ProtoESP

Protogen ESP32 controller for MAX7219 / WS2812 Matrix

ESP32-S3 code which makes your protogen alive with animations and interactivity!
Not 100% complete, might be buggy, refer to Legacy branch.

Main features

• Utilizes MAX7219 matrixes using SPI or WS2812B RGB Matrixes to show faces/animations
• Has two additional WS2812 outputs:
  1. for ring LEDs in the ears (animated or coded);
  2. for leds under the eyes (can be repurposed for something else)
• Provides a WiFi AP with site to control your protogen (choose animation; change color,brightness,tilt anims,triggers...)
  • Has copy of an Animator , so you can make, edit or test the animations on the fly. Frame by frame, pixel by pixel.
• You can change your animations/faces either by:
  1. Cycling them using a button from the ESP;
  2. Choosing on the WiFi site on a phone;
  3. Using a wireless remote with buttons
• & much more with these parts:

Connect and get more features from:

• KY-032: IR Sensor for changing to different animation if booped
• MAX9814: Microphone to move protogens mouth (not used to change voice!)
• LSM6DS3: Accelerometer to change animations by tilting your head
• SSD1306: OLED display to show current animation, speaking status, current&voltage (INA219) and more
• INA219: Measure current and voltage of the protogen helmet
• XIAO ESP32: Change animations remotely without wiring a single cable from the helmet
• PWM fan: Connect speed signal to a 4 pin fan and control its speed

• Thanks to for supplying these PCBs for my project! Quick and efficient, with an easy instant quote and ordering system. They offer PCBs with 1-14 layers, silkscreen colors, thicknesses & more. The manufacturing and shipping times are fast (7 days total for me). Reliable choice for prototyping, small production, and even large-batch manufacturing with PCB assembly and stencil services.

Navigation

• Controller folder: ProtoESP controller code with all features
• Remote folder: ProtoESP (Not legacy) Wireless control remote
• Legacy branch: Legacy controller&remote&WS2812 matrix <- all three not supported anymore but stable&working
• Matrix site: WS2812B 8x8 RGB Matrix replacement for single color MAX7219 Matrixes
• Animator site: Program to make animations for the controller
• ToDo .md: Checklist of To Do things

Documentation

• How to DIY protogen: Imgur
• Parts list: Pastebin
• Program/flash manual + connection diagrams: TBD
• Remote how to: MD
• IR Sensor setup: TBD
• Alive ProtoESP protogens / creators: Furo, Arkoss, Jura, BFoxCZ, & more...

Feature request / issues

• If you have found an issue with this code (crashes, something not working like it should), please open a issue in this repository!
• If you have thought of a new feature or QoL improvement you would like to see being implemented, please contact me directly on Discord or Telegram: @NCPlyn.

Support

If you have found this project helpful / used it / want to support and encourage me into working more, you can do so here: PayPal or Revolut. Any amount is more than welcome! Don't forget to add contact info or DM me, so I can add you here:

• PCBWay has sponsored this project by providing prototype PCBs!
• Arkoss, Thank you for your donation!
• Alellv, Thank you for your donation!

Use / license

• GPL 3.0 code license applies
• If you use this code, try to make your protogen unique and change the animations up a little bit in the Animator!
• Sharing and small credit won't hurt right?