This build that I discovered from our Hackaday friends just makes me go “wow and wow”. Yes, it’s a copy of the Enigma machine that was used to encrypt messages in World War II, but it’s tiny. Maker Simon Jansen has done an amazing job detailing his machine, down to the metal case and petite label. Check out the parts!
One of the things that drew me to the project was the OLED display, which creates the perfect backdrop for the readout. Buttons allow for scrolling up and down for numbers/letters, as well as making a selection. Although Simon started with a larger Arduino and a breadboard, he was able to fit things in a tight space with an Arduino Pro Mini. Parts can be fun, but it was Simon’s determination in actually understanding the Enigma Machine which makes this project truly stand out, especially the programming.
Looks do count, and the case really adds authenticity to this project. Simon used panel steel leftover from one of his car projects, with some oak wood for a form. The result is an accurate tight fitting enclosure which adds the feeling of history. History wouldn’t be complete without some leather, and Simon actually learned how to sew, complete with sewing machine in order to make the best strap possible for his watch. In the end, it looks like something Indiana Jones would carry around.
All that’s left is to think of a reason to encrypt your messages, hmmmmm. Seriously, it’s nice to see someone combining tech and history. If you feel like you’re interested in things like privacy for a more modern time period, you might want to check out our tutorial for creating an Onion Pi. It combines a lot of your favorite things like Raspberry Pi and Tor for a fairly anonymous browsing experience. What happens in Pi stays in Pi.
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Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: CircuitPython 2025 Wraps, Focus on Using Python, Open Source and More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey
Every Wednesday is Wearable Wednesday here at Adafruit! We’re bringing you the blinkiest, most fashionable, innovative, and useful wearables from around the web and in our own original projects featuring our wearable Arduino-compatible platform, FLORA. Be sure to post up your wearables projects in the forums or send us a link and you might be featured here on Wearable Wednesday!