this conference badge is nuts! 🔗 **Source:** [this conference badge is nuts!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE) > [!note]+ Document Notes > tags: [hardware-hacking, conference-badges, microcontroller] > author: [MISSING] > source: YouTube > reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE > date created: 2024-12-19 15:30 > > # 🏷️ Title: this conference badge is nuts! > <!-- deep-read:sections start --> ## 🧰 Action Inbox - [H1] Explore Pimarini conference badge packages for hardware projects — GitHub Universe badge demo #hardware - [H2] Try MicroPython programming on microcontroller badges — custom LED control app #coding - [H3] Investigate GPIO pin expansion for conference badge projects — LED strip integration #electronics ## 🧭 Table of Contents - [📝 Summary](#-summary) - [📖 Main Content](#-main-content) - [🗒️ Notes](#️-notes) - [📚 References](#-references) - [🗣️ Paraphrase](#️-paraphrase) - [📰 Newsletter](#-newsletter) - [✅ Action Items](#-action-items) - [🧪 Hypotheses](#-hypotheses) - [📊 Methodology](#-methodology) - [❓ Questions](#-questions) - [🔮 Future Research](#-future-research) - [💡 Implications](#-implications) - [🧠 Learning Styles Assessment](#-learning-styles-assessment) - [📊 Accessibility Assessment](#-accessibility-assessment) - [🌍 DEIB Assessment](#-deib-assessment) - [✅ Logical Validity](#-logical-validity) - [🛡️ DARVO Analysis](#-darvo-analysis) - [🎯 Conclusion](#-conclusion) ### 🔗 References - [GitHub Universe Badge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE) - [Pimarini Conference Badges](https://pimoroni.com) ## 📝 Summary - A demonstration of hacking a GitHub Universe conference badge with Raspberry Pi Pico 2350, Wi-Fi, and full-color display - Shows how to extend badge functionality by connecting external LED strips via GPIO pins - Uses MicroPython programming to create custom apps with color control and rainbow effects - Highlights the accessibility of hardware hacking with modern tools and AI assistance - Bottom line: Conference badges have evolved into powerful, hackable microcontroller platforms ## 📖 Main Content The GitHub Universe conference badge represents a significant evolution in conference swag, functioning as a complete development platform rather than simple identification. Built on a printed PCB with Raspberry Pi Pico 2350 microcontroller, the badge includes Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, full-color display, and GPIO expansion pins. The badge comes pre-loaded with entertainment applications including Tamagotchi, Etch-a-Sketch, and Flappy Bird games, plus a GitHub integration that fetches and displays user profile information when connected to Wi-Fi. The hardware includes a rechargeable battery system and exposed GPIO pins for expansion projects. The demonstration shows integration with external 5V addressable LED strips, bypassing the intended ESP32 controller by utilizing the badge's built-in microcontroller and power system. Custom MicroPython code enables interactive color control through the badge's interface, with features like cursor-based color selection and automatic rainbow cycling modes. Technical implementation required creating custom utilities for LED addressing since standard NeoPixel libraries weren't available on the platform. The programming environment supports Python development with utilities for display rendering, button event handling, and GPIO control. ## 🗒️ Notes #### ⏱️ [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=0) — [H1] GitHub Universe Badge Overview - Key idea: Conference badge built as complete PCB with Raspberry Pi Pico 2350 - Evidence: "Wi-Fi Bluetooth chip, little antenna, full color screen and GPIO pins up top" #### ⏱️ [00:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=25) — [H2] Pre-loaded Applications - Key idea: Badge includes games and GitHub integration functionality - Evidence: "Tamagotchi, Etch a Sketch, Flappy Bird, and GitHub details display" #### ⏱️ [00:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=45) — [H1] LED Strip Integration Project - Key idea: Repurposing badge microcontroller to drive external LED hardware - Evidence: "3D printed light with 5V addressable LED pixels, don't need ESP32" #### ⏱️ [01:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=75) — [H2] GPIO Pin Configuration - Key idea: Badge exposes power and data lines for hardware expansion - Evidence: "3.3 volt and ground, four different GPIO pins for addressing LEDs" #### ⏱️ [01:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=105) — [H1] Custom Application Demo - Key idea: Interactive color control app with multiple modes - Evidence: "Change color based on cursor, click to push colors to array" #### ⏱️ [02:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=130) — [H2] Rainbow Mode Feature - Key idea: Multi-click activation triggers automatic color cycling - Evidence: "Hit it five times, moves into rainbow mode with diffuse LEDs" #### ⏱️ [02:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=155) — [H1] MicroPython Programming - Key idea: Custom Python code enables LED control and user interaction - Evidence: "Written in MicroPython, upload Python code to the badge" #### ⏱️ [02:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=175) — [H2] Custom Library Development - Key idea: Created minimal LED addressing library when standard wasn't available - Evidence: "No NeoPixel library, wrote minimum viable one for addressing LEDs" #### ⏱️ [03:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=195) — [H3] Button Event Handling - Key idea: Python code manages user input and hardware output coordination - Evidence: "Code for listening for button presses and sending data to pixels" #### ⏱️ [03:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=205) — [H1] Pimarini Manufacturing - Key idea: Professional conference badge manufacturer with retail availability - Evidence: "Made by Pimarini, sell packages for conferences and individual purchase" #### ⏱️ [03:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=225) — [H2] AI-Assisted Hardware Development - Key idea: Modern tools lower barriers for software developers entering hardware - Evidence: "With LLMs now, JavaScript programmers can push past and make real stuff" #### ⏱️ [04:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=245) — [H2] Wireless Capability Emphasis - Key idea: Badge operates independently with battery power and Wi-Fi connectivity - Evidence: "Not plugged into anything, running on battery, connected to Wi-Fi" ## 📚 References - [GitHub Universe Conference](https://githubuniverse.com/) - [Pimaroni Conference Badges](https://pimoroni.com/) - [MicroPython Documentation](https://micropython.org/) - [Raspberry Pi Pico 2350](https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-pico/) ## 🗣️ Paraphrase - GitHub Universe created sophisticated conference badges functioning as complete development platforms with wireless connectivity and programmable displays - The badges can be extended beyond their original purpose by utilizing exposed GPIO pins to control external hardware like LED strips - Programming these devices has become accessible to web developers through MicroPython and AI-assisted coding tools ## 📰 Newsletter Conference badges have evolved from simple identification tags into powerful, hackable microcontroller platforms! GitHub Universe's latest badges showcase what's possible when you combine Raspberry Pi Pico 2350 chips with creative thinking. These badges aren't just displaying your name—they're running games, connecting to Wi-Fi, and even controlling external LED arrays through GPIO pins. The best part? They're programmed in MicroPython, making hardware hacking accessible to developers who primarily work in web technologies. The demonstration shows how modern tools, including AI assistance, are breaking down traditional barriers between software and hardware development. What started as conference swag becomes a gateway into embedded programming and IoT projects. Resources: [MicroPython](https://micropython.org/), [Raspberry Pi Foundation](https://www.raspberrypi.org/), [Pimaroni](https://pimoroni.com/) ## ✅ Action Items #### DevRel - Developer advocacy: Create hardware hacking workshops using conference badges as entry points - Education: Develop MicroPython curriculum for web developers transitioning to embedded - Developer experience: Document GPIO expansion patterns for badge modifications - Developer marketing: Showcase badge hacking projects to demonstrate platform capabilities - Community management: Moderate hardware hacking channels and provide project feedback #### Community - Maintainers: Support badge firmware development and GPIO library contributions - Contributors: Enable first-time hardware hackers with simple LED control projects - Sponsors: Fund conference badge programs that encourage post-event hacking - Ecosystem: Coordinate between hardware manufacturers and developer communities ## 🧪 Hypotheses - Conference badges with embedded microcontrollers increase post-event engagement and learning - MicroPython lowers barriers for web developers to explore hardware programming - GPIO expansion capabilities transform conference swag into educational development platforms - AI-assisted coding enables rapid prototyping for hardware projects by software developers ### 📊 Methodology - Survey conference attendees about badge usage and modification attempts post-event - Track GitHub repositories and projects created using conference badge hardware - Measure completion rates for hardware workshops targeting web developers - Compare learning outcomes between traditional workshops and badge-based hardware education ### ❓ Questions - How do hackable conference badges impact long-term developer engagement with hardware? - What percentage of web developers successfully transition to embedded programming through badge projects? - Which GPIO expansion projects provide the most educational value for beginners? ### 🔮 Future Research - Longitudinal study of developer career changes after hardware badge exposure - Optimal GPIO pin configurations and expansion kits for educational purposes - Integration patterns between web APIs and embedded badge applications ### 💡 Implications - Practice: Conference organizers should consider badges as educational platforms rather than disposable swag - Policy: Hardware modification documentation and safety guidelines needed for conference badge programs - Security: Wireless-enabled badges require network security considerations and isolation protocols - Education: Badge-based hardware curricula could bridge web development and embedded programming - Funding: Investment in hackable conference swag provides measurable educational returns ### 🧠 Learning Styles Assessment Reading level estimate: 8th Grade #### 👀 Visual learners - Present: Hardware photos, GPIO pin diagrams, LED effect demonstrations - Improve: Circuit diagrams, pinout charts, step-by-step assembly visuals #### 🔊 Aural learners - Present: Verbal explanation of technical concepts and project walkthrough - Improve: Audio commentary for each coding segment, technical term pronunciations #### 🗣️ Verbal learners - Present: Hardware analogies, technical definitions, step-by-step explanations - Improve: Glossary of embedded programming terms, comparison with web development concepts #### 🧩 Kinesthetic learners - Present: Hands-on soldering demonstration, interactive badge programming - Improve: Downloadable project templates, component identification checklist #### 🧠 Logical learners - Present: GPIO pin mapping, code structure explanation, project progression - Improve: Electrical specifications table, power consumption calculations #### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social learners - Present: Conference context, community badge hacking suggestions - Improve: Collaboration project ideas, badge hacking meetup recommendations #### 🧘‍♀️ Solitary learners - Present: Individual project focus, self-directed exploration encouragement - Improve: Personal project worksheets, troubleshooting self-assessment guides #### 🌿 Naturalistic learners - Present: LED effects mimicking natural phenomena like rainbows - Improve: Environmental sensor integration projects, nature-inspired patterns ### 📊 Accessibility Assessment #### Screen reader semantics - Present: Clear technical descriptions, hardware component identification - Improve: Alt text for circuit photos, structured headings for code sections #### Keyboard navigation - Present: Standard video controls, sequential content presentation - Improve: Timestamped navigation links, keyboard shortcuts for code examples #### Contrast and readability - Present: Clear video demonstration, readable code formatting - Improve: High-contrast code highlighting, enlarged GPIO pin labeling #### Text resizing and reflow - Present: Responsive video player, scalable text descriptions - Improve: Zoomable circuit diagrams, flexible code block formatting #### Media and captions - Present: Video demonstration with clear audio narration - Improve: Closed captions with technical term spelling, visual description track #### Forms and interactions - Present: Simple video interface, clear project navigation - Improve: Interactive GPIO pin mapping, accessible code editing interface ### 🌍 DEIB Assessment #### Cultural breadth - Present: Universal hardware concepts, internationally available components - Improve: Global conference badge examples, multi-language MicroPython resources #### Inclusive language - Present: Beginner-friendly explanations, non-technical audience consideration - Improve: Avoid assumptions about prior hardware experience, define all acronyms #### Neurodiversity support - Present: Step-by-step demonstration, clear visual progression - Improve: Consistent pacing indicators, optional detailed vs. summary explanations #### Representation - Present: Focus on technical content over personal characteristics - Improve: Highlight diverse creator contributions to embedded programming #### Psychological safety - Present: Encouraging tone about learning hardware programming - Improve: Normalize troubleshooting failures, emphasize experimentation value ### ✅ Logical Validity #### Strong reasoning - Deductive strength: GPIO pins enable LED control → badge can drive external hardware - Inductive strength: Previous badge success → future conference adoption likely - Causal reasoning: MicroPython accessibility → increased hardware adoption by web developers - Analogical strength: Web development skills transfer to embedded programming concepts #### Fallacies - None identified: Technical demonstration maintains factual accuracy throughout #### Tone of voice - Overall tone: Enthusiastic and encouraging with technical competence, uses accessible language for complex hardware concepts ### 🛡️ DARVO Analysis - Deny: No denial patterns present - Attack: No attacks on individuals or groups - Reverse victim/offender: No victim/offender dynamics - Emotional cues and rhetoric: Positive excitement about technical possibilities, encouraging exploration ## 🎯 Conclusion Conference badges have evolved into sophisticated development platforms that democratize hardware hacking for software developers. The GitHub Universe badge demonstrates how embedded systems programming has become accessible through familiar tools like Python, supported by modern AI assistance. This represents a significant shift in how we think about conference swag—from disposable items to educational platforms that continue providing value long after the event ends. The practical next step for developers is exploring MicroPython on microcontroller platforms, starting with simple GPIO projects before advancing to complex integrations. For conference organizers, the implication is clear: investing in hackable badges creates lasting educational impact that extends far beyond the event itself. ## 🧱 Refactor Appendix ### 📚 Literature Split Pad Purpose: Stage CEE units that become Literature notes. Split level: H3 ### [H1] Conference badges function as hackable development platforms > [!quote] [this conference badge is nuts!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE) by an unnamed author via [[YouTube]]. Published 2024. Accessed 2024-12-19. > "Raspberry Pi 2350 IO out the wazoo, full color screen and GPIO pins." Modern conference badges integrate complete microcontroller systems with wireless connectivity and expansion capabilities. [view highlight](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE&t=0#H1) #xref #articleseed ID:rw_conference_badges ### [H2] MicroPython enables web developers to program embedded hardware > [!quote] [this conference badge is nuts!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= <!-- deep-read:sections end --> ## 📺 Video  --- # 📄 Full Transcript *Auto-generated from YouTube captions · timestamps roughly every 30 seconds · [watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPm_zN95FE)* **[00:00]** Now, this is a cool conference badge. This is from GitHub Universe, the developer conference, and the entire badge itself actually a printed PCB. Look, I pulled one out of the garbage cuz I'm a monster, but it's got a Wi-Fi Bluetooth chip on it, little antenna. It's got a Raspberry Pi 2350 IO out the wazoo, obviously a full-color screen, and some GPIO pins up top, which I'm going to show you how I actually use that in just a second. **[00:30]** So, the badge itself has a bunch of apps already preloaded on it. You see there's a Tamagotchi, there's a Etch A Sketch on it, there's Flappy Bird, which is really fun to be able to play. And then finally, they have a badge itself, which if you load it up, connect it to the Wi-Fi, it goes and fetches all of your GitHub details and displays them right on the badge. So, I thought of course, we got to be able to figure out how to hack this. So, what I did is at the conference as well, they were giving **[01:02]** these lights out, which is a kind of a 3D printed light with some 5-V addressable LED pixels, and then they have a spot where you can put like a ESP32. But I thought, we don't need that. This is a microcontroller in itself, and it has a battery. We got to be able to power it. So, if you take a look up here, there is a Oh, I already broke one of my shitty solders. I'll have to solder that back on before I show you, but you see we've got 3.3 V and ground **[01:33]** down here, and then four different GPIO pins um on the top. You can see a little bit better on here. So, what I did is these things here have power, ground, and a data line, which allows you to address every single one. All right, got them soldered back on. And then when you go over to my app that I built, I'll show you the code in just a second. Start that sucker up, and boom. So, the badge itself comes with a bunch of utils for doing things like drawing shapes on screen, and listening for button clicks **[02:04]** and button events. So, I made this thing where you can obviously just change the color based on where the cursor is. I did another one where if you click it once, it will just push the color that into an array and light them up like that. Of course, I had to do rainbow mode. If I hit it five times, 1 2 3 4 5, then it moves into rainbow mode. And then once I get this thing fully hooked up, you can kind of see the effect that you'll get is diffuse, beautiful rainbow LEDs. The code behind this is all written in something called MicroPython. So, you **[02:36]** simply just need to upload some Python code to it. I wrote a little util here to work with addressing the individual LEDs. Normally, there's a library on these things called NeoPixel, but it wasn't on this one, so I just kind of wrote the minimum viable one to get me working with that. And then a bunch of Python code for listening for button presses and sending that data out to the pixels. These are all made by a company called Pimoroni, uh and they actually sell a package for these. They make them **[03:08]** for conferences mostly, but they sell them if you want to just grab one and hack it, which I recommend because it's kind of fun to be able to fuss around with this the stuff, especially with LLMs now. It allows you to push past if you're just a lowly JavaScript programmer who's tinkered in hardware, you can sort of push past that and make some some real stuff. I do have the uh eInk one from last year, which is pretty nifty, but this one just blew it out of the water, and I think it's really cool that this is This is like totally It's not plugged **[03:39]** into anything. It's all running on a battery, and it's totally connected to Wi-Fi. So, now I'm curious, and this is probably a sentence that has never been said before, but I'm curious if I can hook up my conference badge to a previous project, which was my robot-controlled vacuum cleaner. Let me know down in the comments below if I should try that.