Hardware Requirements¶
Complete list of components needed to build the ESP32-C3 Filter Wheel Controller.
Core Components¶
ESP32-C3 Development Board¶
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chip | ESP32-C3 |
| Flash | 4MB minimum |
| RAM | 400KB (built-in) |
| USB | USB-C preferred |
| GPIO | Minimum 8 pins |
Recommended boards: - Espressif ESP32-C3-DevKitM-1 - Seeed XIAO ESP32C3 - M5Stack STAMP-C3
Cost: $3-12 depending on supplier
28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor + ULN2003 Driver¶
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 28BYJ-48 Unipolar Stepper |
| Steps/Revolution | 2048 (with gearbox) |
| Voltage | 5V recommended |
| Torque | ~300 g⋅cm at 5V |
| Driver | ULN2003 Darlington Array |
Kit includes: - 28BYJ-48 stepper motor - ULN2003 driver board - 5-pin connector cable - Mounting screws
Cost: $2-12 per kit
0.42" OLED Display (SSD1306)¶
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.42 inch diagonal |
| Resolution | 128×64 pixels (72×40 visible) |
| Controller | SSD1306 or compatible |
| Interface | I2C (4 pins: VCC, GND, SCL, SDA) |
| Voltage | 3.3V |
| I2C Address | 0x3C |
Cost: $3-8
Precision Components¶
AS5600 Magnetic Rotary Encoder¶
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit (4096 positions/rev) |
| Accuracy | 0.088° per count |
| Interface | I2C (address 0x36) |
| Magnet | 6mm diametrically magnetized |
| Distance | 0.5-3mm from magnet |
Required for PID control. Provides: - Sub-degree positioning accuracy - Automatic error correction - Missed step detection - Position verification
Kit includes: - AS5600 breakout board - 6mm diametric magnet - Pin headers
Cost: $3-10
Connection Components¶
Breadboard / Perfboard¶
Prototyping: - Half-size or full-size breadboard - Breadboard jumper wires (male-to-male, female-to-male)
Permanent Build: - Perfboard/stripboard for soldering - 22-24 AWG stranded wire
Cost: $3-15
Connecting Wires¶
| Connection Type | Wire Type | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Breadboard | Male-to-Male jumpers, 10-20cm | 20+ pieces |
| Board-to-Board | Female-to-Male jumpers, 10-20cm | 10+ pieces |
| Power | 22-24 AWG stranded | 50cm (red/black) |
| Stepper Motor | 5-pin connector | Included with motor |
Cost: $5-10
Power Supply¶
USB Power (Recommended)¶
- Source: USB-C cable from ESP32-C3
- Voltage: 5V
- Current: ~500mA maximum
- Sufficient for most applications
External 5V Supply (Optional)¶
- Voltage: 5V ±5%
- Current: 1-2A
- Use for: Higher torque requirements or continuous operation
Tools Required¶
Basic Tools¶
- Soldering iron (temperature controlled)
- Solder (60/40 or lead-free)
- Wire strippers
- Small screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Multimeter
Helpful Tools¶
- Desoldering braid
- Flux
- Heat shrink tubing
- Cable ties
Bill of Materials¶
Budget Build (~$25-35)¶
| Component | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESP32-C3 Board | 1 | $6 | $6 |
| 28BYJ-48 + ULN2003 | 1 | $4 | $4 |
| 0.42" OLED Display | 1 | $5 | $5 |
| Breadboard & Wires | 1 set | $8 | $8 |
| Total | ~$23 |
Recommended Build (~$35-50)¶
| Component | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous items | $23 | ||
| AS5600 Encoder | 1 | $8 | $8 |
| External 5V Supply | 1 | $12 | $12 |
| Total | ~$43 |
Suppliers¶
Fast Shipping: - Amazon, Adafruit, SparkFun
Best Value: - AliExpress, Banggood, LCSC
Authentic Components: - Mouser, DigiKey, Arrow
Next: Assembly Guide