SMARTKNOB
Hold And Drag
Hold And Drag
The SmartKnob is a unique and customizable rotary input device built around a 3D-printed shell, a rounded OLED screen, and a brushless motor. The screen, protected by a watch glass, provides dynamic visual feedback, while the motor creates smooth or detented rotation based on software control. Key components include a magnetic encoder for precision tracking, a light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment, and ten WS2812 LEDs for added flair.
Inspired by Scott Bezek’s widely known project, I wanted to explore the potential of the SmartKnob for smart home integration. While the original design is an impressive proof of concept, I saw an opportunity to adapt it for practical use with Home Assistant, creating a seamless way to control devices in a smart home environment. The goal was to combine tactile control with real-time visual feedback for a more engaging user experience.
The Smart Pot’s power system is built around two LiPo batteries providing seven volts. A buck converter steps this down for the ESP32 microcontroller, which handles Wi-Fi communication and integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant. The same batteries directly power the 12-volt pump, which moves water through the tubing system. This efficient setup ensures smooth operation and reliable performance.
Integrating the SmartKnob with Home Assistant proved challenging due to the ESP32's resource constraints, especially with Wi-Fi connectivity. By collaborating with the Home Assistant community, I optimized the firmware to balance performance between the motor, display, and connectivity. The result is a SmartKnob that not only looks great but also functions effectively as a smart home controller.
