If you would prefer to read tweets, news, or sports results on something a little more physical than a digital display, a new mini printer developed and built by Adafruit called the “Internet of Things” printer might be the perfect product for you.
The mini printer uses small receipt rolls to print out incoming tweets and other information for you to read at your leisure. Watch the video after the jump to see the Internet of Things printer in action.
Features and Functionality
The Adafruit Internet of Things Printer is equipped with an Ethernet port and comes supplied with a sketch that will connect to Twitter’s API. The sketch can easily be amended to suit your own needs with a little tweaking. This flexibility allows you to customize the printer to fetch and print various types of data, such as weather updates, stock prices, or even reminders and to-do lists.
“The project is not very difficult but does require some light soldering, so you’ll want to have a little experience with a soldering iron. You’ll also need a small flathead screwdriver to assemble the box. It’s also best if you’ve had a little Arduino experience so you can feel comfortable downloading the IDE and uploading our example sketch.”
The printer’s compact size makes it ideal for a variety of settings, whether it’s on your desk at work, in your kitchen, or even in a classroom setting. Imagine having a small, tangible printout of your daily schedule or important notifications right at your fingertips.
Getting Started with the IoT Printer
The Internet of Things (IoT) printer is now available to purchase for $90 and comes supplied as a kit that will require a little soldering. The kit includes all the necessary components, such as the thermal printer, Ethernet module, and the Arduino-compatible microcontroller. Detailed instructions are provided to guide you through the assembly process, making it a fun and educational project for tech enthusiasts.
For those who are new to soldering, Adafruit offers a range of tutorials and resources to help you get started. The project not only teaches you about hardware assembly but also introduces you to basic programming concepts through the Arduino platform. This makes it an excellent learning tool for both beginners and experienced makers.
Once assembled, the IoT printer can be further customized with additional sensors and modules. For example, you could add a temperature sensor to print out real-time temperature readings or integrate it with a smart home system to receive alerts and notifications. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination and creativity.
The Adafruit Internet of Things Printer is a versatile and innovative device that brings the digital world into the physical realm. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a new project or someone who appreciates the tactile experience of printed information, this mini printer offers a unique and engaging way to stay connected.
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