Innovative Projects Featuring ESP32 and Open-Source Technologies

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ESP32 Driven Water Animation Fountain

This project combines art and technology, adding LED pattern-driven animations to a wooden fountain. The project uses an ESP32 running WLED firmware and a custom Usermod to synchronize 24 mini water pumps with dynamic LED animations, turning the water flow into a vivid light show.

The fountain’s core is a clever integration of hardware and software, using the PCA9685 module to map the brightness of virtual LED pixels to PWM signals, thus controlling the water pumps and synchronizing the light animations with the water flow effects. At the center of the fountain is a walnut wood harp, with its “strings” made of flowing water, illuminated by addressable LEDs, adding a unique artistic element.

Users can control it via a mobile app, browser, or even smart home systems. Additionally, the fountain can respond to sound, enhancing interactivity.

Source: https://www.hackster.io/timberrough/esp32-driven-water-animation-fountain-25434c

Zerowriter Ink: Electronic Ink Screen Typewriter

Zerowriter Ink is an electronic ink screen typewriter designed for typing enthusiasts, offering an uninterrupted writing experience. It features a 5.2-inch electronic ink screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720, providing clear visual effects.

It comes with a “low-key” mechanical keyboard and a powerful 5000mAh battery, ensuring you can use it continuously for weeks without plugging in.

Zerowriter Ink also supports microSD cards for saving and managing files, allowing users to easily transfer work to a computer for further processing. Additionally, it is fully open-source based on Arduino software, allowing users to personalize DIY modifications.

GitHub link: https://github.com/zerowriter/zerowriter1

The project has currently raised $96,233 through crowdfunding.

Source: https://www.crowdsupply.com/zerowriter/zerowriter-ink

MagiClick: Multifunctional Single-Key Keyboard

MagiClick is an innovative single-key keyboard based on the Espressif ESP32-S3. Despite its compact size, it integrates rich functionalities. It can serve as a macro keyboard to help you easily execute complex operations, and can also be used as a Pomodoro timer to enhance work efficiency.

MagiClick features an adjustable color display and a built-in speaker, supporting audio file playback and displaying information such as time and weather forecasts.

Moreover, it supports multiple programming languages, such as C, C++, and Python, making it an excellent educational tool and embedded development platform. Its body is made from environmentally friendly PLA material, 3D printed, with a compact and aesthetic design, and the keyboard switches can be replaced freely to meet personalization needs.

MagiClick can also connect via USB Type-C, offering strong expansion capabilities, providing possibilities for makers to tinker.

GitHub link: https://github.com/MakerM0/MagiClick-S3-Single?tab=readme-ov-file

Source: https://hackaday.io/project/195460-magiclick-s3-mechanical-macro-keyboard-with-disp

Open Source Simple Laser Rangefinder: OpenSimpleLidar

OpenSimpleLidar is a low-cost open-source laser rangefinder project designed for robotic SLAM and navigation tasks. The project uses triangulation methods to measure the distance to objects through laser reflection and image sensors. It can complete 5 scans per second, with each rotation measuring 180 times, with a maximum measurement distance of 4 meters and measurement accuracy of 5 cm and 10 cm within ranges of 2 to 3 meters.

The project is open-source for both hardware and software, with hardware including optical frequency sensors, ARM Cortex-M0 series microcontrollers, and infrared diodes, while the software provides data processing and point cloud generation functions, making it an ideal choice for robotics technology applications.

GitHub: https://github.com/iliasam/OpenSimpleLidar

Source: https://hackaday.io/project/20628-open-simple-lidar

Multifunctional USB Protocol Converter——RainbowLink

RainbowLink is a multi-channel USB protocol converter designed for IoT and industrial applications. It integrates RS485, RS232, and two TTL channels, providing an efficient solution for managing multiple communication protocols, reducing the complexity of connections between multiple devices. It uses lever-style quick wiring terminals, making the wiring process both fast and reliable, with no tools required.

Additionally, RainbowLink supports multiple voltage outputs (12V, 5V, and 3.3V) without the need for an external power supply, making it particularly suitable for use in power-constrained environments. This device is compatible with Windows and Linux systems and can be used with devices such as LattePanda and Raspberry Pi, making it ideal for industrial sensor testing, equipment debugging, and laboratory development scenarios.