Software · Hardware · Embedded · Prototyping
I enjoy unnecessary, creative solutions, just to see if they will work.
I’m Nathan Portillo. I’m an engineer who enjoys working across software, hardware, embedded systems, PCB design, CAD, and 3D printing. This is where I experiment, learn, and turn ideas into working projects.
WorkbenchPortfolio
Personal Projects
I’m constantly working on and learning from new projects. These are some of the finished, ongoing, and upcoming ones.
IMU-Based Motion Mouse (Dev Board)
Mouses. They exist. They function. However, they have largely remained the same for years. We have lightweight mice, ergonomic mice, gaming mice, office mice, and the list goes on. These largely function the same. Trackpads get a bit unique in that they offer users the ability to do more with gestures. This gives users powerful methods that can boost their productivity and workflows. Unfortunately, mice do not offer a natural way to achieve what trackpads do. Trackpads are confined to a fixed area. So, I aim to explore if we can use machine learning, motion sensors, and more to create an unconstrained, free-floating, gesture-based mouse.
- STM32
- PCB Design
- Embedded C
- Sensors
- CAD
Capacitive-Haptic Keyboard
Capacitive and haptic electronics have been an idea companies have flirted with for years. You’ll find capacitive numpads living inside calculators, smartphones, door keypads, and even modern laptops. But when it comes to consumer PC keyboards, capacitive tech is still not in the mainstream. Why? Because flat, silent keys with no physical response just don’t cut it for users who love that tactile click.
- STM32
- Capacitive Touch
- Haptics
- PCB Layout
STM32-Based RGB Lamp
Can a lamp be fashionable? An interior designer would say so. This lamp definitely isn't. The cool thing is that it can be. I'm going to be introducing what I consider a pretty neat product. Similar to my previous project, the LED Tow Hitch, this lamp takes advantage of magnets to allow a user to swap designs based on their personality, mood, season, etc. Even better, because this is a lamp meant to accessorize your desk or a shelf, we are able to integrate powerful RGB LEDs and a microcontroller, allowing for some pretty fun effects.
- Firmware
- Electronics
- 3D Printing
- Prototyping
Teensy 4.0 Telescope Driver
My brother recently got a telescope, and we have been having a blast with it. It isn't a particularly expensive one; it totaled out to about $350 dollars. You can see Jupiter's big red dot and Saturn's rings. It is absolutely stunning. However, one thing you quickly discover is how tiring and tedious it can be aligning your telescope on the planet justttt right. Once you do, the planet has quickly moved out of frame! In an effort to resolve this issue quickly, I searched the internet for cheap motorized platforms to move the telescope automatically instead of manually. That is where the biggest problem arose. They can be pricey. So, I sought to create a motorized telescope stand on a budget with an autonomous upgrade path for the future!
- Teensy 4.0
- Motion Control
- Integration
LED Tow Hitch Cover
Have you ever looked at your (presumably) empty tow hitch and wondered how you can make it more appealing? Towing something would definitely solve that problem. But what about 99% of the time you more-than-likely aren't towing? An LED Tow Hitch Cover can help spice up your vehicle's rear end.
- 12V Electronics
- LEDs
- CAD
- Fabrication
Project journals are actively updated as the work continues.
About me
About Me
This is my space for turning ideas into reality. It’s where I take on problems that don’t have the solutions I want or that I believe could be done better. It’s equal parts workshop and playground—somewhere to experiment, learn, and keep pushing forward.
I’m passionate about 3D printing, consumer electronics, and all things hardware and software. With experience in professional software development, embedded systems, and PCB design, I enjoy tackling challenges that bridge the gap between disciplines.
Let’s build something useful
Looking for an engineer who can see the whole system?
I’m interested in embedded, electronics, hardware–software integration, and product-development opportunities.