Some time ago, I told you about Makerbuino, a small DIY gaming console based on the famous ATmega328 microcontroller, that you could build and code games for it, like Firebuino, my small game based on the Fire Game&Watch.
The company, CircuitMess (wonderful name, using CamelCase 😏), have a bunch of active projects, like the small console Nibble, similar to Makerbuino, but using a color display and an impressive ESP-12 microcontroller.
Specs:
- Processor: ESP-12 @ 160MHz, 32-bit ARM arquitecture
- Storage: 4MB
- RAM: 80KB
- Display: 1.4″ Full Color TFT, with a resolution of 128×128 pixels
- Conectivity: WiFi
160Mhz… I remember my first PC… A pentium I @ 133Mhz… This thing is more powerful, and it is powered by three AAA batteries 😂. Technology is amazing…
I picked up a sale a some days ago, so for a price of 60€ I ordered it and now that I have received it, I have proceed with the assembly. Below, some photos of the process.
The box has everything you need to assemble the console: the different components, a small soldering iron with stand, solder and a cleaning sponge, a screwdriver… and even three AAA batteries, so you can play with it right away!
First step, solder the small microswitches for the buttons. Call me weird, but I like them clicky. It gives the console character.
Next it comes the power switch. Be careful with the pins, they are smaller and close to each other 😉
The huge screen is next. Pretty cute, with 128×128 pixels and easy to solder, since it only has 8 pins.
Next, the battery compartment. This is taking shape already!
The button caps are next.
I install the batteries and… Huh? It doesn’t work! Don’t worry… the fuse is not installed yet. A very good idea to make the fuse replaceable, having in mind this is supposed to be assembled by even 9 year old kids.
Now it IS working 😎
The case plastics are next. Be pacient with the protective film of the plastics. They are always difficult to remove.
And that’s it!
For more detail, you can visit the official guide, in which everything is explained much better.
You can take a look a the official CircuitMess site. They have some interesting new projects, like a small autonomous car, a personal assistant, a couple of communicators… Everything ready to be assembled and tinkered with. Learning and fun are guaranteed!
Now, if you excuse me, I’ll be tinkering with mine, coding a little bit. I’ll let you know 😉
See you in the next post!
