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

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

    Does Carbon Fiber PLA Make Sense?

    14 Comments
  • Size (and Units) Really Do Matter

    87 Comments
  • Skimming Satellites: On The Edge Of The Atmosphere

    25 Comments
  • Tech In Plain Sight: Finding A Flat Tire

    31 Comments
  • Marion Stokes Fought Disinformation With VCRs

    48 Comments
More from this category

Our Columns

  • Keebin’ With Kristina: The One With The Split With The Num Pad

    3 Comments
  • Hackaday Links: January 25, 2026

    2 Comments
  • Crazy Old Machines

    37 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 354: Firearms, Sky Driving, And Dumpster Diving

    1 Comment
  • New Drug Hopes To Treat Sleep Apnea Without Masks

    51 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

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

    Does Carbon Fiber PLA Make Sense?

    14 Comments
  • Size (and Units) Really Do Matter

    87 Comments
  • Skimming Satellites: On The Edge Of The Atmosphere

    25 Comments
  • Tech In Plain Sight: Finding A Flat Tire

    31 Comments
  • Marion Stokes Fought Disinformation With VCRs

    48 Comments
More from this category

Categories

Our Columns

  • Keebin’ With Kristina: The One With The Split With The Num Pad

    3 Comments
  • Hackaday Links: January 25, 2026

    2 Comments
  • Crazy Old Machines

    37 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 354: Firearms, Sky Driving, And Dumpster Diving

    1 Comment
  • New Drug Hopes To Treat Sleep Apnea Without Masks

    51 Comments
More from this category

Recent comments

  • Nick on Reachy The Robot Gets A Mini (Kit) Version
  • james on LLM-Generated Newspaper Provides Ultimate In Niche Publications
  • Sammie Gee on Augmented Reality Project Utilizes The Nintendo DSi
  • rclark on The CURL Project Drops Bug Bounties Due To AI Slop
  • Sammie Gee on Wireless MIDI Controller Has Lots Of Knobs
  • Barry-NJ on Retrotechtacular: RCA Loses Fight To IBM
  • SteveS on The CURL Project Drops Bug Bounties Due To AI Slop
  • fonz on The CURL Project Drops Bug Bounties Due To AI Slop
  • dlcarrier on Vacuum Fluorescent Displays Explained
  • dlcarrier on LLM-Generated Newspaper Provides Ultimate In Niche Publications
Logo
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Hackaday.io
  • Tindie
  • 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 information
Powered by WordPress VIP
 

Loading Comments...