Add some firmware

I've created a simple DMX library for the ESP to control 8 channels. It can also handle more channels, but these need to be defined beforehand. The code is experimental, and I'll most likely rewrite it once I've built the board.

The ESP hosts a simple website for controlling the 8 channels. In the future, I will try to work via an API or use the USB connection as the primary communication source!

Relaxing PCB Routing + future plans

Honestly, I thought it would all take longer, but oh well, more time for other projects :-) But first, here's a 3D render of the PCB:

It all started again with placing the component, first roughly and then more precisely in the individual sections.

Then I added my logo and started routing everything haphazardly, except for the data lines, of course, to ensure they were all the same length. I don't really know what else to write here.

It was quite easy to place everything, and the PCB didn't end up being very large at all, without the XLR port, it could have been made even smaller. If I make a second version, there absolutely have to be two universes, and ideally, both a 3-pin and a 5-pin connector. And of course, i added the ground planes.

I'll write the software after the PCB is built. I'll finish the repository in the next few days once I can log back into jlcpcb, they've been having problems with my Apple ID for a few days now. I'll work on the case later. First, I need to polish and submit the other projects!

2nd Schematic Speedrun

Surprisingly, it didn't take too long to build the schematic around the Max485 chip and to electronically isolate it. Here's the current progress:

So, I took so many screenshots at the beginning of the process, and I'm using them all here. Next, I used the USB serial converter to control the ESP-12F module. I know the module is older, but it's very inexpensive and, in my opinion, suitable for this project.

Next, I used the USB-C port, the same port as in my last project, so the same footprint and LCSC number, and then I continued.

Then the ESP was wired up. I don't think I need to say much about that, it's relatively simple. And then I added three more WS2812B-2020 addressable LEDs to display the status or similar information of the board.

Additionally, a voltage regulator was added, as well as the auto-reset and auto-flash setup, which is triggered by the USB to serial converter.

A flash and reset button was also added, as well as a power LED and, most importantly, the XLR connector. And yes, it only says "DMX connector," which is actually just the protocol, the connector itself is simply called XLR. BUT I'm leaving "DMX" there because otherwise it confuses me :-)

I'll continue working on this board after Christmas and then route it. I don't think that should be too difficult, it's not that complex. I hope everything works out as I envision it, and I can write the software in a month hehe.

Here's the entire schematic again, organized and labeled:

I need a hackable DMX Interface

So, I've used several DMX control systems: the software from MA2 consoles and Daslight with their own DMX interfaces. I have to say they work great, but they have two drawbacks: they're incredibly expensive, and I can't modify them. So, it's time to build my own simple DMX interface, ideally one that can also be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi.

After some research, the MAX485 chip keeps coming up, or it's mentioned that it can "generate" the DMX signal, or rather, the protocol used by DMX devices. So, I opened GitHub Copilot again and started working on the schematic.