Imported from GitHub: CircuitMonkey/epoch-2 · commit 7916584 · license MIT

Description

Epoch Vibrator Controller 2 - Now with 100% more edge...

README

epoch-2

Epoch Vibrator Controller (Haptic Field Emitter) 2 - Now with 100% more edge...

Description

A follow on to Epoch 1. Designed in 2025. Replaced by Epoch 3 in 2026. Redesigned with AdaFruit Qualia ESP32 and a Amazon 4-inch IPS (GT911 touch). Motors driven with pca9685 PWM controller/Amazon PCA9685 Board and FET outputs in order to drive bigger motors. Epoch 1 was limited to 120mA maximum motor drive (because of PWM controller choice) and some larger "rumble" motors need 180mA or higher.

Features

• Adafruit Qualia ESP32-S3 RGB666
• Amazon 4-inch IPS (GT911 touch)
• pca9685 PWM controller
• LiPo Battery - 62mm x 50mm, 2500mAH, Adafruit
• TRS 3.5mm type cables (two motors per connector)
• FET outputs in order to drive bigger motors.
• Used Electric Mini Micro Vibration Motor DC 1.5V/3V/6V 1000RPM M20 with Brass Eccentric Rotating Wheel in attachments.
• Programmed in CircuitPython.

Dev Notes

• Hardware was intended to output all 16 channels as two rows of connectors, but only built one row.
• IPS type display used most of the ESP32 pins.
• Circuit Python with the IPS display was excrucatingly slow.
• Touch response time was very slow with Circuit Python and made on-screen sliders frustrating to use.
• TRS Audio type connectors were a big improvement over Molex MinifitJr type connectors.
• This platform performed well for almost a year, before Epoch-3 developed.
• Experimental air pressure input showed promise but was fussy in setup/use and not worth using long term.
• PCA9685 PWM driver was much easier to code with over older Epoch-1 PWM driver.
• FET outputs allowed use of slightly bigger motors with more rumble yet allowed for a lower motor speeds for subtle haptic sensations.
• Custom molds were 3D printed for attachments where silicone was poured over a TPU flex frame that held the motors.
• Attachments had LEDs built in to indicate intensity of each motor.
• This design and motor patterns have changed my life, able to realize two or three hour long usage sessions.
• I look forward to improving on this design in Epoch 3.