Every electronics project needs a prototyping phase, and that's when the classic breadboard (also known as a plugboard or 'test board') comes to the rescue. However, it can't work with surface-mount components unless you use headers or breakouts, and eventually the maze of wires, jumpers, and unstable connections confuses anyone. The Hexabitz initiative seeks to present a new alternative in modular electronics, based on small hexagons that are easy to connect, which at the same time enable three-dimensional designs.
Beyond the Breadboard
The weekend is approaching. What's next on your project list? Hacking a console? Replacing capacitors? Restoring an old radio? There's always something to do, and we don't need to punch a hole in our budget. We've recently talked a lot about the Raspberry Pi. The Zero units are quite accessible, and a simple RetroPie installation to relive old classics will keep you busy for hours. Those who prefer a more "pure and hard" electronics session will take their breadboards and start designing, duplicating, or optimizing circuits, but there are other ways to create prototypes. Not all were successful, and some bit the dust prematurely. That said, the question is: How comfortable would you feel working with hexagons?
What Is Hexabitz?
That is the offer of Hexabitz: small hexagons (which can also be other polygons) packed with components, connected to each other with solder bridges or directly soldered pins. All modules are equipped with an STM32 microcontroller that identifies the hexagons and announces their function, which also allows creating a kind of network and establishing a certain degree of parallelism in task execution. Obviously, each hexagon can be used independently, accessing its functions via a command console through a computer, or using buttons and switches.
Availability and Impressions
Personally, I think it's inevitable to feel doubts about the solder bridges, but they are an acceptable compromise as long as you limit them to prototypes. And speaking of prototypes, the Hexabitz project itself is in alpha, and only 14 modules are on sale, with prices that definitely need improvement. Another very positive aspect for Hexabitz would be to get closer to the Arduino and Raspberry Pi systems. We'll be watching.
