From Breadboard to MicroPython — Building “The C01N” Hacker Badge

Welcome to our next Python Meetup! Whether you're a seasoned developer or just beginning your Python journey, this event is designed to help you dive deeper into the language, meet fellow enthusiasts, and share insights. We’ve lined up an exciting main technical talk that will showcase innovative ideas in Python, followed by lightning talks where community members present quick, interesting projects or tips. It’s a great opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate.

Feel free to grab some refreshments, get comfortable, and get ready for an engaging evening of Python!

Date: 21 October, 2025
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Improving, 10111 Richmond Ave. # 100, Houston, TX 77042

### Welcome and Networking

• Time: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Description: Attendees check in, grab refreshments, and network with fellow Python enthusiasts.

### Opening Remarks

• Time: 6:30 PM – 6:40 PM
• Speaker: Dillon Niederhut
• Description: Brief introduction to the event, agenda rundown, and announcements.

### Main Technical Talk

• Time: 6:40 PM – 7:20 PM
• Title: From Breadboard to MicroPython — Building “The C01N” Hacker Badge
• Speaker: Ragul Balaji
• Description: In 2019, we created the C01N — an electronic badge serving as a symbolic “bounty” for contributors to Singapore’s vulnerability disclosure program. This talk takes you behind the scenes: designing custom PCBs, running MicroPython on a resource-constrained MCU, building a lightweight badge “OS,” and crafting hacks to make third-party apps run reliably. You’ll also see how we shipped a mini “app store,” navigated production challenges, and distilled lessons for building reusable hardware for the hacker community.
• Bio: Ragul Balaji is a hacker and maker working at the intersection of AI, security, and electronics. He has founded two startups in industrial automation and cybersecurity and now develops real-time machine learning models for broadcasting. Outside of work, he enjoys building robots and exploring HAM radio.

### Lightning Talks

• Time: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Description: 5-minute talks on various Python-related topics. Lightning talks are meant to be quick and informal, showcasing small projects, tools, or quick tips. Lightning talk sign-ups are at the event!
• Format: Each speaker has 5 minutes to present, followed by 2 minutes for questions.