Open Source 8.5 Digit Voltmeter from CERN: Build and Test
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN people point to it as a showcase of CERN's open hardware and as an example of quality metrology content.
What it is
Marco Reps builds and tests an open-source 8.5 digit voltmeter based on CERN's high-precision ADC design. The video walks through assembly, soldering and measurement of the resulting instrument.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2021 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec willis936 · 2025-10 · on “How bad can a $2.97 ADC be?”
Well, if you're trying to measure DC extremely accurately the old stuff is still golden. Multi-slope is the gold standard and no one will sell you one. Delta-sigma get most of the way there. [LINK] And if you want to see CERN's multimeter, check this out. [this video] Marco Reps is a treasure.
Cites anfilt · 2021-05 · on “Over the past 10 years, the LHC has found more than 50 new hadrons”
Lots of the designs used by CERN are basically open source hardware some more useful than other depending on how niche it is. Heck CERN helps with KiCADs development which has benefited numerous hobbyists. Like here is a voltmetere someone built using designs from CERN. [this video]
Cites magicalhippo · 2023-03 · on “New ATLAS result weighs in on the W boson”
I recall watching Marco Reps' video[1] where he built the (relatively) high-speed high-precision ADC they designed and published as an open hardware project[2], to be used to accurately monitor current in the magnets. A small but important piece of a giant machine puzzle. [1]: [this video] [2]: [LINK]