Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The 1-Axis Attitude Control Module with ATOM is a maker-built inverted-pendulum demonstration: an M5Stack ATOM Matrix reads the module’s motion and controls a brushless motor used as a reaction wheel. Its author reports achieving inversion after more than five days of parameter tuning, but the project page does not provide independent validation or controlled performance measurements. Read the project account on Hackster.io.

What the project demonstrates

Published on Hackster.io on August 13, 2020, the project describes a small, single-axis attitude-control experiment rather than a general-purpose spacecraft system. The author, posting as homemadegarbage, frames the goal as: “We aim to realize a 1-axis attitude control module (inverted pendulum).” The setup attempts to keep the assembly upright by controlling the rotation of a reaction wheel.

The distinction matters: this is a maker build, not evidence of a flight-qualified spacecraft attitude-control system. The author reports that the assembly achieved inversion after more than five days of adjustment, but the page does not establish independently measured balance performance.

How the ATOM-based system works

Motion sensing and attitude estimation

The ATOM Matrix ESP32 development kit is the controller in the documented build. The author identifies its MPU6886 six-axis inertial sensor as the source of accelerometer and gyroscope readings. A Kalman filter combines those measurements to estimate tilt angle and angular rate. The project reports a 400 Hz Kalman update frequency as a configuration detail of this implementation, not an independently verified performance figure.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Reaction wheel and feedback

An ID-549XW brushless motor acts as the reaction wheel. In the author’s implementation, motor commands use a reported 20 kHz PWM input, alongside direction and brake signals. Optical encoder A and B phases connect to ATOM Matrix pins; interrupt-based counts are used to estimate wheel speed.

The author describes learning the motor’s wiring and response experimentally and notes that reliable motor information was scarce. The project account does not establish an authoritative datasheet or verified manufacturer specifications, so its motor details should be understood as implementation observations rather than definitive specifications.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Control and tuning

The controller combines estimated module tilt, tilt rate, and wheel speed with tuned coefficients to determine motor duty and direction. It also uses a brake range near the target balance angle. The author adjusted parameters manually over a serial connection. This description explains the control approach, but the page does not provide a validated engineering characterization or controlled results from which to assess stability, accuracy, or repeatability.

What you need to reproduce the documented setup

The project identifies the ATOM Matrix as its core development board and names the ID-549XW motor as its reaction wheel. M5Stack’s project hub also lists the project, and its ATOM Matrix manual provides board-level documentation and example links.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

The ATOM Matrix ESP32 development kit is the clearest hardware reference for someone considering a reproduction because it is explicitly named as the controller. The project account does not establish the motor’s current availability or a suitable current listing. Check the exact board revision and kit contents before sourcing hardware; the cited material does not confirm current inventory.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to interpret the reported result

The reported inversion is useful as an account of what the author says was achieved after extended tuning. It is not an independent test result: the project page does not provide a third-party assessment or controlled performance measurements. Treat it as a demonstration of a one-axis maker experiment, not proof that the design is ready for spacecraft use or that another build will balance without substantial tuning.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.