabling smart home automation, voice control, and advanced lighting effects.

In this tutorial, you will learn the exact steps to install WLED directly from a web browser onto an ESP32 board—no additional software required. The demonstration uses Google Chrome and the ANAVI Miracle Emitter, featuring the XIAO ESP32C3 RISC-V microcontroller. To install WLED from a web browser, visit: https://install.wled.me/.

ANAVI Miracle Emitter is an open-source hardware IoT development board for controlling NeoPixel LEDs. Furthermore, it supports various I2C sensors and a mini OLED display. I designed the printed circuit board (PCB) using the popular open-source software KiCad. It will soon be available through a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply.

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Wishing you a 2025 filled with the power of open source!

In 2024, ANAVI Technology introduced just two new open-source hardware gadgets, but they turned out pretty good. Looking ahead, we are excited to share that several innovative projects are already in the pipeline for 2025!

ANAVI Handle

In April 2024, we launched a crowdfunding campaign for ANAVI Handle, an open-source USB adapter that allows you to connect Wii Nunchuk-compatible controllers to a PC. As always, the printed circuit board was designed using the free and open source tool KiCad. The design is simple, featuring a XIAO module with a USB-C connector and a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. The default firmware, written in CircuitPython, is available as open-source on GitHub. Additionally, ANAVI Handle has been certified by the Open Source Hardware Association under UID BG000134.

The default firmware lets you configure the Wii Nunchuk as a mouse, keyboard, or joystick, offering a variety of uses, with retro gaming being one of the most popular. Be sure to check out the video demonstrating how ANAVI Handle and a Wii Nunchuk can breathe new life into an old netbook!



ANAVI Handle successfully reached its crowdfunding goal on Crowd Supply on May 30, with orders shipped to backers in July 2024. Today, you can purchase ANAVI Handle from either Crowd Supply or Mouser.

ANAVI Dev Mic

Our second and final crowdfunding campaign of 2024 was for ANAVI Dev Mic, an open-hardware USB Type-C omnidirectional microphone powered by a programmable Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. This is not your typical USB PC microphone. ANAVI Dev Mic gives you the freedom to modify and customize the firmware, as well as expand the hardware with various peripherals like LEDs, buttons, and even sensors.


There are countless ways to use a USB microphone, especially one as flexible and open-source as ANAVI Dev Mic. However, the most impressive technical application was using it for offline speech-to-text recognition with Python 3 and OpenAI Whisper ASR on a Raspberry Pi 5. This project demonstrated that even a microphone plays a crucial role in modern AI-driven solutions.

ANAVI Dev Mic received certification from the Open Source Hardware Association under UID BG000144. The crowdfunding campaign concluded on September 26, 2024, with all units shipped to backers in October. You can now purchase ANAVI Dev Mic directly from Crowd Supply or Mouser.

What’s Next?

We have some exciting new projects planned for 2025. We aim to release two boards for addressable LED strips (aka NeoPixels): ANAVI Miracle uHAT and ANAVI Miracle Emitter. The PCB for ANAVI Miracle uHAT was designed in 2023 but was put on hold due to software issues with Raspberry Pi 5, which have now been resolved. ANAVI Miracle Emitter is a stand-alone device featuring the XIAO ESP32C3 module. It will be our first open-source hardware using the RISC-V open instruction set. The firmware will seamlessly integrate with Home Assistant through the machine-to-machine MQTT protocol. Additionally, we are developing a gardening device with the ESP32C3 to monitor flowers, plants, and crops.

In addition to developing new open-source hardware, we are also dedicated to maintaining and improving existing projects, including the Internet of Things, Raspberry Pi add-on boards, and mechanical keyboards. In early January, a GitHub pull request was submitted to add I2C display support for the ANAVI Knob 1 in the open-source KMK firmware for mechanical keyboards. Shortly thereafter, another pull request was created to implement the same feature for the ANAVI Knob 3. Additionally, J.W. contributed STL files for the ANAVI Handle enclosure, offering an alternative to acrylic enclosures. Now, thanks to his contribution, you can 3D print your own enclosure – whether as a replacement part or just for fun, experimenting with different colors.

Thank you!

A huge thank you to all the backers and customers who supported our open-source hardware projects in 2024. We’re also deeply grateful to our trusted partners, especially Crowd Supply, Mouser and the Pi Hut! Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous 2025!

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Transform Wii Nunchuk into a USB-C Joystick for Your PC with ANAVI Handle


Let’s explore how to retrofit a classic Wii Nunchuk controller using ANAVI Handle, an open source hardware USB-C adapter that lets you connect a wired Nunchuk controller to any modern PC, be it a laptop or desktop. In this tutorial, you will learn how to configure the Nunchuk as a joystick and enjoy the open-source game “Tiny Crate”, all within your web browser.

Hardware Requirements

To get started, you’ll need:

  • A personal computer
  • A USB Type-C cable
  • An ANAVI Handle along with a Wii Nunchuk (or another compatible controller)

Software Configuration

Begin by connecting your Wii Nunchuk controller to your computer using the ANAVI Handle, an open-source hardware adapter. Next, edit the config.json file to enable joystick mode by adding:

{
    "type": "joystick"
}

The ANAVI Handle’s default open-source firmware (written in CircuitPython) uses the analog stick and buttons on the Nunchuk to control movement in joystick mode. After modifying config.json, disconnect and reconnect the ANAVI Handle to apply the changes.

The ANAVI Handle’s RGB LED provides visual feedback on the connection status:

  • A green light indicates a successfully connected Nunchuk controller.
  • A blue light shows the controller has been disconnected from the ANAVI Handle.
  • A red light signals an absent or improperly connected Nunchuk controller.

In the video, you’ll see the green light illuminated, confirming that everything is functioning correctly.

To quickly verify that your controller is working in joystick mode, load the HTML5 Gamepad Test in a modern web browser. This open-source tool is available on GitHub under the MIT license and provides a simple way to check your controller’s functionality.

Let’s Play!

Once everything is set up, you’re ready to dive into games that support joysticks!

While preparing this video, I discovered an incredible game called Tiny Crate. It’s a 2D puzzle game with charming pixel art graphics and joystick compatibility. Despite being a puzzle game, its game play evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic jump-and-run titles. Tiny Crate is an open-source game, with its source code available on GitHub. Developed using the Godot game engine, it’s playable on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android.

I featured Tiny Crate while demonstrating the ANAVI Handle during the “Show and Tell” segment of Pi Wars, a Raspberry Pi-based, non-destructive robotics competition. Pi Wars 2024 took place on April 20th-21st in Cambridge, UK, attracting 58 teams of robot engineers. During my demonstration, children of all ages were captivated by Tiny Crate, so much so that many were too absorbed in solving game levels to notice the ANAVI Handle or the Nunchuk controller. This speaks volumes about the quality of Tiny Crate and the effectiveness of the ANAVI Handle in seamlessly converting the Nunchuk controller into a USB HID device.

If you’re passionate about gaming innovation and eager for a new experience, all you need is a Nunchuk controller and an ANAVI Handle. After a successful crowdfunding campaign ANAVI Handle is available at Crowd Supply. We will soon stock it at our other distributors. Follow this guide and get ready to enjoy hours of fun with your favorite games!

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Compact Desktop Media Control with ANAVI Macro Pad 2

Do you remember the ANAVI Macro Pad 2, our tiny mechanical keyboard with just two keys? Built around the Microchip ATtiny85 microcontroller, it comes with QMK version 0.13.19 and is often used as a cool copy-paste keypad. However, its open-source firmware can be reprogrammed for various uses. Recently, Henrik shared a Crowd Supply “field report” about his impressive setup, using the ANAVI Macro Pad 2 to control audio streams with his favorite songs. Although the ANAVI Macro Pad 2 was successfully funded on Crowd Supply three years ago, in June 2021, we continue to update the documentation and share news with our backers. It’s fantastic to keep improving the product based on community feedback.

Henrik created a custom QMK keymap for the ANAVI Macro Pad 2 based on his needs: the left button is for “play/pause,” and the right button is for “next song.” He even configured the LEDs to light up when the buttons control media playback. Why hire a DJ when you can be the DJ with your homemade setup using the ANAVI Macro Pad 2?

After modifying the firmware, Henrik made a hardware customization. For fun, he changed the keycap on the right button to one featuring a sleeping unicorn. This new keycap, being heavier than the default translucent one, adds weight to the otherwise lightweight ANAVI Macro Pad 2. The keyboard comes with Gateron red mechanical switches, which are Cherry MX compatible, allowing for easy keycap changes. Henrik also shared his plans for future modifications, including a second custom keycap.

Nowadays, the ANAVI Macro Pad 2 is available for purchase from our distributors worldwide. If you need any help, feel free to get in touch. The user manual is available on GitHub. For more details about Henrik’s setup, check out his Crowd Supply field report.

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Classical Gaming on a PC with RetroPie and Nintendo Wii Nunchuk Controller

Thanks to open source it is possible to enjoy your favorite arcade, home-console, and classic PC games on a budget setup. In this video tutorial, we will transform an old netbook into a portable retro-gaming machine using Raspberry Pi OS and RetroPie.

RetroPie is a software package designed to enable the emulation of classic video game consoles that sits on top of a full OS. In this tutorial we will install it on top of a Linux distribution. RetroPie allows users to play games from a wide range of vintage systems by using emulators for platforms such as:

  • Atari 2600, 5200, 7800, Lynx
  • Commodore 64
  • Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super NES (SNES), Nintendo 64 (N64), Game Boy, Game Boy Advance
  • Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, Sega 32X, Sega Master System, Game Gear
  • Sony PlayStation 1

Required Hardware

This is the required hardware for this tutorial:

  • Personal computer (PC). For example an old netbook like Acer Aspire One D257 or Asus EeePC (or similar) with an Intel Atom or AMD CPU is a great fit.
  • ANAVI Handle open source hardware USB adapter for Wiimote attachments
  • Wii Nunchuk controller (or another compatible controller)

Software

Follow the steps below to install and configure all the required software on your computer.

Step 1: Install Raspberry Pi OS for Desktop

Raspberry Pi Desktop for PC and Mac is a 32-bit GNU/Linux operating system designed for older and less powerful computers. It’s based on Debian, a popular Linux distribution, and includes the Raspberry Pi OS desktop environment along with a set of recommended software. If you have an aging computer that can’t handle modern commercial operating systems, Raspberry Pi OS can revitalize it, making it usable again. To get started, download the OS, flash the ISO file onto a USB drive, boot from the USB on your computer, and proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Install RetroPie

Follow the official documentation for installing RetroPie on a PC running Debian or Ubuntu. Use the RetroPie setup script to perform a Basic Install.

Step 3: Transfer ROM files

After RetroPie is installed, you’ll need to move ROM files for your favorite games into the correct directories. If you followed the steps above, the main directory for all ROMs is located at ~/RetroPie/roms (or /home/pi/RetroPie/roms, which is the same). There are subdirectories for each supported emulated system, such as NES, SNES, and others.

Step 4: Connect ANAVI Handle and Nunchuk

The next step is to connect a Wii Nunchuk controller to your computer using our open-source hardware adapter. Edit config.json and enable keyboard mode:


{
    "type": "keyboard"
}

ANAVI Handle comes with open source firmware written in CircuitPython. The keyboard mode includes a D-pad (directional pad, aka arrows), along with A and B keys. Save the changes to config.json. Ensure they take effect by disconnecting and then reconnecting the ANAVI Handle. After that configure the controls in RetroPie using the Nunchuk controller and ANAVI Handle.

The RGB LED on ANAVI Handle indicates the connection state

Connection States Through RGB LED

The default open-source firmware uses the RGB LED to display three different connection states:

  • A green light means the Nunchuk controller is properly connected.
  • A blue light indicates the controller has been disconnected from the ANAVI Handle.
  • A red light warns that the Nunchuk controller is missing or not connected correctly.

In the demo video, you’ll see the green light on, signaling that you’re ready to enjoy some classic games!

Enjoy Retro Gaming on the Go

Once everything is set up, you can begin your retro-gaming adventure! Power on your computer. RetroPie will start automatically (unless you’ve configured it differently), allowing you to dive into a world of classic arcade, home console, and homebrew games. Whether you’re fighting aliens or challenging a heavyweight champ, a whole world of gaming awaits you. heavyweight champ, a whole world of gaming is waiting for you.

If you have an old Netbook, give it a second chance as portable gaming machine! Get a Nunchuk controller and our open source ANAVI Handle, follow this tutorial, and get ready to relive the golden age of gaming!

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Game on! ANAVI Handle Crowdfunding Campaign Started!

After months of diligent research and development, we’re thrilled to unveil the launch of the crowdfunding campaign for the ANAVI Handle at Crowd Supply. This open source USB adapter bridges the popular wired Wii Nunchuk controller to personal computers, integrating open-source hardware with free and open-source software.

Designed using KiCad, the printed circuit board is gold-plated. The main component is Seeed Studio XIAO module with Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroler. The firmware of ANAVI Handle, driven by CircuitPython, guarantees effortless functionality, featuring versatile modes for joystick, mouse, or keyboard use.

The crowdfunding target for the ANAVI Handle is intentionally humble, marked at a mere $1. Your backing will help production in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, EU, tapping into our trusted supply network. Join us by placing an order and breathing life into this wholly open-source endeavor!

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Plovdiv Game Jam 2024

Plovdiv Game Jam 2024 was an exciting and dynamic event that brought together a diverse group of over 150 passionate participants. Held from January 26 to 28 at the Technical University Sofia, branch Plovdiv, this game jam was part of Global Game Jam.

Plovdiv Game Jam 2024
Ralitsa Kostadinova inaugurated Plovdiv Game Jam 2024

The event was orchestrated by a dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Throughout the weekend, participants formed teams and engaged in an intensive and inspiring game development process. As a testament to the collaborative spirit and creativity within the gaming community more than 30 impressive computer and board games were created.

Plovdiv Game Jam 2024
Assoc. Prof. Nikola Shakev delivered the opening address at Plovdiv Game Jam 2024

Plovdiv Game Jam 2024 started on Friday afternoon with six presentations. Leon Anavi had the opportunity to talk about ANAVI Handle, an open source hardware USB-C adapter for connection Nunchuk compatible controller to a personal computer. The printed circuit board has been designed with the open source software KiCad and relies on Seeed Studio XIAO module with Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. This is exactly the same microcontroller as in Raspberry Pi Pico.

ANAVI Handle with XIAO RP2040 and CircuitPython
Leon Anavi while explaining how to upload CircuitPython on XIAO RP2040

Nunchuk is a peripheral controller designed for use with Nintendo Wii and Wii U gaming consoles. Nunchuk connects to the Wii Remote through the communication bus I2C and a cord. It features an analog joystick, two buttons (C and Z), and an accelerometer. ANAVI Handle comes with an open source firmware written in CircuitPython to adapt a Nunchuk compatible controller as a joystick or a mouse for a personal computer. All schematics and source code are available in GitHub. The slides are in Bulgarian and are available at SlideShare.

ANAVI Handle with Nunchuk
ANAVI Handle with Nunchuk

After the presentations the theme of Global Game Jam and Plovdiv Game Jam was announced. For 2024 it was “Make me Laugh”. Participants registered and formed teams with up to 5 members. After 48 hours of hard work more than 30 computer and board games were presented at the main building of the Technical University of Plovdiv.

Plovdiv Game Jam 2024
Plovdiv Game Jam 2024 Closing Ceremony

Plovdiv Game Jam commenced its journey a decade ago, with its inaugural edition taking place in 2014. The 2024 edition achieved a milestone by breaking records in both participant numbers and the creation of games. The whole event was live streamed on YouTube and Twitch. Plovdiv Game Jam atmosphere buzzed with innovation, camaraderie, and the shared joy of bringing imaginative concepts to life. This amazing event not only provided a platform for fostering talent but also underscored the thriving game development culture in the region.

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