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

  • The Need For Speed: Internet Speed Measurement (or DIY?)

    3 Comments
  • Postal IRCs Are Almost A Thing Of The Past

    11 Comments
  • Launching Rockets Is Hard, Bring Them Back Is Harder

    16 Comments
  • Putting Some Zig In A Linux-Based 3D Printer

    17 Comments
  • UDP Broadcasting And The Joys Of IPv4 Subnetting

    35 Comments
More from this category

Our Columns

  • FLOSS Weekly Episode 876: There Is No Money Fairy

    No comments
  • Compile Here, Run Everywhere: Crosstool-Ng

    3 Comments
  • Art of 3D printer in the middle of creating a Hackaday Jolly Wrencher

    Giving Resin 3D Printers Another Shot After Six Years

    21 Comments
  • Hackaday Europe 2026: Project Gigapixel

    10 Comments
  • Hackaday Links: July 19, 2026

    6 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

  • The Need For Speed: Internet Speed Measurement (or DIY?)

    3 Comments
  • Postal IRCs Are Almost A Thing Of The Past

    11 Comments
  • Launching Rockets Is Hard, Bring Them Back Is Harder

    16 Comments
  • Putting Some Zig In A Linux-Based 3D Printer

    17 Comments
  • UDP Broadcasting And The Joys Of IPv4 Subnetting

    35 Comments
More from this category

Categories

Our Columns

  • FLOSS Weekly Episode 876: There Is No Money Fairy

    No comments
  • Compile Here, Run Everywhere: Crosstool-Ng

    3 Comments
  • Art of 3D printer in the middle of creating a Hackaday Jolly Wrencher

    Giving Resin 3D Printers Another Shot After Six Years

    21 Comments
  • Hackaday Europe 2026: Project Gigapixel

    10 Comments
  • Hackaday Links: July 19, 2026

    6 Comments
More from this category

Recent comments

  • Kb- on Open Source Vacuum Avoids Cloud
  • syc4p3cM on Who’s Building That Data Center?
  • syc4p3cM on An LLM In The Kitchen
  • George Richards on The Need For Speed: Internet Speed Measurement (or DIY?)
  • list on An LLM In The Kitchen
  • Brian on Old TV Vacuum Tube Turned DIY X-Ray Machine
  • Cristiano Reis Monteiro on Old TV Vacuum Tube Turned DIY X-Ray Machine
  • Gilliam Vespa on Open Source Vacuum Avoids Cloud
  • Y Knot on Old TV Vacuum Tube Turned DIY X-Ray Machine
  • Arlyst on Open Source Vacuum Avoids Cloud
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...