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

  • Building Natural Seawalls To Fight Off The Rising Tide

    32 Comments
  • Ask Hackaday: How Do You Digitize Your Documents?

    73 Comments
  • The Amazing Maser

    45 Comments
  • Zombie Netscape Won’t Die

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

    Does Carbon Fiber PLA Make Sense?

    32 Comments
More from this category

Our Columns

  • Hackaday Links: February 1, 2026

    1 Comment
  • Secret Ingredients

    16 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 355: Person Detectors, Walkie Talkies, Open Smartphones, And A WiFi Traffic Light

    No comments
  • Did We Overestimate The Potential Harm From Microplastics?

    53 Comments
  • FLOSS Weekly Episode 862: Have Your CAKE And Eat It Too

    1 Comment
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

  • Building Natural Seawalls To Fight Off The Rising Tide

    32 Comments
  • Ask Hackaday: How Do You Digitize Your Documents?

    73 Comments
  • The Amazing Maser

    45 Comments
  • Zombie Netscape Won’t Die

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

    Does Carbon Fiber PLA Make Sense?

    32 Comments
More from this category

Categories

Our Columns

  • Hackaday Links: February 1, 2026

    1 Comment
  • Secret Ingredients

    16 Comments
  • Hackaday Podcast Episode 355: Person Detectors, Walkie Talkies, Open Smartphones, And A WiFi Traffic Light

    No comments
  • Did We Overestimate The Potential Harm From Microplastics?

    53 Comments
  • FLOSS Weekly Episode 862: Have Your CAKE And Eat It Too

    1 Comment
More from this category

Recent comments

  • Jeff Wright on The Latest From RepRapMicron – Nail Gel, First Objects, And More
  • matt on Lumafield Peers Into The 18650 Battery
  • irox on Hackaday Links: February 1, 2026
  • absurdist123 on Did We Overestimate The Potential Harm From Microplastics?
  • absurdist123 on All About USB-C: Connector Mechanics
  • J. Samson on Did We Overestimate The Potential Harm From Microplastics?
  • reg on IPhone Becomes A Bluetooth Keyboard And Mouse
  • gregg4 on SSH Over USB On A Raspberry Pi
  • ikearat on Limiting Battery Risk On Repurposed Smartphones With PostmarketOS
  • Ø on Lumafield Peers Into The 18650 Battery
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...