MQTT Split-Flap Display Controller (jhoff firmware/makerworld hardware)

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Home Assistant Split-Flap Display Controller (MQTT)

This project provides a smart logic for controlling an 8-character Split-Flap display (based on the hardware by Morgan Manly/Thom Koopman and firmware by Jordan Hoff (jhoff)) via Home Assistant. It solves the problem of long sentences by automatically grouping words into 8-character chunks and handling repeats and delays.

Features

  • Smart Word Grouping: Automatically combines words if they fit into the 8-character limit (e.g., “HELLO” + " " + “YOU” = 9 chars → split / “HI” + " " + “YOU” = 6 chars → grouped).
  • Dynamic Speed: Control the delay between flips via a slider.
  • Auto-Repeat: Loop the entire message multiple times.
  • Clean Exit: Automatically clears the display after the message finishes.

:hammer_and_wrench: Setup

1. Requirements

This script is designed to work with the firmware of jhoff Split-Flap project.

Link: jhoff/splitflap on GitHub (firmware) and Thom Koopman/ Split Flap Display - Extended Charset 48 flaps on MakerWorld (hardware)

2. Create Helpers

Create these in Settings > Devices & Services > Helpers:

  • input_text.splitflap_test_input (The message)
  • input_number.splitflap_delay (Pause between words, 1-10s)
  • input_number.splitflap_repeat (Number of loops, 1-10)

3. The Script (scripts.yaml)

Note: Make sure to replace text.sfdisplay_1_display with the actual Entity ID of your display’s text entity!

YAML

splitflap_display_sentence:
  alias: "SplitFlap: Smart Grouping & Repeat"
  sequence:
    - repeat:
        count: "{{ states('input_number.splitflap_repeat') | default(1) | int }}"
        sequence:
          - repeat:
              for_each: >
                {% set limit, ns = 8, namespace(groups=[], current_group="") %}
                {% for word in states('input_text.splitflap_test_input').split(' ') %}
                  {% if ns.current_group == "" %}{% set ns.current_group = word %}
                  {% elif (ns.current_group ~ " " ~ word) | length <= limit %}{% set ns.current_group = ns.current_group ~ " " ~ word %}
                  {% else %}{% set ns.groups, ns.current_group = ns.groups + [ns.current_group], word %}{% endif %}
                {% endfor %}
                {{ (ns.groups + [ns.current_group]) if ns.current_group != "" else ns.groups }}
              sequence:
                - service: text.set_value
                  target:
                    # CHANGE THIS to your display entity:
                    entity_id: text.sfdisplay_1_display
                  data:
                    value: "{{ repeat.item | upper }}"
                - delay:
                    seconds: "{{ states('input_number.splitflap_delay') | default(4) | float }}"
          - delay:
              seconds: 2
    - service: text.set_value
      target:
        entity_id: text.sfdisplay_1_display
      data:
        value: "        "

4. Dashboard UI

YAML

type: entities
title: Split-Flap Control
entities:
  - entity: input_text.splitflap_test_input
    name: Message
  - entity: input_number.splitflap_delay
    name: Word Pause
  - entity: input_number.splitflap_repeat
    name: Sentence Repeats
  - type: button
    name: "Push to Display"
    action_name: "SEND"
    tap_action:
      action: call-service
      service: script.splitflap_display_sentence

5. Simple Automation Example

This automation demonstrates the syntax for setting the message, delay, and repeats before triggering the script.

YAML

alias: "SplitFlap: Simple Door Greeting"
trigger:
  - platform: state
    entity_id: binary_sensor.front_door
    to: "on"
action:
  # 1. Set the message
  - service: input_text.set_value
    target:
      entity_id: input_text.splitflap_test_input
    data:
      value: "WELCOME HOME"

  # 2. Set the delay between words (in seconds)
  - service: input_number.set_value
    target:
      entity_id: input_number.splitflap_delay
    data:
      value: 3

  # 3. Set the number of sentence repeats
  - service: input_number.set_value
    target:
      entity_id: input_number.splitflap_repeat
    data:
      value: 2

  # 4. Trigger the script
  - service: script.splitflap_display_sentence