Finished Coding Firmware And Started GitHub!

With the help of Google and lots of rabbit-holes, I think I have a decent first code sketch done! I'm choosing to code in Arduino's native format, as opposed to, say, CircuitPython, because of the infinitely more readily available resources for the ESP32!

Additionally, I added everything to GitHub and am getting ready to submit! :D

Completed 3d Modeling And Assembly

After a long rainy day, the CAD case is finished!! I'm adding a few more things such as a cover and tapered edges to protect it as best as possible against the elements - I think the TPU seals are what's going to help most here :)

I'm PRAYING I can still get this accepted in time for Prototype!!!!

Routed the PCB!

The PCB is finally routed! I hope it works! This was my second time using KiCad to route a PCB, and the wiring took me multiple attempts, but in the end, it worked out.

PCB:

PCB Render:

Updated Schematic With New Parts!

Added a breakout for an ultrasonic distance sensor and for a STEMMA-based temperature/humidity sensor that I already own so that I can easily integrate them into the project without having to worry about buying additional parts.

Completed Preliminary Schematic Design in KiCad!

Tonight, I finished the preliminary schematic in KiCad. This isn't much at all, so I'm thinking about how to add more to the project without overengineering it. A screenshot of my current progress is attached!

Initial Brainstorming And Research; Extensive Description!

Today, the project starts. After doing some research, I have come up with the idea for the project and the parts list. The issue I identified is that the house I am currently living in does not contain a doorbell, and most online doorbells are expensive and use proprietary apps. My goal is to design a simple smart doorbell with high scaleability, so I chose the XIAO ESP32‑S3 Sense instead of the traditional ESP32-CAM, for three reasons: first of all, I already have experience with XIAO controllers in KiCad after building my HackPad; second of all, the XIAO features an option to have the camera powered by AI, and third of all, it had a port for the JST connected battery which I already owned, as well as a charger module for said battery, which means less part cost and more time to be put towards software.

Initially, I will setup a simple script where when the doorbell is pressed, a buzzer sounds, LED lights up, and the owner (me) is notified via a mobile notification. After the project is in hand and I've had time to experience around, I will have the camera use a basic Machine Learning mechanism to actively scan for people that might be around; if it tracks someone, it can proactively send a message, and classify them into a certain type of person; i.e. delivery.