Project Logs

Collapse

• Experimental Module Prototypes

  Oleg • 07/24/2026 at 13:52 • 0 comments

  Today Molde reached another important milestone.

  ## Modules.

  The first set of experimental modules has been designed and 3D printed. These are not intended to become final products—they are simply test platforms for evaluating mechanics, connectors and future electronics.

  At the moment I have 4 magnetic connector pairs available  only, so I builded 4 different modules. Some are designed as 1×1 modules, while others occupy 1×2 cells. Supporting different module sizes has been part of the concept from the beginning.

  Current modules:

  2-axis analog joystick with push button

  8×8 LED matrix (MAX7219)

  Ultrasonic distance sensor

  Dual RGB LED module.

  I use MCU CH32V203 for driving each module ( any recommendations?).

  ## The Main Panel Evolves

  First printed panel 25×25 mm grid but after that I redesigned the base and increased the cell size to 30×30 mm. It already feels more comfortable, but I'm still not convinced this is the final size.

  Possible directions:

  reduce to 20×20 mm;

  increase to 35×35 mm;

  keep 30×30 mm but change the spacing between cells.

  ## Connector Evaluation

  One of the big open question is still the magnetic connector.

  So far I'm testing two different concepts.

  Type 1 — Circular connector

  allows free module rotation.
  
  

  Type 2 — Linear connector

  noticeably stronger magnetic attraction;

  aligns modules much more accurately.

  At this point I honestly don't know which solution is better. The circular connector offers more freedom. The linear connector offers better precision.

  ## Next Steps

  Develop the initial firmware for the CH32V203-based modules.

  Assemble the electronics for the Main Board prototype.

  One step closer. See you in the next update.
  

• The First Physical Prototype

  Oleg • 07/18/2026 at 17:37 • 0 comments

  Today Molde took its first physical form.

  I 3D printed the first 5×5 prototype panel...

  The panel uses a 5×5 grid with 25×25 mm cells.

  Im not sure about size yet but anyway its a good starting point. 

  The next step is turning this mechanical prototype into an interactive hardware platform.

  ## Connector Evaluation

  I also ordered two different types of magnetic connectors for evaluation.

  Each one has pros and cons. Will see

  ## Next Steps
  Design the first test modules. 
  3D design and print boxes.
  Try to Integrate both connector types.
  Evaluate electrical reliability and holding force.

  One step closer. See you in the next update.
  

• Project Goals

  Oleg • 07/17/2026 at 15:50 • 0 comments

  # Project Goals

  Molde has begun.

  This project is still at a very early stage. There are no working prototypes yet, and many engineering decisions are still ahead.

  The purpose of this log is to document the initial goals of the project before development begins.

  ## Main Goals

  - Create a modular hardware platform.
  - Use magnetic modules that can be placed anywhere on the panel.
  - Build a universal interactive base with reusable hardware modules.
  - Make the platform open source.
  - Keep the system simple enough for beginners, yet powerful enough for experienced developers.

  ## Long-Term Vision

  Users should be able to assemble, rearrange, and reuse hardware modules within seconds.

  ## Current Status

  At the moment, I have:

  - the initial concept;
  - several ideas that need to be validated.

  The next step is to validate the core mechanical and electrical concepts before designing the first Main Board.

View all 3 project logs