Build a Digital Level This Weekend
Using an ESP32-C3 Super Mini, an IMU module, and a few other basic components, you can build your own custom digital level.
There are those who buy the tools they use to make their hobby projects, and there are those who build the tools they use to make their hobby projects. Those in the latter category are often driven by very particular requirements that no off-the-shelf solution can offer. However, they also build their own tools to save money, as an educational exercise, or just for the fun of it.
YouTuber TomStell recently designed and built a custom digital level that serves all of these purposes. If you find yourself in need of a digital level for your own projects and have a few basic components on hand, then this project is one that you definitely want to check out.
At the core of the device is an ESP32-C3 Super Mini development board. A TP4056 charging module and a 410mAh rechargeable battery supply the system with power. An MPU-6050 6-DoF accelerometer and gyroscope sensor is used to detect the tilt of the tool. A 1.77-inch TFT LCD display was included to show measurements, and a rocker switch, button, LED, and buzzer round out the user interface. A custom PCB was designed to eliminate messy wiring, and the hardware was installed in a 3D-printed case.
To calibrate the level, a short press of the button resets its reading to zero. The level will then display the number of degrees the device deviates from this original position. The buzzer sounds an alarm to indicate when the device is not level so that you do not need to focus on the screen when you are doing other work.
The video walks through the build process step-by-step, so be sure to watch it from start to finish before you get started on your own creation.