Blackstaff is a custom-built ESP32 macropad designed for smart home control, media automation, and TTRPG immersion. Inspired by arcane themes and powered by ESPHome, it combines a hand-wired numpad layout, rotary encoders, an OLED screen, and multi-mode logic to create a uniquely powerful interface for Home Assistant.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ OLED Display (SSD1306) with arcane-style animations
- ๐๏ธ Rotary encoder for volume, brightness, or contextual control
- ๐น 25-key hand-wired matrix keypad with multi-click input (click, double click, hold)
- ๐ Battery-powered with MAX17048 fuel gauge integration
- ๐ Idle screen animations, startup effects, and wake/sleep dimming
- ๐ง Mode switching for:
- Music control (playlists, shuffle, radio)
- Lighting automation
- Dice roller for D&D sessions
- Ambient/SFX channel controls
- Diagnostic output and future expansion
- ESP32 Feather (or equivalent)
- SSD1306 128x64 OLED Display
- MAX17048 LiPo Fuel Gauge
- 25-key matrix keypad (hand-wired)
- Rotary encoder with push-button support
- LiPo battery and charging circuit
- Custom 3D-printed enclosure
- Optional: Small speakers + passive radiators for local audio feedback
(Coming soon: photos and video showcasing dice rolls, encoder interactions, and arcane effects.)
This project builds on the excellent work of others and is licensed to respect their contributions:
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Based on the Bignum Hot-Swappable and Hand-Wired Numpad Macropad
by pokzy, licensed under
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0.Modifications include support for:
- OLED mounting
- Dual rotary encoders
- Internal battery space
- Feather microcontroller standoffs
- ESPHome YAML adapted from ESPDeck by AeroSteveO, licensed under the MIT License.
Modifications include multi-mode support, advanced display scripting, idle timers, dice logic, and battery state management.
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Enclosure and Hardware:
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 -
Original Blackstaff Code and Content:
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 -
ESPDeck-Derived Code:
MIT License
See LICENSE.md for full details.
- GitHub Pages build guide with schematics and walkthroughs
- Expanded FoundryVTT integration
- Larger screen upgrade with mode-select menu
- Soundboard-style SFX triggers
This project is a personal build but is shared for learning, collaboration, and fun.
Feel free to open an issue or discussion if youโd like to contribute, remix, or just say hello.