# Big Dot > research hardware **Wikidata**: [Q131295551](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131295551) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/big-dot ## Summary Big Dot is an open hardware project categorized as "research hardware" and hosted on GitHub, with its design files and source code publicly available for study, modification, and redistribution. It is classified as an instance of open hardware, aligning with the principles of open-source hardware development and distribution. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Instance of open hardware. - **Description**: Research hardware. - **License**: CERN Open Hardware Licence. - **Version History**: - Version 1 (stable): Released on 2023-03-12. - Version 2 (stable): Released on 2024-01-17. - Version 2.1 (stable, preferred): Released on 2025-03-02. - **Source Code Repository**: [https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot) - **Has Part**: Arduino. - **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted. - **Publication Date**: 2023. - **Image**: [Big Dot open-source hardware image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Big_Dot_open-source_hardware.jpg) ## FAQs ### What is Big Dot? Big Dot is a hardware project categorized as "research hardware" and is part of the open hardware movement. Its design files are openly accessible and modifiable, and it is released under the CERN Open Hardware Licence. ### What components or platforms is Big Dot built on? Big Dot includes Arduino as one of its components, indicating its alignment with accessible and modular electronics platforms. ### How is Big Dot licensed? Big Dot is distributed under the CERN Open Hardware Licence, which allows for free use, modification, and redistribution, in line with open hardware principles. ### What versions of Big Dot are available? Big Dot has three stable versions: - Version 1, released on 2023-03-12. - Version 2, released on 2024-01-17. - Version 2.1, the preferred stable version, released on 2025-03-02. ### Where can I find the source code for Big Dot? The source code for Big Dot is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot). ### Is Big Dot part of the open-source hardware community? Yes, Big Dot is part of the open hardware community, adhering to the principles of open design and documentation. ## Why It Matters Big Dot contributes to the open hardware movement by making its design and source code freely available under the CERN Open Hardware Licence. This openness allows researchers, educators, and developers to study, modify, and improve the hardware for various applications, particularly in research contexts. By participating in the open hardware ecosystem, Big Dot supports innovation, transparency, and collaborative development. Its use of Arduino components makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from academic researchers to DIY electronics enthusiasts. ## Notable For - Being an open hardware project designed for research applications. - Licensing its design under the CERN Open Hardware Licence. - Hosting its source code on GitHub for public access and collaboration. - Incorporating the Arduino platform, making it accessible to a wide audience. - Having multiple stable versions, with version 2.1 being the most recent and preferred release. - Supporting the open hardware community by enabling modification and redistribution. ## Body ### Description and Classification Big Dot is described as research hardware and is an instance of open hardware. This categorizes it within the broader open-source hardware movement, which emphasizes the free sharing of design documents, including schematics, firmware, and mechanical drawings. As an open hardware project, it allows users to study, modify, manufacture, and distribute its designs. ### Licensing and Legal Status Big Dot is distributed under the CERN Open Hardware Licence, a free license that ensures the project remains open and modifiable by others. This license supports the principles of open hardware by allowing commercial and non-commercial use, provided that the terms of the license are followed. The project is copyrighted, ensuring that derivative works also remain open. ### Version History Big Dot has seen multiple stable versions: - **Version 1**: Released on 2023-03-12. - **Version 2**: Released on 2024-01-17. - **Version 2.1**: Released on 2025-03-02, and marked as the preferred stable version. Each version is documented and available for access and modification under the terms of the CERN Open Hardware Licence. ### Source Code and Repository The source code for Big Dot is hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot), enabling public access to its design files and documentation. This repository serves as a central point for collaboration and version control. ### Components and Architecture Big Dot incorporates the Arduino platform, a widely used open-source electronics platform that supports accessible hardware development. This makes Big Dot particularly suitable for educational and research applications, where modularity and accessibility are key. ### Community and Ecosystem Big Dot is part of the open hardware community, which promotes the sharing of knowledge and collaborative development. By using open licenses and platforms like Arduino, it aligns with the values of open science and open education, encouraging innovation and accessibility. ### Impact and Use Cases Big Dot supports research applications by offering a transparent, modifiable platform. Its open design allows for rapid prototyping, customization, and adaptation to specific research needs. This makes it especially valuable in educational and scientific contexts, where open access to hardware designs can reduce costs and accelerate innovation. ### Image and Documentation An image of Big Dot is available at: [Big Dot open-source hardware image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Big_Dot_open-source_hardware.jpg), which visually represents the project within the open hardware community. ### Relationship to Open Hardware Principles Big Dot adheres to the principles of open-source hardware by making its design files freely available and modifiable. It is part of a larger movement that includes projects like OpenRISC, Open Graphics Project, and LANDRS Science Drone, all of which promote open innovation in technology. ### Copyright and Accessibility While Big Dot is copyrighted, its licensing under the CERN Open Hardware Licence ensures that it remains accessible and modifiable. This balance between copyright and open access allows it to be used in both academic and commercial settings while preserving the openness of its design. Big Dot's alignment with open hardware principles makes it a valuable resource for researchers and developers seeking to build upon or adapt its design for new applications. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot) 2. [Release 1. 2023](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot/releases/tag/v1) 3. [Release 2. 2024](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot/releases/tag/v2) 4. [Release 2.1. 2025](https://github.com/unixjazz/bigdot/releases/tag/v2.1)