Open Hardware Files: A Solar Sensor and an AV Sync Calibrator

Two newly shared hardware designs caught our eye in the November 9, 2026 engineering-file roundup: a solar irradiance sensor for Home Assistant and a compact audio-video timing aid. Both invite inspection and experimentation, but neither is a tested, ready-to-ship product.

A solar sensor with two jobs for sunlight

CAD rendering of the proposed PV irradiance sensor enclosure. Image: WOBIK497, CERN-OHL-S-2.0. Not a photograph; the design has not yet been built.

WOBIK497’s PV-Einstrahlungssensor uses two solar cells: one to sense incoming sunlight and another to charge a supercapacitor. An nRF52832 is intended to report measurements to Home Assistant using BTHome. Separating sensing from power collection makes this an interesting design to study for low-power outdoor instrumentation.

The first source commit was published on November 9, 2026, at 22:13 UTC (14:13 Pacific). Its editable KiCad 9 engineering directory contains a PCB and project file, not an editable schematic. The hardware and project images are covered by CERN-OHL-S-2.0; the software has a separate MIT licence.

This remains an unbuilt proposal. Calibration, radio behaviour, waterproofing and overnight operation still need validation, and silkscreen DRC warnings remain. Treat the files as a starting point for review, not a demonstrated sensor specification.

A visible and audible reference for AV timing

LeeO86’s AVsync Calibrator v0.3 combines an LED flash, buzzer and light sensor to support audio-video synchronization measurements. The November 9, 2026 update introduces a CH32X035-based design with USB-C firmware updates. A small, inspectable timing accessory is an appealing companion to video and streaming experiments.

3D rendering of the AVsync calibrator v0.3 proposal. Image: LeeO86, CERN-OHL-P-2.0. Not a photograph; not ordered, built or tested.

The KiCad 9 engineering directory includes editable schematic, PCB and project files, plus custom symbols and footprints. Hardware is licensed under CERN-OHL-P-2.0. The author explicitly describes this revision as not ordered, built or tested; application integration is also still in progress.

Read the files before ordering boards

These are source-available opportunities to inspect and improve real circuit designs, not claims of successful manufacturing. We checked the engineering-file formats and published licensing information but did not build or bench-test either project. Follow each project’s current documentation and licence obligations before adapting or distributing a design.

source https://blog.tindie.com/2026/11/open-hardware-files-a-solar-sensor-and-an-av-sync-calibrator/