UPDATE (6/28):

Separate Listings for Pickup vs. Shipping: To help keep orders accurate and avoid any confusion, I've updated the store to have two separate listings: one for Shipping and one for Local Pickup.

This change makes it easier for me to track your specific needs (mailing vs. in-person pickup) and ensures your order is processed correctly and efficiently.

New Flag Support: I have added new flags for: Poly, Bear, Leather, Disability, and Demi Pride.

Ally Pride Flag: As I was working on the SAO, really noticed that there were some hardware limitations (specifically the 18-LED count and PCB layout), where I could not create more complex flag displays like the Ally Pride flag. However, I created a similar Ally shape using the lambda character "Λ" as a sticker using black vinyl that you can add to the SAO/Badge and will include one on request. I think it gets the idea across.

Furry Pride: Still working on a solution that might be similar to the Ally with a sticker.

SAO Security: Additionally, to keep you from losing your SAO if it gets bumped off a badge or totem, I am including a charm lanyard with a Lobster Clasp to securely attach the SAO to your host badge, totem, or other lanyard.

Stay Loud and Stay Proud!

Previous posts including preorder link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Defcon/s/iTliJuIiX9

Big news for anyone who's following the journey of my “Not Just a Crosswalk” for DEFCON34 SAO. The second batch of prototypes arrived last week, and after testing and validation, they are ready for DC34. So now it is time for the final production run.

I wanted to share some major updates based on the feedback and engineering:

Technical & Manufacturing Updates

1. Battery Pack Stability Solved: The main issue I discovered with the v1 board was that, when used standalone via USB-C power, the SAO did not draw enough power, so battery packs would power down. This has been resolved by adjusting the power load on the v2 board and the 7x battery packs I have in my home, from the cheap $5 non-name ones off Amazon to the Anker $120 power bank, all of which continue powering the SAO without cutting the power.
2. PCB Design Improvements:
   • SMD vs. Through-Hole: I switched from using through-holes for the pogo clip to SMD pads on the component side. This improves the look on the front side of the SAO.
   • USB-C Port Relocation: The USB-C port has been moved inward on the PCB. Previously, it was hanging off the edge, which caused issues when using V-Cuts during manufacturing on panelized boards. Moving it inward improved panelization, keeping production costs down and making the boards easier to produce and break apart.
3. Component Sourcing: Due to supply chain challenges, I had to add additional components and swap others for equivalents, since the original parts were OOS (Out of Stock) or had long lead times, and would either cut it really close to DC34 or wouldn't make it in time at all. Rest assured, all substitutions have been tested for full compatibility and performance in V2.

Pre-orders are LIVE!

You can grab your badge at the following events and tables at DC34:

• LINECON
• #BADGELIFE Table
• QUEERCON Meetup
• TDI Space
• VETCON
• Various pop-up pickup points across DC34

Several people have asked for a shipping option because they won't be able to make it to DC34 for various reasons but still want to support my project. If you select the shipping option, the SAO will be shipped AFTER the end of DC34. This is because of tight production and shipping timelines, I cannot risk you not getting your SAO in time for DC34.

View the Original Interest Post & Discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/Defcon/s/7B0TS4y9pq

Pre-Order Now on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/caelybr

Thanks to everyone who participated in the initial interest survey. Your feedback directly shaped this final design, and I will continue adding flags to the palette over the next couple of weeks before finalizing the firmware. Let me know if you have any questions.

I'm working on a SAO called "Not Just a Crosswalk" for DC34. It's my response to bring attendtion to the recent removal of rainbow crosswalks in cities like Miami, Austin, and San Antonio.

The Tech:

18x side-emitting SK6812D LEDs packed into a high-density visual array.

RISC-V Powered: Runs on a CH32V003 F4P6 with custom-tuned PWM for smooth, flicker-free animations (even at 1% duty cycle).

Smart Power: Auto-switches between Host Badge power (via boost converter) and standalone USB-C and worn as a standalone badge.

🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️🌈 10+ Pride Flags: Rainbow, Bi, Trans, Nonbinary, Asexual, Genderfluid, and more.

10+ LED Effects: Static Flag, Party Mode, Strobe, Smooth Pulse, Chase, Sparkle, Burst, Rain Drop, and more.

Persistent Memory: Your favorite palette stays saved, even if you reboot or your battery/host badge dies.

We're gauging interest to see who wants to pick one up during DC34.

If you want to pre-register your interest (no money yet, just tracking inventory), hit the link:

👉 https://forms.caelyb.com/p/crosswalksao

Repo with schematics, BOM, photos, and build files is coming together... very slowly: https://github.com/keeloi79/not-a-crosswalk-sao/

Stay loud and stay proud.