Wonderful writeup! Really embraces the old internet character from the days before people started putting ads in the personal websites.

Every point of friction, every struggle documented in minute detail, on a long and bumpy path to some kind of result. The stakes are zero, the whole project an act of pure expression. It is like a kind of oasis in a desert of articles about new ML models. I don't mind that HN is all about new models all the time now, but content like this being on the front page is soothing.

Very cool.

And, BTW (this post reminds me), if anyone wants to help: I'm planning on trying to knock out an inexpensive, open-source "Dykstraflex-like" [1] camera from off-the-shelf and 3D printed parts this Fall.

[1] I kind of figure if you know what a Dykstraflex rig is you're already more likely to be the kind of person that will want to help—so this footnote does little to help those that are puzzled by the term Dykstraflex.

I would love to see a First person view of that tumble

Love it!

These kinds of posts are one of the reasons I stick around.

I have a friend that does these kinds of projects, all the time, and shared it with him.

The googly eyes are such a nice touch! Great writeup.

Technology and gadgets used to sound quite amazing, cute and desirable to have and experience. But now they look like plastic feed, triggering a vomit feel. I think revolt against anything tech is around the corner.