Reduce Distractions and Increase Productivity with This ESP32 Smart Timer
Eliminate the risk of becoming sidetracked by setting dedicated focus time on The Wrench's elegant time-keeping gadget.
Due to the proliferation of phones, gaming systems, and other entertainment technologies in our lives, it is incredibly easy to become distracted by them and ignore tasks which are far more important. So rather than risk entering into a doom-scrolling Reddit session on his phone, YouTuber The Wrench was able to create a purpose-built time tracker display that would help him adhere to the job at-hand for a predetermined amount of time.
The components
The most central part to this timer is its 2.8" IPS screen. It, in turn, interfaces with an ESP32-C3 over a ribbon cable carrying GDI display signals. Input is provided to the ESP32 from the user by a rotary potentiometer so that a knob can be attached. Finally, a LiPo battery and buzzer were connected for portability and audible feedback, respectively.
Enclosure and assembly
Designed in Fusion 360, the timer's body is meant to be both minimalist and sleek, which is why everything is contained within a simple cubic shape. At the bottom are four small feet that elevate the device and the wooden knob on top allows for easy turning by a user.
Tracking the time
After switching it on, the user is expected to select a range of time between one minute and one hour. Once ten seconds have elapsed from the last input, the countdown automatically begins until it reaches zero seconds remaining. At this point, the screen shows the total time as well as a congratulatory message while the buzzer beeps in the background.
