Basic, DIY Speed Controller for WIFI control

[3 minutes of fame]

My new 3D printed tram is coming on a treat. A bit more painting, fit the top deck seats, detailing, motorising and we're good to go.

Anyway, I digress.

I needed a simple speed controller. Just forwards and backwards, no sound or other features. Previously I've used the Locoremote units, which are excellent, but I thought I'd have a bash at making one myself.

And after a bit of AI guided coding, this is what I've got so far. An ESP32 microcontroller, linked via Wi-Fi to my phone and controlling a basic brushed speed controller, which also provides the 5V to the ESP32. Total cost, including the battery, about £25.

I'm still playing with the control screen, but that's relatively easy to tweak, as would adding extra outputs and buttons etc.

I'm going to test it tomorrow at Ropsley Heath Garden Railway and see how the WiFi performs with a few people around. So far I'm quite pleased with my results.

 

[Mobi]

Looks like a nice solution at a budget. Can you please provide details so that one can replicate it?

 

[3 minutes of fame]

Sure. I'll provide the sketch file, ready to upload to the ESP32. Other than that, it's just a basic speed controller with standard servo input, so easy to find.

I'll post something up shortly.

 

[GAP]

Been playing with something similar but instead of using my phone screen I am looking at using ePaper for the screen as it is readable in sunlight. Its what supermarkets use for their electronic shelf price labels.
Two ESP 32 are needed one to do the driving and one for the handheld, rotary control knob and screen.

 

[3 minutes of fame]

Been playing with something similar but instead of using my phone screen I am looking at using ePaper for the screen as it is readable in sunlight. Its what supermarkets use for their electronic shelf price labels.
Two ESP 32 are needed one to do the driving and one for the handheld, rotary control knob and screen.

Esp Now is your friend for this. It establishes a low latency link based upon the Mac addresses of each module.

I have some code in test for this as well.