README

SmartKnob
SmartKnob is an open-source input device with software-configurable endstops and virtual detents.

A brushless gimbal motor is paired with a magnetic encoder to provide closed-loop torque feedback control, making it
possible to dynamically create and adjust the feel of detents and endstops.

Join the Discord community to discuss the project with others, show off your build, or help answer each others' questions!




 Designs

 SmartKnob View
The "SmartKnob View" is the premium SmartKnob experience with an integrated display shown in my demo video. Under active development.

🎉 Motors are now available! If you've been following this project,
you'll know that the recommended motors went out of stock nearly immediately after it was published.
Thanks to the community, we were able to
identify the likely original manufacturer, and recently SparkFun Electronics has been getting them produced and regularly
stocking them! (However, they've been selling out quickly each time they restock, so definitely sign up for backorder notifications if they're out of stock when you check). Thanks to everyone who helped search and investigate different
motor options along the way!

Features:
 - 240x240 round LCD ("GC9A01"), protected by 39.5mm watch glass on rotor
 - BLDC gimbal motor, with a hollow shaft for mechanically & electrically connecting the LCD
 - Powered by ESP32-PICO-V3-02 (Lilygo TMicro32 Plus module)
 - PCB flexure and SMD resistors used as strain gauges for press detection (haptic feedback provided via the motor)
 - 8 side-firing RGB LEDs (SK6812-SIDE-A) illuminate ring around the knob
 - USB-C (2.0) connector for 5V power and serial data/programming (CH340)
 - VEML7700 ambient light sensor for automatic backlight & LED intensity adjustment
 - Versatile back plate for mounting - use either 4x screws, or 2x 3M medium Command strips (with cutouts for accessing removal tabs after installation)
 - Front cover snaps on for easy access to the PCB

Current status: Not recommended for general use, but may be a fun project for an advanced electronics hobbyist.

 Demo video


    


 How it works

    


 3D CAD

!Exploded view

Latest Fusion 360 Model: https://a360.co/3BzkU0n


 DEMO: video editor timeline control

If you edit audio/video, imagine having a jog wheel where you could _feel_ the clip boundaries as you scrolled through the timeline. Then switch to playback speed control, with a wheel that's spring-loaded to return to "paused," with snaps at 1x, 2x, 4x, etc. The SmartKnob can do this; it just needs some software integrations to be written. Check out a demo using a SmartKnob prototype to control a mock video timeline:


    


(you can actually try this demo yourself if you've already built a SmartKnob; plug it in over USB and go to https://scottbez1.github.io/smartknob/)

 Build your own?

While this is a "DIY" open-source project, it is not yet a mature plug-and-play project. If you intend to build your own, note that it requires advanced