I like to make a list of my main activities of the previous year and put them in a summary blog, so I can easily find them.
2020 was a strange year as I'm sure everyone can attest to.
element14 was a bright spot throughout the year that helped take my mind off the myriad problems that characterized the year.
However pain and frustration were almost always present, even when trying to focus on projects, and it all conspired to depress the amount that was accomplished.
The year started with a Hammy New Year blog and a blog about how I spent the Azure Sphere shopping spree.
My Holiday Special from 2019 spilled over into 2020 - that seems like eons ago.
Then it was on to Pi day and the Ultimate Armchair Computer.
And of course the virus intruded, spawning a couple of projects like the Corona Cap.
Next I did a blog on upgrading a cute little T7 Multitester:
Next I got involved in designing a wire dispenser:
Then I had some fun experimenting with an Epishine Solar Cell System:
Then I got stuck into a big project to develop an Electric Hula Hoop:
Next it was on to experimenting with Omega thermocouple connectors:
Then I got involved in recycling a PC power supply
I managed to assemble a Crabby Covid Cadaver for Halloween:
I had an opportunity to road test a Raspberry Pi HQ Camera and build it into a system:
Then I waded into a design challenge experimenting with a Kemet vibration sensor:
I ended up taking 110 videos for this one.
The year wrapped up with Reach Out and Touch the World:
It was a major struggle completing what I did manage to accomplish, but there is satisfaction in persevering through hardship to get some things done, even if there were many things that just couldn't be finished. These projects used a half a dozen custom PCBs (one of the metrics I use to gage my design activity is how many PCBs I design), but there were a number of designs that did not get completed. My favorite project was the Electric Hula Hoop because of its extensive unique design content.
I don't quite know how to sum up 2020 in a positive way, but I am happy and lucky to still be kicking, even if it is only with one foot.
Links to annual summaries:
2020 Summary of element14 Activity - DougW
2019 Summary - What the Helement14 Is He Up To?
2018 Summary of element14 Activity - DougW
2017 Summary of element14 Activity
Top Comments
Wow Doug! Your project output is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Neil
I'm glad you're here.
I love the hula hoop project, to me it's somewhat whimsical in a fun and challenging way
It is too bad my other cat is black and white (the blackest black and the whitest white) which makes it really tough to get a good picture. Even good cameras cannot handle that much dynamic range.