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Redemption

A project log for OpenFlap

The OpenFlap project aims to create a open source, affordable split-flap display for the makers and tinkerers of the world.

toon-van-eyckToon Van Eyck 05/07/2024 at 21:480 Comments

It's been a while...

The OpenFlap modules have failed me, this (and the birth of my son) caused me to put this project on hold for some time. 

A good 10 months ago, I ordered supplies for about 30 modules. Once all were assembled and programmed, I started to test them. They did NOT work, not at all. The main issue was that the positioning relied on 6 IR sensors connected to digital inputs, the voltage levels generated by the ir sensor and encoders where not clean enough to rely on a digital input.

So, I decided it was time for a spec bump. The modules have been redesigned to use a Puya py32f003x8 32bit ARM mcu. This mcu allowed me to utilize 6 analog inputs for ir sensors. 

I just finished the first new module and everything seems to work! I implemented the main logic and the bootloader, but I still have some work left regarding flashing new firmware using the ESP32 based OpenFlap Controller, implementing various api endpoints, etc...

Another plus, the chip is a bout €0.50 cheaper. Additionally I found similar IR sensors for about €0.90 cheaper. So a €6 reduction in total!

In an effort to resurrect the 30 PIC based modules, I designed an adapter to adapt the PIC footprint to the Puya footprint. 

That's all for now!

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