Hardware Requirements
This section outlines the complete list of hardware components required to assemble a functional TiltSense device. The chosen components are optimized for compactness, reliability, and ease of assembly, leveraging widely available and affordable parts.
Required Components
🔹 ESP32-S3 with 1.28" Round Touchscreen
A compact, all-in-one ESP32-S3 development board featuring:
- A 1.28" round GC9A01A TFT LCD
- CST816S capacitive touch interface
- Onboard USB-C, charging circuitry, and GPIO access
📌 This is the core of the TiltSense system. Make sure your version includes both the GC9A01A display and CST816S touch controller.
For technical details, pinouts, and specifications, refer to the official Waveshare documentation:
🔗 ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-1.28 — Waveshare Wiki
🔋 LiPo Battery – 3.7V (1S) 200mAh with JST 1.25mm Connector
A small rechargeable lithium battery that powers the device when disconnected from USB.
- Optional but supported
- Provides approx. 45 minutes of runtime
- Useful for safe relocation or in case of temporary power loss
⚠️ Important: Always verify polarity before connecting the battery. Some suppliers use inverted connectors which may damage the board.
🔩 M2 Brass Heat-Set Inserts
Heat-set inserts used to reinforce the mounting points of the 3D-printed enclosure:
- Dimensions: M2 × L2 mm × OD3.2 mm
- Installed with a soldering iron or insert tool
🔧 M2x5mm Screws
Small metric screws to secure the ESP32 board to the case and fasten the enclosure parts.
🧲 Neodymium Magnet – 20×3mm
A circular magnet embedded in the rear of the case, allowing the device to attach firmly to metal surfaces like fermentation chambers or kegerators.
🖨️ 3D-Printed Enclosure
Download from MakerWorld
A custom-designed case optimized for:
- Easy insertion of the ESP32 board
- Battery compartment
- Magnetic mounting support
Printing instructions and STL files are available on MakerWorld. Designed for standard FDM printers.
🔌 USB-A to USB-C Cable
Used to:
- Flash the firmware using the TiltSense Web Builder
- Charge the internal battery when connected to a power source
- Keep TiltSense connected for long-term use, such as monitoring the entire fermentation process.
Optional Components
📈 Pressure Sensor (Optional — full documentation coming soon)
TiltSense already supports pressure monitoring via external sensors integrated through Home Assistant. This allows advanced fermentation profiling by combining gravity data with real-time pressure readings.
A dedicated pressure sensor module — designed and tested by Banana Brewery — is already developed and fully functional. Detailed documentation covering its assembly, wiring, and configuration will be published soon as an official expansion to the TiltSense ecosystem.
Additional Tools
To assemble TiltSense, you may also need:
- A soldering iron (for heat-set inserts or wiring mods)
- M2 hex driver or screwdriver
- Double-sided tape, hot glue, or a small piece of soft foam (optional, for securing the battery)
To prevent the battery from shifting inside the case, you can use adhesive or insert a small cut of soft, lightweight foam to hold it gently in place without pressure on the wiring.
Notes
- The components listed here are suggestions based on tested and validated builds.
- Availability may vary by region; equivalent parts from other vendors are valid as long as specifications match.
- Always double-check voltage and polarity before connecting components, especially batteries and external sensors.