Saturday, September 27, 2025

Using Relays with the ESP32

 


This article covers the connection, code and use of relays with the ESP32.  While some slight changes may be needed, the information provided here will generally work with other MCUs and SBCs, such as the ESP8266, most Arduino boards and even the Raspberry Pi.

Saturday, August 30, 2025

CYD: Cheap Yellow Display

 


The Cheap Yellow Display (CYD) is a 320x480 LCD display with resistive or capacitance touch capabilities, mounted on a PCB with its own ESP32, a TF-Card reader and many more features. 

Saturday, July 19, 2025

APDS9960 Proximity, Gesture, RGB And Ambient Light Sensor

 




As part of my research for a larger project (coming soon), I stumbled across this small $5 sensor that can provide proximity, gesture sensing and RGB + ambient light levels.  And all this with only 3 GPIO pins on the ESP32.  And it can be used with both Arduino/C++ sketches or in ESPHome for you Home Assistant users.

Sunday, March 9, 2025

ESP Microcontrollers: An Introduction

 


A number of my projects use an ESP microcontroller.  And in those projects, I show wiring diagrams and talk about things like GPIO pins, power options, etc. but if you are new to the ESP boards, you might be wondering why I make some of the decisions that I do or want to know more about the ESPx so that you can start designing and building your own projects.  This article will provide an introduction and overview of the ESP family of microcontrollers.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

An ESP32 LED Matrix Clock, Scoreboard, Timer and more with FULL WLED

 


This is an upgraded version of the original matrix clock I built over five years ago.  This version has substantial upgrades. In addition to being around 35% smaller than the original with the same number of LEDs, it no longer requires Home Assistant to control as it has its own web interface.  Plus it has the option for a secondary controller with auto-switching to provide all the additional features of WLED.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

How to Ask for Help



Today's post is a bit different... consider it a bit of a public service announcement.