Open source hardware certifications for July 2023

The Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) runs a free program that allows creators to certify that their hardware conforms to the community definition of open source hardware. Whenever you see the certification logo, you know that the certified material meets this standard.

Currently, the certifications database lists over 2,300 individual certifications! In June we added 85 new certifications, from data loggers to dashboards and everything in between, we were happy to have new recurring names! Here are three certifications we think you should check out today.

It's summer time! A time when many people take vacations and work on their passion projects. With school out for the summer, many academics are doing a lot of research and development, which means a boon for Open Hardware certification. In July alone, the Open Source Hardware Association certified approximately four dozen open hardware projects, from a dozen countries, covering a range of applications. Let's talk about some of the most interesting ones!

The first notable project is an open-hardware pedalboard audio/midi rig from Switzerland. I've lived with a number of circuit benders, noise musicians, and guitarists, and effects pedals are a crucial part of the creative process. The problem with effects pedals is that they are usually very expensive for relatively simple analog electronic parts. On the other hand, this open-hardware pedal uses mostly digital effects and uses a Raspberry Pi Pico with custom firmware, along with a HiFi Berry DAC/ADC and some user interface and power management components from base. The cool thing about this hardware is that it lets you create an almost unlimited number of digital effects for the price of a single analog guitar pedal.

I'm not much of a musician myself, but I happen to own two Otomotones. These little quarter-note shaped musical instruments emit what can only be described as the most annoying sound in the world and have developed a cult following on the internet. A while ago I considered making my own Otomotone from scratch. The problem with this company is that the long touch sensor that runs along the tail of the Note is an extremely expensive part. I couldn't find the...