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

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

    17 Comments
  • UDP Broadcasting And The Joys Of IPv4 Subnetting

    34 Comments
  • The Death Of Physical Media And The Real Challenges To Software Archiving

    23 Comments
  • A Brief History Of The Crazy Old 7-Segment Display

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

    Is Now The Time For Volumetric 3D Printing?

    28 Comments
More from this category

Our Columns

  • Hackaday Links: July 19, 2026

    4 Comments
  • Simple Games From A Simpler Time

    32 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 378: C Coders, Ceramic Printers, And Shadow Archives

    1 Comment
  • This Week In Security: Another Record Patch Tuesday, LAME Is More Secure, Secure Boot Is Less Secure, And Milk Malware

    17 Comments
  • Hackaday Europe 2026 – Build A Cable Modem For Your Arduino

    19 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

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

    17 Comments
  • UDP Broadcasting And The Joys Of IPv4 Subnetting

    34 Comments
  • The Death Of Physical Media And The Real Challenges To Software Archiving

    23 Comments
  • A Brief History Of The Crazy Old 7-Segment Display

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

    Is Now The Time For Volumetric 3D Printing?

    28 Comments
More from this category

Categories

Our Columns

  • Hackaday Links: July 19, 2026

    4 Comments
  • Simple Games From A Simpler Time

    32 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 378: C Coders, Ceramic Printers, And Shadow Archives

    1 Comment
  • This Week In Security: Another Record Patch Tuesday, LAME Is More Secure, Secure Boot Is Less Secure, And Milk Malware

    17 Comments
  • Hackaday Europe 2026 – Build A Cable Modem For Your Arduino

    19 Comments
More from this category

Recent comments

  • metai on Seven Ways To Install Magnets Into Your 3D Prints
  • syc4p3cM on Cross-Sectioning Crickets With A Femtosecond Laser
  • syc4p3cM on A Pop-Up Truck Camper For Less
  • Jeff Wright on The Seemingly Impossible Oscillator
  • syc4p3cM on A Pop-Up Truck Camper For Less
  • Jeff Wright on Flex Filament Stuck To Your Build Platform? Reach For The Isopropanol
  • Jeff Wright on Cross-Sectioning Crickets With A Femtosecond Laser
  • Jeff Wright on Simple Games From A Simpler Time
  • Jeff Wright on Recycling Laptops And IMacs Makes PC Building Fun And Affordable Again
  • Bob on Seven Ways To Install Magnets Into Your 3D Prints
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...