microcontroller Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

How a Decade-Old Samsung Laser Printer Became a Minecraft Host Server

A Samsung C410W printer has been repurposed by a maker named vimpo to host a Minecraft server, leveraging its debug serial port and LAN Test Protocol. The printer, despite being from the mid-2010s, features Wi-Fi connectivity and has 23 megabytes of RAM. Vimpo crafted a payload to redirect execution to activate the printer's status lights, allowing the lightweight UCraft server to run. This server, with a binary size of about 46 kilobytes, enables basic gameplay for a single player but has limitations in processing power, leading to lag when multiple players connect. The exploit and server code are publicly available for others to replicate this project.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

This DIY Halo console runs games from physical cartridges

The creator has designed a new case that features a cartridge pocket with an eject button, allowing for easy cartridge release while maintaining compatibility with existing cartridges. The device operates with a chip at 45W TDP, has a well-engineered airflow system, and is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced PETG with decorative olive-green panels and orange buttons. The logos are laser-engraved with unique Easter eggs. The console uses distinct firmware on an ESP32 microcontroller to transmit cartridge IDs to a mini PC, launching games seamlessly. An external USB cable is required for the ESP32 connection to the mini PC, which will be addressed in a future version. The case files are available for free on Printables.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

This developer squeezed a full Minecraft server onto an ESP32, and it actually works

A developer named angelthebox has created a Minecraft server called Macerun that runs on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, using Minecraft version 1.16.5 rewritten in C. Key features include the ability for players to join the server, explore the world, place and break blocks, procedural world chunk generation, basic crafting mechanics with 2x2 recipes, in-game chat, and tracking of basic physics, health, and hunger. Changes to blocks are saved to the chip's flash memory. However, the server lacks mobs, 3x3 crafting recipes, and the ability to retain player inventories and positions after exiting. The source code is available on the Macerun GitHub page.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

FRANK OS 1.0 Launches With a Retro Windows 95-Like Desktop

FRANK OS is a newly launched open-source graphical desktop operating system specifically designed for microcontrollers, with its first official version, 1.0, now available. It is built on FreeRTOS rather than the Linux kernel, optimized for the RP2350 microcontroller, which has approximately 520 KB of SRAM and dual CPU cores. The operating system features a desktop environment reminiscent of Windows 95, including overlapping windows, a taskbar, and a start-menu-style launcher. It supports standard desktop behaviors and allows users to switch between applications using an Alt+Tab-style interface. FRANK OS comes preloaded with nine lightweight applications, such as an interactive terminal, a C compiler, classic games, and a ZX Spectrum emulator. Programs can be compiled as ARM ELF binaries and loaded from an SD card. The system is aimed at hobbyists and experimental use.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Developer Runs Minecraft On Smart Lightbulb

Developer Vimpo has established a Minecraft server on a budget smart lightbulb using the BL602 microcontroller. The server, called Ucraft, is a lightweight system that lacks many traditional features but operates effectively. The binary size is approximately 46 KB without the authentication library and 90 KB with it. Memory consumption varies based on active players, peaking at around 70 KB with authentication for up to 10 players, or dropping to 20 KB without it.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Game server hosting just found its most unlikely platform in a cheap bulb

A hardware enthusiast named Vimpo successfully hosted a Minecraft server on a budget-friendly smart LED bulb using a BL602 RISC-V microcontroller, which operates at 192 megahertz and has 276 kilobytes of RAM and 128 kilobytes of ROM. He implemented a lightweight server software called Ucraft, with a binary size of approximately 46 kilobytes without authentication and 90 kilobytes with authentication. While Ucraft meets basic hosting demands, it lacks most features of a standard Minecraft server. This project demonstrates the flexibility of embedded systems and highlights innovative uses of technology.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

This bright spark built a 90 KB Minecraft server and got it running on a Wi-Fi-equipped lightbulb

YouTuber Vimpo successfully ran a custom Minecraft server, named Ucraft, on a modified Wi-Fi smart lightbulb. The lightbulb was altered by removing its glass exterior to access the BL602 RISC-V chip, which was connected to a microcontroller with a USB port. The server binary is compact, measuring 46 KB without the authentication library and 90 KB with it, and uses a maximum of 70 KB of memory with ten players. The server supports basic minigames like TNT run, although it has limitations on blocks and map sizes.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

Hardware hacker installs Minecraft server on a cheap smart lightbulb — single 192 MHz RISC-V core with 276KB of RAM, enough to run tiny 90K byte world

A hardware hacker named Vimpo installed a Minecraft server on a budget-friendly smart lightbulb, utilizing the bulb's BL602 RISC-V-powered microcontroller. Vimpo disassembled an LED bulb from AliExpress, soldered connections to its headers, and used a USB-to-serial adapter for communication. The software aspect involved using Ucraft, a compact implementation available on GitHub, which has a binary size of approximately 46K bytes without authentication and 90K bytes with it. Memory usage varies with active players, reaching a maximum of around 70K bytes with 10 players connected. Ucraft, however, lacks most features of the vanilla server.

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

This Lamp Runs Minecraft

Hackers have shifted their focus from running Doom on unconventional devices to establishing Minecraft servers on unexpected platforms. A recent achievement involves running a Minecraft server on an IoT light bulb, utilizing a BL602 RISC-V-powered microcontroller. The server, named Ucraft, was optimized to fit within the microcontroller's limited memory and storage, condensing the software to just a few tens of kilobytes. The microcontroller was extracted from the bulb, new firmware was flashed onto it, and then it was soldered back into place to host Minecraft worlds. Despite limitations in world size and available items, the server operates effectively, providing a responsive gaming experience.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Building A Minecraft Lantern For Halloween

A team at Hulk has created a 3D-printed replica of the Minecraft lantern for Halloween. The lantern features a 3D printed enclosure that mimics the game's design and is made of six parts assembled with acrylic lenses to diffuse light. It uses an Arduino Nano to control lighting effects with NeoPixel LED rings, allowing customizable RGB colors through integrated rotary pots. The lantern is powered by an 18650 lithium-ion cell and a TP4056 module for battery maintenance. This project exemplifies the merging of technology and creativity in the maker community.