Pseudonymous maker “Modular” is again with one other Espressif ESP32-powered gadget, and this time it is a wearable: the MicroPython-powered PixelTime chunky wrist watch.
“I actually like some digital watches from the early years and need to make one for my very own use,” Modular explains, in translation from the unique Chinese language, of the challenge’s origins. “It’s primarily used as a timing device and helps computerized Wi-Fi time adjustment. It additionally helps ultra-low energy consumption to make sure standby time.”
This chunky wrist accent is a MicroPython-powered LED-matrix watch with fashion. (📷: Modular)
The gadget itself is powered by an Espressif ESP32-C3 microcontroller, a low-power single-core half with a 32-bit RISC-V core working at as much as 160MHz. Somewhat than a standard show, although, the PixelTime opts for one thing somewhat extra eye-catching: a 15×8 matrix of 120 surface-mount RGB LEDs.
Just like the notorious Sinclair Black Watch, launched in 1975 as one of many first reasonably priced wristwatches to make use of LEDs as a show, the PixelTime saves energy by retaining the show lit solely once you want it. “As a result of massive variety of colourful LEDs,” Modular admits, “a considerable amount of warmth can be generated, so long-term operation is just not really useful. [It] routinely enters standby mode if no operation is carried out for 5 seconds.”
The watch disables the LEDs after 5 seconds of inactivity, to stop overheating. (📷: Modular)
Different options of the watch embody an total thickness of simply 8.3mm (round 0.33″) when utilizing a 200mAh 302530 lithium battery, assist for 20mm watch straps, and a four-pole magnetic charging system to maintain the battery topped up. “No want for classy features,” Modular says of the software program, “only a pure timing device.”
Design information and supply code for the watch can be found on Modular’s GitHub repository beneath the Inventive Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Worldwide license; further data is accessible on OSHW Hub.