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A Pokémon Alarm Clock Transformation: A Testament to DIY Creativity
Mathieu, a passionate tinkerer and pixel artist collaborating with Woostarpixels, has breathed new life into an old Pokémon alarm clock. In a blend of hardware hacking, software programming, and digital art, Mathieu transformed the antique device into a modern marvel, showcasing the versatility of the ESP32 microcontroller.
Initially, Mathieu's frustration with a power-hungry Pokémon alarm clock led him to contemplate abandoning the device, reflecting his dissatisfaction with its performance. This dissatisfaction extended beyond the alarm clock, as Mathieu also expressed frustration with the quality and performance of other consumer electronics, including smart doorbells.
To address these issues, Mathieu decided to create his own electronics. He replaced the internal components of the Pokémon alarm clock, swapping out the antique LCD for a modern, full-color TFT LCD purchased from AliExpress for a few Euros. The controller was also upgraded, with an ESP32 microcontroller installed, enabling the clock to sync to network time in the event of power loss.
The new display features stunning pixel art by Woostarpixels, customized to have day and nighttime versions, including the correct moon phase. Mathieu utilized 99.6% of the ESP32’s onboard 4 MB flash, ensuring a well-crafted, artistic yet functional device.
The result is a multidisciplinary work of art that merges the practicality of a timekeeping device with the aesthetic appeal of digital art. The clock, with its new design and features, appears well-built and likely to be enjoyed for years to come.
For those interested in the technical details or wanting to build their own, the code for this project is available on GitHub. This ESP32-powered Pokémon alarm clock modification serves as an inspiration for those looking to breathe new life into their old electronics and explore the potential of the ESP32 in modernizing and personalizing classic consumer electronics.
[1] GitHub repository for the ESP32-powered Pokémon alarm clock modification: https://github.com/Mathieu/Pokemon-alarm-clock-ESP32 [2] Woostarpixels' portfolio: https://woostarpixels.com/
In the spirit of DIY creativity, Mathieu integrated an Arduino-compatible ESP32 microcontroller into his transformed Pokémon alarm clock, showcasing the potential of technology in revitalizing old electronics. Demonstrating his displeasure with the quality of other gadgets like smart doorbells, Mathieu opted to build his own devices, enhancing the features of his Pokémon alarm clock by incorporating a full-color TFT LCD from electronics retailer AliExpress.
