Very different device, but here’s a description of how I replaced a pump control board with a custom PCB with an ESP32.
You need to figure out what the interface is on the current board. ie what signal are you trying to produce to control the light? What power supply is available? Does it have any other inputs?
Then some careful measuring of the existing board so you can create something that fits.
Small ESP design. - GitHub - makermoekoe/Picoclick-C3 especially the tiny version, it appears to have schematics and files you can submit to have a PCB printed.
Some way / circuit to switch a CW/WW light. - Using a ULN2003 circuit to switch the LED’s.
The next step is now to ask for help, using a “freelancing service” I found a number of people that can assist at a fee.
At this stage I am out of my depth, I have no idea how deep this PCB rabbit hole goes… up to what point can you copy/paste.
This is where I am now, where I am stuck and I appreciate the community’s inputs or assistance that I can continue further with this adventure.
If your services are for hire, let me know which platform you use and we can meet there. Should you just be another hobbyist with some spare time to help out, that is also welcome.
The basic questions I could come up with:
I will be relying on your knowledge of electronics and PCB design to guide me in this idea:
Is it achievable to combine both the ESP32 and ULN chips in a ~15mm x 40mm area
Will you be able to “copy/paste” the existing Picoclick-C3 in this design to save time?
Programming / flashing the unit must be possible, so access to TX/RX pins is required.
Some test pads on the PCB
There must be a polarity protection on both “MCU” and “power output” side
The use of readily available / common parts
Any WiFi/Bluetooth limitations we can expect when downsizing to this scale?
Any considerations you notice that have been overlooked
The pins:
4x GPIO (digital) input pins (buttons)
On/off button
Increase brightness
Decrease brightness
Light mode (Cool/Warm/Combined)
3x GPIO (pwm) output pins (LEDs)
Status LED
Cool white channel
Warm white channel
The LED driver / power output:
I am unfamiliar with what would constitute as a good LED (PWM) driver and ended up with the ULN configuration. The current rating on the default switch is 5VDC, 2~3A. Other suggestions also welcome.
Files:
The files should be in a format that is widely accepted, and if not widely accepted it must be able to be easily converted into an accepted format.
Any person with access to the files must be able to edit them.
PCB manufacturers must be able to get all info from the file (e.g. what chips to use/supply etc)
Reading your post, it does feel we share a common goal, fiddle with stuff to make it work in a way we need it to Thanks for your post.
It would appear we have different skill sets, and what I can gather from your post, you have the talent, (patience?) and likely background to excel in a area I have no clue even where to start.
Since I also do not see myself attempting to learn a new PCB-design course, I would like to appeal to the community, show what I have been able to accomplish and ask for assistance in this final step. I also acknowledge these projects do take time, and will happily also pay to see this to completion.
Not sure if these are same case/control board but they look similar. I built these a while ago to make them ESPHome devices and have been working well.
Thanks for your post.