Skip to content
Logo

Hackaday

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

shadow sensor

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 “Tin Blimp” Was A Neither Tin Nor A Blimp: The Detroit ZMC-2 Story

    18 Comments
  • Secure Communication, Buried In A News App

    24 Comments
  • New Artemis Plan Returns To Apollo Playbook

    54 Comments
  • Back To Basics: Hacking On Key Matrixes

    12 Comments
  • Accidental Climate Engineering With Disintegrating Satellites

    15 Comments
More from this category

Our Columns

  • Blood Tests Could Provide Early Warning Of Alzheimers Disease

    1 Comment
  • Ask Hackaday: What Will An LLM Be Good For In The Plateau Of Productivity?

    64 Comments
  • Hackaday Links: March 8, 2026

    8 Comments
  • Choice, Control, And Interruption

    47 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 360: Cool Rubber Bands, Science-y Stuff, And The Whys Of Office Supplies

    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 “Tin Blimp” Was A Neither Tin Nor A Blimp: The Detroit ZMC-2 Story

    18 Comments
  • Secure Communication, Buried In A News App

    24 Comments
  • New Artemis Plan Returns To Apollo Playbook

    54 Comments
  • Back To Basics: Hacking On Key Matrixes

    12 Comments
  • Accidental Climate Engineering With Disintegrating Satellites

    15 Comments
More from this category

Categories

Our Columns

  • Blood Tests Could Provide Early Warning Of Alzheimers Disease

    1 Comment
  • Ask Hackaday: What Will An LLM Be Good For In The Plateau Of Productivity?

    64 Comments
  • Hackaday Links: March 8, 2026

    8 Comments
  • Choice, Control, And Interruption

    47 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 360: Cool Rubber Bands, Science-y Stuff, And The Whys Of Office Supplies

    6 Comments
More from this category

Recent comments

  • Commodore Z on Restoring A Commodore PET 3032 In Rough Condition
  • . on The “Tin Blimp” Was A Neither Tin Nor A Blimp: The Detroit ZMC-2 Story
  • LordNothing on Clear Resin Casting Replicates Old Acrylic For Selectric Repair
  • Paul on Clear Resin Casting Replicates Old Acrylic For Selectric Repair
  • Paul on It’s 1979 – What Exactly Did That ∫ Key Do?
  • A on Clear Resin Casting Replicates Old Acrylic For Selectric Repair
  • Paul on It’s 1979 – What Exactly Did That ∫ Key Do?
  • Paul on It’s 1979 – What Exactly Did That ∫ Key Do?
  • Jack on The “Tin Blimp” Was A Neither Tin Nor A Blimp: The Detroit ZMC-2 Story
  • LordNothing on Clear Resin Casting Replicates Old Acrylic For Selectric Repair
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...