Hello All!

Recently, I’ve decided to add a Board Computer to my project, so I can get more realistic experience. The computer is using an PCD8544 LCD display (also known as “Nokia 5110 LCD Display”). Unfortunately, Arduino UNO turned out to be to slow to handle desired refresh rate and has to low memory to store all of the bitmaps. Also, Arduino Mega was to slow. So, I decided to use an ESP32-WROOM-32D based board known as ESP32-DevKitC V4:

It has plenty of memory available (4MB) and dual-core processor running at 80MHz (adjustable from 80 to 240 MHz).

It also provides a 3.3 and 5 Volt output (although, GPIOs are 3.3V) so it’s perfect for powering both – an LCD and a NiRen CAN-BUS module.

Of course, this required me to rewrite almost a whole code (on Arduino’s side) and changing the can-bus library used to the one compatible with ESP32.

I’ve also made a prototype board that combines all functions and has a set of connectors to attach cables for display, switch button and the cluster itself.

For the moment, I’m still testing the solution and already has found few minor problems, that I’ll fix in next few days. Also, I’m waiting for boards ordered from PCBWay, so I can make a final first version of the board. When the code will be stable and bug-free my boards will hit eBay with the price tag equal to cost of making the prototype and production of the boards. There will probably be three versions available:

• bare PCB with connectors, resistors, transistors etc. in separate bag (not soldered in) (approx. 8-10 USD)
• a PCB with basic stuff soldered in and edge connectors for ESP32 and CAN-BUS module (not included) (approx. 11-15 USD)
• a completely soldered PCB with ESP32 and CAN-BUS module included and pre-programmed (price unknown at the moment, but should be below 50 USD)

Please, stay tuned for next updates!