OverviewI wanted a watch that felt like a true gadget, so I set out to build my own open-source, easily moddable smartwatch from scratch. The goal was simple: make it cool, interactive, and highly useful, with the ability to easily add new features using Python. The journey took me from a messy breadboard prototype to a custom two-layer PCB and a 3D-printed case. Of course, it wasn't without some classic rookie mistakes - like soldering the voltage converter upside down and letting the magic smoke out! But after some quick repairs, some manual PCB grinding, and the generous application of every engineer's best friends (hot glue and duct tape), the v1.0 was born!
RequirementsThe brain of the operation is the Waveshare RP2040-Matrix, which has a built-in 5x5 LED matrix (cool) besides that it’s quite fast, energy-efficient and supports MicroPython.
- Waveshare RP2040-Matrix board
- OLED Display
- 5V Boost Converter
- 5mW Laser module
- tactile switches, pins, and wires
- 3D-printed case
- buzzer
Features- Integrated 5mW Laser: Perfect for pointing things out (or distracting cats 😉). It has a nighttime range of about 3 km (2 miles).
- NeoPixel Matrix Pad: Uses the RP2040's onboard LEDs for infinite animations, including a mesmerizing plasma effect and a bomb-style countdown (definitely do not use at the airport).
- 8-Bit Jukebox: Manipulates PWM frequencies through the buzzer to play retro-style themes like the Imperial March.
- Number Storage: A handy digital notepad to temporarily store important sequences or phone numbers.
- Temperature Sensor: Uses the RP2040's internal sensor (calibrated with an offset to account for chip heat) to read the room temperature.
- Coin Flipper: A dedicated app for settling bets on the go.
- Power Management: Features a dedicated sleep-mode switch that drops current draw to just a few milliamps, letting the watch last for days on a single charge.
ConclusionV1 works — it was fun for me, and I learned some new things. That said, it’s definitely an ultra-raw prototype, and there’s plenty of room for improvement in a potential V2. The currently exposed solder joints are a bit too vulnerable to water, so a transparent front cover will be a must in the next version. With a tighter component layout and a revision of the selected parts, the footprint could easily be reduced by 50%. It would also be great to add an RTC (Real-Time Clock) module so the time doesn’t reset on every boot 😆, along with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth IoT support to control my smart home devices directly from my wrist.
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