2024 in Retrosparktive
This Friday, we take a look back on 2024 to see the best products, videos, blogs, and more!
As another year comes to a close, we at SparkFun can't help but look back at all we've accomplished in 2024. From groundbreaking new products that pushed the boundaries of what's possible, to insightful tutorials and engaging videos that empowered makers of all levels, 2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and shared passion for electronics.
In this week's "Look Back at 2024" post, we're taking a moment to celebrate the highlights. Join us as we revisit our most popular product releases, delve into the blog posts and tutorials that sparked the most interest, and relive the captivating moments captured in our videos. Whether you're a seasoned engineer, a curious beginner, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of electronics, we invite you to reminisce with us and discover something new along the way.
2024's Top Products
This year saw the release of some truly exceptional tools for makers, engineers, and robotics enthusiasts. Leading the pack was the SparkFun RTK Torch and the SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5, a dynamic duo that brought high-precision GPS within reach of everyday projects. The RTK Torch, with its easy-to-use interface and centimeter-level accuracy, proved invaluable for navigation, surveying, and even autonomous vehicle development. Meanwhile, the RTK mosaic-X5 offered a powerful, compact solution for integrating RTK capabilities for base station designs. These products redefined what's possible with affordable, accessible GPS/GNSS technology.
But we didn't stop there! The SparkFun Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor - PAA5160E1 (Qwiic) opened up a world of possibilities for robotics and motion tracking with its ability to accurately measure displacement and speed. This tiny sensor, easily integrated with its Qwiic compatibility, allowed for precise navigation in robots and detailed motion detection in interactive projects. For those interested in exploring the world of robotics education and research, the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) - DIY Kit proved to be a strong option for XRP users, providing a hands-on learning experience for building and programming robots. Cellular connectivity became more accessible than ever with the SparkFun Digi XBee® Cellular Kit, simplifying the process of adding cellular communication to projects for remote monitoring, data logging, and IoT applications. And let's not forget the SparkFun GNSS L1/L5 Breakout - NEO-F10N, SMA, which offered a versatile and high-performance solution for integrating GNSS capabilities into various projects. For those seeking advanced sensing capabilities, the SparkFun Pulsed Coherent Radar Sensor - Acconeer XM125 (Qwiic) provided a powerful tool for detecting objects, measuring distances, and even monitoring human vital signs. Last but certainly not least, the PINECIL Soldering Iron Kit equipped makers with a reliable and affordable soldering solution for bringing their electronic creations to life.
2024's Top Blogs
This year, our blog was full of insightful articles, helpful tutorials, and thought-provoking explorations of technology. From practical guides to in-depth analyses, we covered a wide range of topics that we hoped would resonate with you.
One of the highlights was a series of articles focused on enhancing everyday projects. "Raising your Buzzer Projects to the Next Level" provided makers with creative techniques and coding tips to transform simple buzzers into sophisticated sound generators. We also delved into the world of sensor technology with articles like "LiDAR, Radar, and PCR: What's The Difference?", which demystified these powerful sensing modalities and explored their unique applications. We went a little tongue and cheek with "ENGINEERS HATE HIM: LOCAL MAN DISCOVERS 5 TECH SECRETS THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW", which offered a lighthearted look at some common engineering misconceptions. Our blog also served as a platform for sharing valuable insights from industry events, as seen in the "Rocky Mountain RepRap Recap", which provided a glimpse into the exciting world of 3D printing and open-source hardware local to SparkFun HQ. We even explored the potential of artificial intelligence with "Can ChatGPT Successfully Develop a SparkFun Product?", a thought-provoking experiment that examined the role of AI in the creative process. Beyond the technical realm, we celebrated the return of in-person interactions with "Local Pickup At SparkFun HQ Is Back!", a heartwarming announcement that reconnected us with our local community. And for those eager to explore the world of data logging and IoT, "SparkFun DataLogger: The Easiest Way to Log and Push Data to Your Favorite IoT Platform" offered a comprehensive guide to our user-friendly data logging solutions. Finally, "Carbon Dioxide Sensing: PAS vs NDIR vs TVOC" blog provided a deep dive into the various technologies used for measuring CO2 levels.
2024's Top Tutorials
Display Distance Measurements On an OLED
This tutorial will take your SparkFun Qwiic Ultrasonic Distance Sensor to the next level by adding a cool little OLED display.
GeoFence Treasure Hunt With Artemis Global Tracker
Follow along with an engineering student as he creates a distance-based game using the Artemis Global Tracker!
How To Take Multiple RFID Readings Simultaneously
Let's take an in-depth look at how to take multiple RFID readings at once with a SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader.
Detecting Colors with the SparkFun Tristimulus Color Sensor
Detect and classify colors based on their CIE XYZ color space values.
How to Play Mulitple Buzzers at Once
This tutorial demonstrates the SparkFun Qwiic Buzzer's ability to control multiple buzzers simultaneously by playing a 3-part arrangement of a segment of the Super Mario Bros Theme!
IMU Data to Motion: Tutorial for Translating Sensor Data into Real-World Movement
Sometimes we want to do more with our data than just watch the values roll by on a screen. In this tutorial, we'll take a look at one way we can translate that data to movement.
Moving Beyond the Ordinary With the Qwiic Alphanumeric Display
More than just numbers, more than just letters, with a little creative coding you can do teach your alphanumeric display lots of new tricks.
Calibrating Your Odometry Sensor
In this tutorial, we will cover how to calibrate your Qwiic Optical Tracking Odometry Sensor (or "OTOS") with Arduino and Python Examples.
Our tutorial section this year was a treasure trove of knowledge, guiding makers through exciting projects and equipping them with valuable skills. From harnessing the power of Odometry sensors for precise motion tracking in "Calibrating Your Odometry Sensor" to unlocking the creative potential of alphanumeric displays in "Moving Beyond the Ordinary With the Qwiic Alphanumeric Display", we helped to empower you to push the boundaries of your projects. We delved into the intricacies of sensor fusion with "IMU Data to Motion: Tutorial for Translating Sensor Data into Real-World Movement", helping makers bridge the gap between raw sensor data and meaningful motion control. For those seeking to add a touch of auditory flair to their creations, "How to Play Multiple Buzzers at Once" provided the tools and techniques to orchestrate a symphony of sounds. We took a look at the vibrant world of color sensing with "Detecting Colors with the SparkFun Tristimulus Color Sensor", enabling makers to build projects that respond to the nuances of light and color. "How To Take Multiple RFID Readings Simultaneously" unlocked the potential of RFID technology for advanced tracking and identification applications. For those with a thirst for adventure, "GeoFence Treasure Hunt With Artemis Global Tracker" combined the thrill of a treasure hunt with the precision of GPS technology. And finally, "Display Distance Measurements On an OLED" provided a practical guide to visualizing sensor data on sleek and compact OLED displays.
2024's Top Videos
Our videos this year were also packed with exciting product showcases! Don't miss our deep dives into the Optical Tracking and Odometry Sensor, the Pro Micro 2350, the RTK EVK, the RTK Torch, and the RTK mosaic-X5. We even assembled a playlist for you to check them all out!
That's it for this week and 2024. As always, we can't wait to see what you make! Shoot us a tweet @sparkfun, or let us know on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn. Please be safe out there, be kind to one another! Happy New Year from all of us here at SparkFun Electronics!
