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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00091.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
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!
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00093.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
First step, solder the small microswitches for the buttons. Call me weird, but I like them clicky. It gives the console character.
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00108.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
Next it comes the power switch. Be careful with the pins, they are smaller and close to each other 😉
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00110.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
The huge screen is next. Pretty cute, with 128×128 pixels and easy to solder, since it only has 8 pins.
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00113.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
Next, the battery compartment. This is taking shape already!
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00116.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
The button caps are next.
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00119.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
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.
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00121.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
Now it IS working 😎
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00123.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
The case plastics are next. Be pacient with the protective film of the plastics. They are always difficult to remove.
And that’s it!
![](https://i0.wp.com/elprogramadoriberico.es/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DSC00134.jpg?resize=960%2C640&ssl=1)
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!