Registration is open for the hands-on workshops at Hackaday Supercon 2026, running November 6–8 in Pasadena, California. Friday begins with badge hacking and social activities at Supplyframe HQ; Saturday and Sunday move to ArtCenter South Campus for talks, challenges and workshops. Seats are limited because these sessions involve small groups and physical build work, so book through the workshop registration link in Hackaday’s October 14 announcement as soon as you have chosen a session.
When and where are the 2026 Supercon workshops?
Supercon Ten is a three-day event in Pasadena from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8, 2026. Friday is centered on relaxed badge hacking and social time at Supplyframe HQ. The weekend program, including talks, activities and additional workshops, takes place at ArtCenter South Campus. Organizers moved to the larger venue to accommodate about 20% more hackers than the previous format.
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Hackaday says this year’s workshop lineup is larger than in prior years and urges attendees to reserve quickly. The announcement describes ten workshops, while the published descriptions identify nine named sessions; check the live registration page for the complete schedule and any additional listing. Exact prices, remaining seat counts and cancellation terms were not stated in the available official materials.
Workshop projects and who they suit
| Workshop | Level and emphasis | Physical result | What continues after Supercon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Making 3D Images (Lenticulars) and 3D Cameras | Mixed hardware, photography and software; suitable for curious makers | 3D camera build and a lenticular print to take home | Camera and image-making techniques can be reused for future projects |
| Explore the EMF Around You | Beginner-friendly electronics and measurement | EMF Explorer Badge soldering kit that turns electrical activity into sound | Device can be used to investigate everyday electromagnetic sources |
| Reinforcement Learning for Robotics | Advanced software, AI and robotics | Trained agent running on a two-wheeled robot | Concepts include robustness and sim-to-real transfer |
| Exquisite Circuit: Exquisite Corpse for Electronics | Collaborative, experimental low-voltage hardware | A concealed circuit stage integrated into a group design | Participants learn reveal, reconstruction and safety-check practices |
| Bling It On: Programming Your Own Generative Art Matrix | Intermediate CircuitPython or C++ and Wi-Fi APIs | 130 mm × 130 mm LED matrix | Generative algorithms and network-driven visualizations are extendable |
| Badge Hacking for Beginners | Beginner software and hardware | Customized conference badge | Skills can be applied to the Sunday badge-hacking competition |
| Powered Flowers and Prismatic Stars | Wearable hardware, LEDs and craft assembly | Illuminated star or flower appliqué on a hat or bag | WLED and addressable-light techniques support later wearables |
| We have TCSM at Home! | Intermediate RF, antennas and measurement | ESP32-based wireless bug-hunting and RF-exploration tool | Custom antennas can be simulated, laid out and evaluated with a VNA |
| Tiny Tapeout | Digital logic and semiconductor design | Design files and a possible future shuttle submission | Designs may be submitted for manufacture on a later Tiny Tapeout shuttle |
Detailed workshop guide
Making 3D Images (Lenticulars) and 3D Cameras
Josh Martin’s session covers the history and visual principles of 3D photography, then moves into construction. Attendees combine off-the-shelf parts, a 3D printer and custom software to build a 3D camera. Captured images are processed into a physical lenticular print, giving participants a finished object rather than only digital files.
#1 Best Overall
- 35+ Guided Electronics Projects: Progress from LEDs and buttons to RFID access, real-time clocks, motion and distance sensing, environmental monitoring, motor control and interactive displays for STEM learning, coding clubs and maker projects
- More I/O and Memory for Larger Builds: The MEGA 2560 R3 provides 54 digital I/O pins, including 15 PWM outputs, 16 analog inputs, 4 hardware serial ports and 256 KB flash for projects that combine more sensors, controls and displays
- 200+ Components for Prototyping: Includes LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, DHT11, HC-SR501 PIR, ultrasonic and water-level sensors, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, DC motor, breadboard and more
- Learn, Modify and Create: Follow 35+ guided lessons with example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text, motor behavior and control logic to turn structured exercises into access systems, monitors, alarms and interactive projects
- Organized for Repeatable Learning: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and keep sensors, LEDs, ICs, wires and other components easy to find between projects
Explore the EMF Around You
Darcy Neal introduces electromagnetic-frequency sources, lets participants listen to those signals and guides them through building a sensing device. The EMF Explorer Badge is a soldering kit that converts electrical activity from ordinary electronics into sound. A KiCad board-file segment may be included if time permits, so this is a practical entry point for people who want both soldering and basic circuit-design exposure.
Reinforcement Learning for Robotics
Shawn Hymel’s workshop trains an AI agent from scratch to balance a two-wheeled robot and then runs the result on real hardware. The session also examines robustness and the sim-to-real problem: behavior that works in a simulation can require adjustment before it remains stable on a physical machine. This is the clearest choice for attendees seeking machine-learning theory tied to a moving robot, rather than a static electronics build.
Rank #2
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
Exquisite Circuit
In Alessandra Noelting’s collaborative format, each person adds a hidden stage to a shared low-voltage circuit. The group later reveals and reconstructs the design, checks it for safety and powers it from a strictly current-limited supply. The concealed-stage format makes the workshop social and unpredictable while keeping the final power-up controlled.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBling It On
Bob Hickman and Estefannie teach generative algorithms in CircuitPython or C++, then use Wi-Fi APIs to drive visualizations. Every attendee takes home a 130 mm × 130 mm LED matrix. The intermediate label matters: participants should expect to read and modify code, not only wire a prewritten kit.
Rank #3
- 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
- 200+ Components Across 63 Types: Includes an ELEGOO UNO R3 controller, LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, HC-SR501 PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, breadboard and more
- Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
- Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
- Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
Badge Hacking for Beginners
Nathan Jones explains how the conference badge works and leads one software hack and one hardware hack. The stated goal is a customized badge, with an invitation to continue experimenting in Sunday’s badge-hacking competition. It is the most direct starting point for a first-time conference hacker who wants guided access to both firmware and physical modifications.
Powered Flowers and Prismatic Stars
Debra Ansell’s wearable session combines 3D-printed diffusers, mesh fabric and addressable string lights into a star or flower appliqué. Parts, tools, power, animation components and a hat or bag are provided. Attendees may bring a sturdy denim or canvas item instead, and a WLED overview is planned. A laptop or smartphone is recommended for setup and animation work.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Starter Kit for Beginners: Part of the Powered by Arduino program, this kit includes an original Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, 300+ high-quality components, 50+ hands-on projects (30 basic, 13 fun, and 8 IoT), and 100+ free video lessons co-created with renowned educator Paul McWhorter. Designed for beginners ages 8+, it provides a complete, step-by-step path to learn Arduino, electronics, coding, and IoT. RoHS compliant for added safety and quality, it also makes a thoughtful gift for tech enthusiasts, students, and aspiring makers for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Powerful Arduino Uno R4 WiFi Board: Upgraded from the Arduino Uno R3, the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi features a 32-bit processor, more memory, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling connection to third-party apps for more interactive and practical projects.
- 300+ Components for Endless Possibilities: With 300+ components and sensors, this kit is perfect for portable projects. It features step-by-step tutorials, open-source code, and compatibility with other Arduino boards like Uno R3 and Nano, offering endless customization and learning opportunities.
- Engaging Projects for Every Skill Level: Featuring 50 projects (30 basic, 13 fun, 8 IoT) with IoT app integration like Arduino IoT Cloud , this kit supports Arduino C++ programming, making it perfect for students, teachers, and engineers to learn, code, and create at any skill level.
- Dedicated Support for Beginners: Alongside online resources and video tutorials, SunFounder provides technical support and troubleshooting forums to help beginners solve programming challenges with ease.
We have TCSM at Home!
Ayesha Wilson and Alex Lynd cover antenna geometry, impedance matching, S-parameter simulation in OpenEMS, KiCad layout and verification with a vector network analyzer. Participants use an ESP32-based console and custom antennas to locate Bluetooth beacons, then leave with an educational RF-exploration tool. This is best for makers ready to engage with measurement concepts rather than only assemble a finished gadget.
Tiny Tapeout
Pat Deegan’s workshop introduces digital logic, semiconductor design and fabrication, online design and simulation, and GDS generation with the open-source Sky130 process-design kit. Participants may prepare a design for manufacture on a future Tiny Tapeout shuttle. That submission is an opportunity, not a guaranteed fabrication result at the conference; the announcement lists ChipFoundry.io as the sponsor.
Best Value
- The most economical kit comes with everything compatible with Arduino to starting programming for beginners .
- This is the upgraded starter kits come with a 9V 1A Power Adapter (At least $5.99 on amazon) to replace a 9V Battery , and the Lcd1602 module come with pin header(not need to be soldered by yourself).
- Include High Quality Base Board base on Arduino UNO R3 compatible with Arduino IED and Sensors, Servo, Motor, ULN2003 driver board, lcds, etc.
- Free PDF Tutorial and Datasheet are available to download from our official website or you can contact our customer service.
- All of the Components and Integrated Circuits are individually packaged and labeled, and packing in a plastic box which is bigger enough for you.
Choosing the right session
- New to electronics: Start with Badge Hacking for Beginners or Explore the EMF Around You.
- Want a visible object to take home: Choose the lenticular print, LED matrix or illuminated wearable sessions.
- Prefer software and AI: Reinforcement Learning for Robotics offers the deepest programming focus; Bling It On combines code with immediate visual output.
- Interested in radio and measurement: We have TCSM at Home! covers antennas, simulation and VNA evaluation.
- Interested in chip design: Tiny Tapeout is the path from logic concepts to an optional future shuttle submission.
- Want a group experiment: Exquisite Circuit depends on collaborative construction and a shared final power-up.
What to bring
Most listed materials and tools are supplied within the sessions. For Powered Flowers and Prismatic Stars, bring a sturdy denim or canvas hat or bag if you want to customize your own item; a laptop or smartphone is recommended. For other workshops, the descriptions do not specify additional personal equipment, so confirm any session-specific requirements on the registration page before traveling.
Quick Recap
How to book
- Open the workshop registration link from Hackaday’s October 14, 2026 Supercon announcement.
- Check the session date and time against your Saturday or Sunday plans and the rest of your Supercon ticket schedule.
- Review the live listing for the current price, seat availability, supplied materials and cancellation terms, since those details were not included in the announcement.
- Complete registration promptly; Hackaday warns that the small, hands-on workshops fill quickly.
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