The best PIR motion sensors for Arduino, ESP32 and Raspberry Pi: 7 picks including HC-SR501, AM312, HC-SR505 and the RCWL-0516 and LD2410C radar alternatives, compared on supply voltage, idle current, range, adjustability and output.
The best isolated DC-DC converter modules ranked: B0505S-1WR3, B1212S, B1205S-3W, 5V to 3.3V and 5V to 15V isolated modules, plus regulated WRB2405S and URB2405S wide-input converters, with listing specs, honest verdicts and verified Amazon links.
The best 18650 batteries and holders for makers compared: Samsung 25R cells, plug-and-play JST packs, a 7800mAh 1S3P pack, the Tenergy 7.4V 2S pack, holder sets, PCB holders and a battery shield, with verified Amazon links and honest verdicts.
The best solar charge controllers for IoT gateways, LTE cameras and 12V sensor stations: Victron SmartSolar, EPEVER Tracer AN, Genasun GV-5, DFRobot, Renogy and more, compared on PV input, charge current, battery support and the data ports you can read from an ESP32.
The best step-down voltage regulator modules ranked: LM2596, MP1584EN, XL4016, XL4015, Mini-360 and DROK LCD buck converters, with real listing specs, honest verdicts and verified Amazon links.
The best boost converter step-up modules compared: XL6009, MT3608, TPS61023, Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C, 150W and 400W boosters, with verified Amazon links, real specs and honest verdicts.
The best bench power supply under $100 for electronics and embedded work: 8 picks including the Tekpower TP3005T, Riden RD6006, DPS3005, Korad KA3005D and Alientek DP100, compared on topology, voltage, current, resolution and features.
The best CNC shield and GRBL controller kits, compared: Arduino CNC Shield V3 + A4988 and DRV8825 kits, plug-and-play GRBL 1.1f boards for 3018 routers, an offline hand-controller bundle and the 32-bit ESP32 MKS DLC32, with verified Amazon links, real specs and honest pros and cons.
The best servo motor driver boards ranked: Adafruit and HiLetgo PCA9685 16-channel PWM drivers, Raspberry Pi HATs, Arduino shields, Pololu Maestro and serial bus servo adapters, with verified Amazon links.
The 8 best 16×2 and 20×4 character LCD modules for Arduino, ESP32 and Raspberry Pi, including I2C 1602, I2C 2004, RGB and Qwiic options, with verified Amazon links, real specs and honest pros and cons.