Introduction: ESticky V2 — the Sticky Note That Got Smarter

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About: As I explore the exciting world of electronics, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement at the incredible things I discover!

Last year, I designed a small gadget called eSticky: a compact, paperless way to keep your thoughts organised, and it was a great success. The project garnered a lot of attention, showing its potential for further development. As a result, I created a new version with enhanced software and hardware.

Introducing eSticky V2.

This device can serve multiple functions, including a clock, a to-do list, a live YouTube subscriber counter, and a countdown timer for your graduation. Additionally, it can display many other options. We have developed a fully custom-made PCB featuring the XIAO ESP32S3, larger batteries, and a 3D-printed desktop enclosure. For this project, we are still using the 2.9-inch e-ink display from SeedStudio.

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On the software side, eSticky V2 is fully compatible with SenseCraft HMI—a cloud-based, no-code platform that allows you to design interfaces using easy drag-and-drop tools.

Let's take a look at how I built one.

Supplies

Parts used

  1. Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 Plus
  2. 2.9" Monochrome ePaper Display with 296x128 Pixels
  3. 18650 battrey with 2 PIN JST connector
  4. M2 X 5mm screws * 4

Tools Used

  1. Glue/Hot glue
  2. 3D printer
  3. Soldering kit

Step 1: Electronics and PCB

In the earlier version of my project, I used an e-paper module connected to the XIAO with wires and a battery. This time, I have decided to create a custom PCB for the project. I designed the PCB using EasyEDA.

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We are using the XIAO ESP32S3 Plus for this project to ensure full compatibility with the Senscraft HMI. After designing the PCB, I utilised Seeed Fusion for manufacturing it. Additionally, I took advantage of their PCBA service for assembly, which simplified the building process.

We are also using 2.9" Monochrome Paper Display with 296x128 Pixels, from seeedstudio for this project.

You can Download PCB files here

Seeed Studio offers a Fusion PCBA Sponsorship program specifically for XIAO-based designs, providing a 30% discount on PCB assembly (PCBA) services. They also offer the lowest-cost XIAO modules from their Open Parts Library (OPL) and provide free global shipping. You can get your PCBA here.seeedstudio fusion

Step 2: Enclosure

In the earlier version, I designed a handheld device. However, during use, it often ended up lying on my desk. This time, I decided a desktop-based design would be more practical. Additionally, the enclosure of Version 1 was difficult to 3D print using an FDM printer, so I redesigned it.

Now, there is more space for the battery, and the new design is easy to reproduce using an FDM 3D printer.

I 3D printed the outer shell in white PLA+, while the inner frame is made from black PLA+. You can find all the STL files attached below.

Attachments

Step 3: Build

Let's look at how to put everything together. 1.Connect the 2.9-inch E Ink display to the PCB and glue it to the back side of the PCB.

2.Attach the antenna to the main body

3. Glue the battery to the main body

4. Connect the antenna cables and Battery wires to the PCB

5. Place the PCB in the main body and use anM2X5mm screw to secure it

6. Add some Glue to the Top panel and place it on top of the screen

We are done with the assembly. Now let's look at how to flash the Firmware to our Device

Step 4: Flashing Sensecraft HMI Firmware

Let's give sole to this project, follow these steps to flash the Sensecraft HMI Fw onto our device

1.Create an account in Sensecraft HMl and log in to it

2.Navigate to the tools and to the Firmware Flasher

3.Select your device as the epaper DIY kit EE04

4.Select your screen from the dropdown menu 2.9" Monochrome Display 128*296

5.Select the Latest Version of firmware

6.Click on the Flash

7.Then select your COM port of the device

8.Now the device will be flashed onto our Fw


Step 5: Device Setup

After flashing the SenseCraft HMI firmware, set up your device for first-time use by following these steps.

An on-time booting device will start an open Wi-Fi connection and use the IP address 192.168.4.1 to access the Wi-Fi configuration page in your browser. Select the Wi-Fi network and enter the password to connect this device to your home network.

If the Wi-Fi connection is successful, the eSticky will provide a pairing code.

To add a new device to the SenseCraft HMI, go to "My Devices" and click on "+ New Device." You can now name your device and enter the pairing code. After that, the device will be successfully added.

Step 6: Adding Pages

Go to the workspace and click on "+ New Design." This will open the page editor where you can customize the display as you wish.

Here are some example use cases.

Adding Text

To display plain text on the page, go to Basic, and you will find the text option here. Click on it

Like a regular text editor, you can type what you like, change the font, size, alignment, and text style, etc. Use these tools to express your thoughts on the page.

I used this basic text editor to create a small to-do list.

Date and time

To add the date and time, click on the "Date/Time" option in the basic menu.

This can be used to display the clock, date, and time. You can change the format of the date or time, adjust the font alignment, and change the font size, etc.

YouTube Live Sub Count

You can utilize the YouTube API configuration to receive all channel information, including total views, video count, and more, displayed on the screen.

You can find this YouTube config in the basic TAB. Here You need to enter your YT API Key

Here is a helpful full video I found that explains it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPeDTRNKAVo

After entering the API key, you can enter the Channel ID or Handle. It is not limited to your channel; you can enter the Channel ID from other creators and receive data regarding that.

Select the required data field and confirm that the numbers will appear in the page editor. You can now move the numbers around and treat them like regular text by changing the font, size, alignment, etc.

After designing all the pages, you can save them by clicking the "Save" button in the top right corner. Then, click on "Apply" to deploy the changes to your device. The eSticky screen will be updated with your new pages.

You can use the buttons at the top to switch between pages.

Step 7: Final Thought

There are still many things that can be done with Senscraft HMI. Additionally, you can display images, weather data, and pull information using APIs from Google Calendar, GitHub, and other sources. Senscraft HMI offers eStiky a lot of flexibility.

Here is the wiki page for Senscraft HMI; it is a very good guide to learning and unlocking the full potential of this device.https://sensecraft-hmi-docs.seeed.cc/en/

And that’s it for eSticky V2. From a simple paperless note idea to a fully customizable smart display, this project shows what’s possible when flexible hardware meets no-code software like SenseCraft HMI.

If you’d like to build one yourself, I’ve shared all design files on my blog If you enjoyed this build, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more maker projects.

Thanks for watching, and as always — happy making!