Skip to content
Logo

Hackaday

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Hackaday.io
  • Contests
  • Submit
  • About

optical feedback

1 Articles

DIY Watt-Balance Redefines Your Kilograms From Scratch

September 30, 2016 by Moritz Walter 34 Comments
national_prototype_kilogram_k20_replica
The definition of the kilogram is still a chunk of metal.

Machined from a chunk of a virtually indestructible platinum-iridium alloy, the international prototype kilogram (IPK) was built to last for an eternity. And yet, being the last remaining, physical artifact in a club of fundamental SI units, the current definition of the kilogram has worn out. Most certainly the watt-balance will take its place, and redefine the kilogram with a true, physical phenomenon. [Grady] just built his own watt-balance from scratch, and he provides you with a decent portion of scientific background on the matter.

Continue reading “DIY Watt-Balance Redefines Your Kilograms From Scratch” →

Posted in Misc HacksTagged electromagnetic actuators, electromagnets, optical feedback, shadow sensor, si units, watt balance

Search

Never miss a hack

Follow on facebook Follow on twitter Follow on youtube Follow on rss Contact us

Subscribe

If you missed it

  • Magnets Are Bad For Hardware Again

    30 Comments
  • Between-Device Sharing Still Sucks

    107 Comments
  • How Search Engines Enabled Finding Needles In A WWW-Sized Haystack

    14 Comments
  • Teardown: ChargeTab Emergency Phone Charger

    55 Comments
  • 2026 Hackaday Europe: Pre-party, More Workshops, And Everything Else

    10 Comments
More from this category

Our Columns

  • Amazing Stories

    1 Comment
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 370: Softer Cyberdecks, A Simulated Clutch, And An Overstuffed Mailbox

    No comments
  • This Week In Security: AI Generated Reports, More AI Generated Reports, GitHub Chaos, And More Linux Vulnerabilities

    7 Comments
  • Tech In Plain Sight: The Mechanics Of String Trimmers

    36 Comments
  • Spy Tech: A Quiet Radio For Spies

    9 Comments
More from this category

Search

Never miss a hack

Follow on facebook Follow on twitter Follow on youtube Follow on rss Contact us

Subscribe

If you missed it

  • Magnets Are Bad For Hardware Again

    30 Comments
  • Between-Device Sharing Still Sucks

    107 Comments
  • How Search Engines Enabled Finding Needles In A WWW-Sized Haystack

    14 Comments
  • Teardown: ChargeTab Emergency Phone Charger

    55 Comments
  • 2026 Hackaday Europe: Pre-party, More Workshops, And Everything Else

    10 Comments
More from this category

Categories

Our Columns

  • Amazing Stories

    1 Comment
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 370: Softer Cyberdecks, A Simulated Clutch, And An Overstuffed Mailbox

    No comments
  • This Week In Security: AI Generated Reports, More AI Generated Reports, GitHub Chaos, And More Linux Vulnerabilities

    7 Comments
  • Tech In Plain Sight: The Mechanics Of String Trimmers

    36 Comments
  • Spy Tech: A Quiet Radio For Spies

    9 Comments
More from this category

Recent comments

  • Adam Fabio on Improving An Aquarium Chiller With An Industrial Controller Transplant
  • PPJ on Building An Analog Meter Watch
  • Tony M on Touchable POV Display Blooms In Mid Air
  • mythoughts62 on Water-cooling A 3D Printed Rocket Isn’t Quite Practical
  • mythoughts62 on Water-cooling A 3D Printed Rocket Isn’t Quite Practical
  • stevenaleach1977 on Touchable POV Display Blooms In Mid Air
  • kbriz on Voltmeter Clock Has The Time Dialled In
  • pauldaoust on Injection Molding Your Own Rubik’s Cubes Takes Work
  • Gus Mueller on Passive Bug Zapper Tracks Its Kill Count
  • Nicolas Boichat on Passive Bug Zapper Tracks Its Kill Count
Logo
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Hackaday.io
  • Video
  • Submit A Tip
  • About
  • Contact Us

Never miss a hack

Follow on facebook Follow on twitter Follow on youtube Follow on rss Contact us

Subscribe to Newsletter

Copyright © 2026 | Hackaday, Hack A Day, and the Skull and Wrenches Logo are Trademarks of Hackaday.com | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Digital Services Act | Do not sell or share my personal informationCookie Management
Powered by WordPress VIP
 

Loading Comments...