I’ve been in the HA world since the time the government placed the world under house arrest. Since then I’ve seen all sorts of amazing things people can do with an esp32 device.

So I’m late to the game. I always thought it may become a dangerous rabbit hole so I’ve just avoided it. But apparently I have 4 coming today so it’s about time to ask you guys what you do.

My first project was gonna be getting some Bluetooth tracking going on around the house to get some room prescence going on.

I also read I can make some seat/bed sensors with a little wire, aluminium foil, paper and a folder-insert, that sounds like it could be fun.

I have a breadboard and a bunch of components I bought when I first got a Pi. I don’t know how compatible these components are with esp32s or what the hell I can do.

I don’t have a soldering iron (yet).

So basically: noob post, gimme some easy projects that don’t require a lot, or wow me with your esp projects.

  • Naate@lemmy.worldEnglish
    41·
    6 months ago

    Learning to solder is incredibly helpful with getting your esphome devices off the desk and into real-world use.

    Don’t cheap out on the iron, though. Hakko and Weller are the two brands I’m familiar with and “everyone” seem to trust. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars, but the quality gap between $30 and $60 is very obvious.

    This is one of those instances where the idea of “a poor craftsman blames his tools” falls apart. I was using a crappy non-adjustable pen and could never achieve good, reliable results despite having proper technique. Then I got a decent Weller adjustable unit, and suddenly everything was “perfect”.

    If you’re looking for additional toys, a 3D printer is insanely useful for creating bespoke cases for your projects ;)

    • LifeBandit666OPEnglish
      51·
      6 months ago

      If you’re looking for additional toys, a 3D printer is insanely useful for creating bespoke cases for your projects ;)

      Oh look, the rabbit hole lol

      • SolidGrue@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        6 months ago

        I’ve had an Ender 3 in my cart for months and just can’t quiiite justify pulling that trigger. One of these days, tho… Any day now.

        • Aniki 🌱🌿@lemm.eeEnglish
          21·
          6 months ago

          Don’t. Ender 3 is ancient garbage. I upgraded an ender 3 to a k1c and I’ll never go back. The only time I don’t get FLAWLESS prints is because the filament isn’t fast enough. I can print benchy in 30 minutes in the slow speed. And best of all I never have to fuck with it. Ever.

        • LifeBandit666OPEnglish
          14·
          6 months ago

          I’ve got a friend that I’ve basically lost over the last couple of years because he bought an Ender 3 in lockdown and now he’s fat and pasty white because he just stays home making things with his printer.

          Don’t buy it and don’t look into robotics, you don’t need to make a automated robot that can kill other robots Luke.

          Sorry I’m projecting lol