Makerfabs has recently released “MaTouch SmartKnob Assembled” based on the SmartKnob View open-source hardware design but enclosed in a plastic case. As a reminder, the SmartKnob View is an ESP32-S3-based DIY rotary knob built around a BLDC motor. With clever software and engineering, the motor is so configured that it can do software configurable detents, haptic feedback, magnetic encoder, and more. It also has a round LCD touchscreen, and USB-C, and features a convenient 3D enclosure that can also be attached to your wall with some sticky pull tabs.
The SmartKnob View was a great concept, but its DIY nature made it difficult for many people to get their hands on one as it was never manufactured in quantities. The MaTouch SmartKnob Assembled solves this issue by building upon the original design and comes fully assembled for immediate use. The original module integrates a 240×240 round LCD and uses an ESP32-PICO-V3-02 module. In contrast, the MaTouch SmartKnob features a 1.28-inch touchscreen LCD and an updated mechanical design with a 3D-printed case for improved user experience and cost-effectiveness. It also has an updated PCB schematic, a battery charger, and counter-EMF protection.
MaTouch SmartKnob specifications
- Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8
- SoC – ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core LX7 processor with up to 240MHz
- Memory – 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM
- Storage – 384KB ROM
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE
- Storage – 16MB flash
- PCB antenna
- SoC – ESP32-S3
- Display – 1.28-inch round touchscreen (320×320 resolution)
- Motor – 3205B gimbal motor (previously 3205A, now out of stock)
- USB – USB Type-C for power, programming, and data
- Sensors
- MT6701 Magnetic encoder for precise position sensing
- Strain gauge-based force sensing
- Misc
- Integrated battery support
- EMF protection
- Bluetooth HID support (roller function)
- Power
- USB Type-C (5V/1A)
- Battery-powered with UPS circuit for seamless switching
- IP5306 power management chip
Besides taking inspiration from the SmartKnow View project, Makerfabs also mentions that their mechanical design also relies on the superdial project, but the company updated it to make it better. This ESP32-based smart knob supports the ESP-IDF framework and Arduino development. The UI is built using LVGL, and users can configure the device through a web-based control panel over Wi-Fi, enabling real-time adjustments to force feedback and shortcut mappings. More information about the product can be found on the project’s GitHub repository.
The MaTouch SmartKnob Assembled was first introduced last July, but it only came to our attention release. The device can be purchased directly from Makerfabs for $69.00.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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If 240×240 i enough, the m5dial is half the price: https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-dial-esp32-s3-smart-rotary-knob-w-1-28-round-touch-screen?variant=44064386875649 (and presumably proper injection molding)
Also covered on CNX Software @ https://www.cnx-software.com/2023/10/08/m5dial-an-esp32-s3-smart-rotary-knob-with-a-touchscreen-display/
But I think it’s a slightly different device as it doesn’t have a BLDC motor.
i own an M5Dial; it’s nice but it’s not the same thing. It has something like 30 built-in physical detents (not that I’ve counted) and that’s the same resolution of input it provides.
The big thing about the SmartKnob is the programmable haptic feedback, thanks to the motor. You can program where the detent “clicks” are and even make the knob increase resistance or stop turning, as though it were a potentiometer with fixed limits.
That’s a huge deal for music making, in particular. One of the UX problems of modern synths is that after you load a new program, the knobs don’t reflect the new settings. You can get around it by using endless encoders, and a display to show the value, but you still don’t have the haptic feedback. The SmartKnob would provide that.
Of course, a real synth would need a few dozen of these, which isn’t very affordable! A company called Melbourne has started selling some synths that use motorized knobs (without displays) but they’re quite expensive, US$2000+.
Interesting. I lost track of the smart dial when the designer was struggling to source the gimbal motor. Time to look back into it because I have a project that it could really come in useful for.