Help: smart knob

[Skatedan]

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!

[Paul_KD7HB]

@Skatedan

Areas Where I Need Help

Have you actually started any part? What help do you need now? Have you finished any part of the project?

[jremington]

@Skatedan

I currently have the following components

The recommended approach is to get the MCU and each additional component working together separately, one by one, then when you fully understand the code for each component, start putting the individual components together to make up the basic system. I suggest to start with the MCU + knob (rotary encoder).

Be aware that there are competing Arduino libraries for common components, each with its own quirks, and libraries for different components may conflict with each other for processor resources.

[gilshultz]

It seems you may not be quite ready for a project of this complexity. I suggest doing some research each of your components and how they work. Additionally, spend some time learning the basics, found in the Arduino Cookbook. Make each one work as you want before doing the next. Repeat until all parts are working.

I would start with getting the information from the iPhone and displaying it on your display.

[mikb55]

@danieldiletto

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.

How many of these have usable APIs?

Years ago many services had full featured APIs that allowed people to create their own client apps, but today most of these apps no longer exist because the APIs have become so restrictive.

You may find it easier to get data from the phone notification API, assumming that the permissions allow etc.

[Skatedan]

I think I wrote it in the Post

[Skatedan]

@gilshultz

It seems you may not be quite ready for a project of this complexity. I suggest doing some research each of your components and how they work. Additionally, spend some time learning the basics, found in the Arduino Cookbook. Make each one work as you want before doing the next. Repeat until all parts are working.

I would start with getting the information from the iPhone and displaying it on your display.

Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. However, I have to admit that I’m not particularly interested in diving deep into the whole subject. My goal is to make this project work with some support, ideally from someone willing to guide me through the process. If you could help me with specific steps or resources for this particular issue, I’d be truly grateful. Thanks again for taking the time to respond!

[ledsyn]

@Skatedan

have to admit that I’m not particularly interested in diving deep into the whole subject

Excerpt from smartknob homepage:

Build your own?

While this is a "DIY" open-source project, it is not yet a mature plug-and-play project. If you intend to build your own, note that it requires advanced soldering experience to build - very small-pitch surface-mount soldering is required (reflow or hot air recommended), and assembly is quite time-consuming and delicate. Please go into it with the expectation that you will almost certainly need to be able to troubleshoot some hardware and firmware issues yourself - I recommend reviewing/understanding the schematics and basic firmware before jumping in!

*Italics added by me

@Skatedan

My goal is to make this project work with some support, ideally from someone willing to guide me through the process.

It's available. From same page:
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