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Ghost , 01-22-2025, 11:33 PM

Hi to everyone,

I’m taking inspiration from smart knob of Scottbez1 ( https://youtu.be/ip641WmY4pA?si=L7D79npHyagAS5Vn ) and wanted to share an idea I’m working on. I’d also like to ask for guidance or suggestions, as I’m seeking help in both software and hardware development.

Project Description
My goal is to create a system capable of:

Displaying social media notifications: Showing a preview of notifications from major social platforms (like Instagram, Twitter, etc.) directly on a display by pulling data from my iPhone.

Controlling Spotify: Allowing users to see the currently playing song (title, artist, album cover) and interact with playback (pause, skip tracks, etc.). At the moment, I have just a very basic connection to Spotify’s API.

I would like the this device will be power on with usb-c or small lipo, which can be recharged using usb-c

The device will feature:

A rotary knob for control.
I currently have the following components (I had some research to find something like these components):

ESP32-S3 N16R8: My main microcontroller.

1.28" 240x240 LCD TFT display, maybe something bigger (GC9A01): For showing notifications, Spotify information, etc.

MLX90393ELW-ABA-012-SP magnetic rotary position sensor: For precise position sensing with the rotary knob.

DRV2605L controller for haptic feedback

Different DRV2605LYZFT around knob

Strong Magnet under a 3D printed knob

Areas Where I Need Help

I’d greatly appreciate help on all fronts, including:

Hardware Design:
Optimizing the use of the listed components.
Suggestions for a compact PCB layout and wiring that fits within the cylindrical design.

I’m very motivated to bring this project to life and any insights or guidance you could provide would mean a lot to me.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear your thoughts!

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 02:42 AM

It is an open source project that already shows just about everything you need. Have you looked at that too?

Robert Feranec , 01-23-2025, 06:13 AM

I like the knob project a lot and have been thinking about it for a some time. I am curious how your project goes, keep posting

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:08 AM

Unfortunately I don't have experience in this fields to make this project, I would like to have some helps if it possible

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 09:21 AM

yes, but i would like something different from this project, using different components and I would like to have a good result!
I'm using easyeda, but I don't find some component that he used on his schema

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:03 PM

So to begin with, what knowledge do you have?

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:05 PM

Does @Robert Feranec also create custom symbols + footprints in his EasyEDA videos?

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:06 PM

I'm a frontend developer, I've studied a bit electronic at school, but I don't remember nothing unfortunately 😞

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:13 PM

Good, if you "*don't remember nothing*" you remember everything.... Sorry, language.

What is your biggest struggle at the moment?

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:30 PM

In this moment my biggest struggle is: how can I know which passive components should I choose to link to my sensors? Every formula to find right value, ohm, Kirchhoff and other stuff😅

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:34 PM

Sensors? As in pushbutton from knob, current sensor from motor, supply voltage measurement for motor control, other sensors?

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:41 PM

3d Magnetic controller, temperature and humidity, haptic driver

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:42 PM

Most of these will have some 'recommended' schematic with the passives in them too in the datasheet.

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:43 PM

Oh ok, on datasheet? I also would like to have a system to power everything and recharge a lipo using usb type c

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:45 PM

Sorry yes, in the datasheet.

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:46 PM

Mmh but I don’t understand this info, some datasheets show a different case of component and different wiring 😕

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:49 PM

Here is one for the DRV2605L

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 08:51 PM

And yes, there can be different mode and operation that require difference in connection.
It is up to you to think which applies (best).

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 08:53 PM

Yes, I know, but in this moment i don’t know either if the components that I would like to use are correct for my scope 😂

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 09:58 PM

Then you would first need to find out using evaluation board and such.
Or do a lot of studying.

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 10:01 PM

Ok, I think I have to study to choose right components, and to understand the functions…
Now I’m reading electronic for dummies 😂

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 10:06 PM

Building electronics has many different elements that require knowledge.
1) The basics, like ohms law.
2) Basic components, like resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.
3) Special components, like the driver, MCU, voltage regulators.
4) Getting it all together (schematic)
5) Doing the layout
6) Test and measurement
I have probably forgotten some.

Experienced engineers know 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, but number 3 depends on the 'field' they work in.

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 10:07 PM

But I would like to make this project, I don’t want to become an engineer 😅

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 10:11 PM

If you just want to build it without getting the knowledge, you should simply stick the open source project.

Any adjustment you make will take time. How much time depends on your knowledge.
But a simple number would be like at least 1 week per component you change. And I think I am highly optimistic with this.

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 10:12 PM

Yes I think that you’re highly optimistic 😂

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 10:13 PM

If I create an open source project, how can I find someone who can help me?

QDrives , 01-23-2025, 11:27 PM

That is something I do not know.

Ghost , 01-23-2025, 11:28 PM

Ok, don't worry, thank you very much for your tips!
When I'll have some updates I'll write here!