Tag: Elecrow

  • Smart Home Hub: 3.5-Inch Display with Microphone

    Key Takeaway

    – Low-cost ESP32-S3 smart display ($21) with integrated development board
    – Can function as a standalone smart home interface, similar to an Echo Show
    – Supports LVGL for customizable UI and user programming
    – Built-in microphone, external speakers, and touchscreen for acoustic and tactile interaction
    – Connectivity via WiFi/Bluetooth, USB-C, I2C ports, and microSD card slot for expansion

    New Display From Elecrow

    Elecrow is now offering a new display for a relatively low price of $21. In practice, it is not just a display, as a development board is integrated as well. This allows the model to be used without an external source device, and it is ultimately not intended for that purpose anyway. Instead, the ESP32-S3 display can be used as a smart display, making it a potential alternative to devices such as an Echo Show. There are limitations, but also almost endless possibilities, since the system can and must be programmed by the user.

    Features and Programmability

    LVGL is supported for easier interface design. An ESP32-S3 SoC is used, with support for Bluetooth and WiFi in the 2.4GHz band. This makes integration into a smart home possible. Acoustic interaction is possible due to a microphone being installed on the board, external speakers are included for functionality right out of the box. This means users can also interact with smart home devices by tapping the screen, for example.

    Panel and Connectivity Options

    The 3.5-inch panel, which has a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, can process touch inputs. Power can be supplied either via USB-C or with a battery. Programming is also handled via USB-C. I2C ports are available, allowing additional sensors, such as gas detection sensors, to be connected. You’ll find a microSD card slot is included, which gives you more storage options for your projects or data logging needs.

    • Pricing: $21
    • ESP32-S3 SoC with Bluetooth and WiFi 2.4GHz
    • 3.5-inch touchscreen, 320 x 480 resolution
    • Microphone and external speakers
    • USB-C for power and programming, battery support
    • I2C ports for sensors, microSD card slot


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    • Elecrow CrowPanel 1.46″ Round Smart Home Display Launches

      Elecrow CrowPanel 1.46″ Round Smart Home Display Launches

      Key Takeaway

      – Compact 1.46-inch round touchscreen with 360×360 resolution, powered by an ESP32-S3, suitable as a development board and secondary display.
      – USB-driven (no HDMI/DisplayPort); programmable via Arduino IDE and LVGL for custom interfaces.
      – WiFi (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling smart home integrations and wireless control.
      – Connectors for UART/I2C; no built-in sensors, requires external peripherals; needs external power source (no battery).
      – Priced at $30 direct from Elecrow; perspective for tinkering projects and potential smart-screen use.

      The manufacturer Elecrow may be familiar to attentive readers. The company tends to offer products by and for makers rather than for traditional consumers. The new CrowPanel is not really an exception. With the compact, round display, the manufacturer is likely also targeting customers who have at least some interest in tinkering and building their own projects. The display has a 1.46-inch diagonal and a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels, so it should offer decent sharpness.

      Design and Interfacing

      This is a touchscreen, but the device itself can also be rotated, making it possible to quickly switch between different views, among other things. The display can be used for a wide range of projects. It can be used as a secondary screen for a PC or laptop, for example. However, the system is not controlled via HDMI or DisplayPort, but via USB. Accordingly, it has to be programmed to a greater or lesser extent. This is possible via the Arduino IDE, for example, while custom interfaces can reportedly be used with LVGL. The display has its own processor, specifically an ESP32-S3 chip.

      Embedded Capabilities

      This also makes the CrowPanel a development board with its own display. The ESP32-S3 supports 2.4GHz WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE), allowing the display to be integrated into a smart home setup. The CrowPanel could therefore also be used as a compact smart screen or switch. Such a compact system could be useful for controlling an air conditioner or other devices, for example. There is no battery, so at least one cable is required for power.

      Connectivity and Applications

      The smart home display also has UART and I2C, which means additional sensors and actuators can generally be connected. The board does not include its own sensors, such as sensors for measuring humidity or temperature. The CrowPanel is currently available directly from the manufacturer for $30. Potential buyers should check the shipping conditions and may also want to look at sample projects.


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    • Affordable Modular DIY Smart Home Hub – Elecrow CrowPanel

      Affordable Modular DIY Smart Home Hub – Elecrow CrowPanel

      Key Takeaways

      1. The Elecrow CrowPanel Advanced is a DIY smart display with a 5-inch screen, suitable for home automation and industrial machinery control.
      2. It uses an ESP32-P4 SoC with dual RISC-V CPU cores operating at up to 400 MHz, which limits its capability to run Windows.
      3. Users can create custom interfaces using LVGL, though it may be challenging for those without DIY skills.
      4. The display supports interchangeable wireless modules like ZigBee or LoRa for communication with sensors and actuators, and it can also connect via wired interfaces.
      5. The smart display has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, supports capacitive touch for five simultaneous inputs, and is priced around $43-$51 depending on the camera inclusion.

      Elecrow is well-recognized for its DIY products tailored for hobbyists. The CrowPanel Advanced features a 5-inch screen and the ESP32-P4, making it suitable for use as a smart display in home automation. One practical application could be mounting the display in a corridor, which is likely the most straightforward scenario. Additionally, in industrial settings, this system can function to control machinery.

      Technical Specifications

      The Elecrow CrowPanel Advanced utilizes an ESP32-P4 System on Chip (SoC) that boasts two RISC-V CPU cores operating at speeds up to 400 MHz. However, this performance level is inadequate for running Windows. Therefore, users will typically be inclined to design their own interfaces, a task that can be done with relative ease using LVGL. It’s important to note that while this process doesn’t necessarily involve programming the entire interface from scratch, it still may not be very straightforward for users lacking DIY skills.

      Connectivity Options

      Moreover, the wireless module is interchangeable, allowing users to integrate ZigBee or LoRa for wireless communication with various sensors and actuators. The Elecrow smart display then serves as a hub or gateway. Additionally, sensors and actuators can be directly connected through wired interfaces like UART. The 5-inch smart home display features a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and supports capacitive touch for up to five simultaneous inputs. The model that includes a 2MP camera retails for approximately $51, while the version without a camera is available for around $43. Note that the corresponding wireless modules are sold separately.

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    • CrowView Transforms Smartphones and Mini PCs into Versatile Laptops

      CrowView Transforms Smartphones and Mini PCs into Versatile Laptops

      Key Takeaways

      1. The CrowView Note 15.6 is a laptop-like device that connects to smartphones or mini PCs for a limited notebook experience.
      2. It features a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 300 cd/m² brightness.
      3. The device has a 6,000 mAh built-in battery to prevent draining the connected smartphone’s battery.
      4. Connectivity options include three USB-C ports, a mini HDMI port, two USB-A ports, and audio output, with a QWERTY keyboard and touchpad.
      5. The CrowView Note 15.6 is priced at $176.80, excluding shipping fees.

      Elecrow provides systems that can be easily described as laptops lacking a specific processor. A notable example is the CrowView Note 15.6, which connects to a compatible smartphone or mini PC. This is useful in situations like traveling, when you might want to check emails or perform simpler tasks without relying on dedicated Windows or macOS software, or when users prefer a (limited) notebook experience.

      Display and Specs

      This device boasts a 15.6-inch IPS display that has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, along with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and a brightness level of 300 cd/m². The manufacturer claims that the sRGB color space is fully covered. Additionally, it includes a built-in battery with a capacity of 6,000 mAh, so the battery of the connected smartphone doesn’t get drained constantly.

      Connectivity and Design

      Featuring a QWERTY keyboard layout, which includes a numpad and touchpad, the device can take electrical power and image signals through USB-C. There are three USB-C ports and a mini HDMI port available. Other ports include two USB-A ports, a jack output, and two built-in speakers. The CrowView Note 15.6 weighs 1,545 grams and has dimensions of 372 × 244 × 26 millimeters. More information can be found on the product page.

      The CrowView Note 15.6 is currently priced at $176.80 from Elecrow, not including shipping fees.

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    • Elecrow CrowPanel Advance: 7-Inch Smart Display with ESP32-P4

      Elecrow CrowPanel Advance: 7-Inch Smart Display with ESP32-P4

      Key Takeaways

      1. The CrowPanel Advance is a 7-inch smart display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, driven by an ESP32-P4NRW32 processor.
      2. It supports programming through ESP-IDF and Arduino IDE, with graphical interface design facilitated by the LVGL framework.
      3. The device is versatile, suitable for displaying real-time data and managing tasks, but may require technical setup.
      4. It can operate on battery or USB power and supports multiple connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, ZigBee, and LoRa.
      5. An optional 2MP camera is available, increasing the price from $45.90 to $53.90, and an ESP32-S3 model variant is also offered.

      The company Elecrow has introduced a new product in its lineup of smart displays. Named the CrowPanel Advance with the ESP32-P4, this device combines a display with a development board, allowing it to operate in a fairly independent manner. It features a 7-inch IPS touchscreen that has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels and a standard brightness level of 400 nits.

      Technical Specifications

      The CrowPanel Advance is driven by an ESP32-P4NRW32, which provides considerably lower performance compared to standard desktop processors. Nevertheless, it is sufficient for showing custom interfaces and other functionalities. Users can utilize both the ESP-IDF and the Arduino IDE for programming, and the LVGL framework enables relatively straightforward graphical interface design.

      Versatile Usage

      This smart display can serve various purposes, such as displaying real-time data like temperature or humidity. The touchscreen facilitates easy navigation between different displays or managing a thermostat. However, it’s important to note that using the CrowPanel Advance might involve some tinkering and setup. For those who prefer a more straightforward experience, alternatives like the Echo Show 8 could be more suitable for users lacking technical expertise.

      Power and Connectivity Options

      The device is capable of running on battery power, or it can be continuously powered through a USB connection. It connects to wireless networks via 2.4GHz WiFi and also supports Bluetooth 5.3, BLE, ZigBee, LoRa, nRF2401, Matter, and, optionally, Thread. It includes GPIO pins for connecting sensors and actuators. Additionally, users can enhance the device with an optional 2MP camera, which raises the price from $45.90 to $53.90. There’s also a model variant featuring the ESP32-S3 available on Amazon UK.

      Elecrow’s new offering seems promising for those looking to experiment with smart display technology.

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      Elecrow CrowPanel Advance: 7-Inch Smart Display with ESP32-P4

       

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    • CrowPi 3: Crowdfunding Raspberry Pi 5 AI Learning Station

      Key Takeaways

      1. Crowdfunding Campaign: The CrowPi 3 is currently being crowdfunded by Elecrow, with a pledge of approximately $159 for early backers, excluding the Raspberry Pi 5.

      2. Portable Design: The CrowPi 3 is designed for portability, compatible with Raspberry Pi 5, Arduino Nano, and other single-board computers, and includes a 4.3-inch IPS screen.

      3. Comprehensive Kits: It comes with a “Basic Accessories Kit” (IR remote, SD card, card reader, RFID tags) and an “Expansion Accessories Kit” (main board, gaming controllers, NFC tags).

      4. Versatile Connectivity: Users can connect external sensors and actuators easily, with built-in modules like a smaller display and ultrasonic sensors for various projects.

      5. Focus on Learning: The CrowPi 3 aims to enhance the learning and development experience for makers and developers, particularly in AI applications.

      Some readers might already know about CrowPi and its maker, Elecrow, who is currently running a crowdfunding campaign for the new CrowPi 3 development and learning platform. Those who support the campaign can secure a unit for a pledge of approximately $159, with the first units expected to ship in August. This amount covers the platform and essential sensors and components, but it does not include the Raspberry Pi 5. As with most preorders, there are financial risks involved, though these are likely minimal this time since Elecrow is a well-established company with a good track record in crowdfunding.

      Portable Learning Tool

      Moving on, the CrowPi 3 is designed to be portable and suitable for use on the go. It is made for a Raspberry Pi and works with the latest Raspberry Pi 5 (available from $75 on Amazon), as well as the Arduino Nano and various other single-board computers. Additionally, this innovative AI station boasts a 4.3-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. The so-called “Basic Accessories Kit” provides an IR remote, an SD card loaded with the operating system, a card reader, and RFID tags. Moreover, the “Expansion Accessories Kit” includes the main board, two gaming controllers, and NFC tags. The system also features built-in speakers and a camera, weighing in at 2.4 lbs.

      Versatile Connectivity

      You can easily connect external sensors and actuators through a breadboard. However, there are also various modules located directly on the board, such as a smaller display and ultrasonic sensors. The Elecrow CrowPi 3 is versatile enough to be used in many projects, including AI applications like object recognition, just to give one example.

      Crowdfunding Future

      The CrowPi 3 represents an exciting opportunity for makers and developers alike. With its combination of portability, compatibility, and built-in features, it aims to provide a comprehensive learning and development experience for all users.

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    • Pico W5: Wireless Raspberry Pi Pico Alternative for Projects

      Pico W5: Wireless Raspberry Pi Pico Alternative for Projects

      At the end of November, we shared updates about the Raspberry Pi RP2350 and the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W. As expected, the first alternatives have started to emerge. The new Pico W5 is an alternative built on the Raspberry Pi RP2350. While this computing chip features two Cortex-M33 cores, boards utilizing the RP2350 chip are relatively weak overall and aren’t fit for everyday desktop tasks like the Raspberry Pi 5. In contrast, the Pico W5 is created for connecting sensors and actuators, making it more appropriate for projects that require close interaction with hardware and where, for example, sensor data usage or network data sharing is crucial.

      Specifications and Design

      The Pico W5 is compact, measuring 51 x 21 millimeters and weighing only 3 grams. It comes with a USB-C port, which serves for power supply. The device includes 520 KB of SRAM and has 8 MB of QSPI flash storage. For wireless communication, it supports WiFi in the 5 GHz frequency range, and it can also connect to other devices through Bluetooth 5.0 LE. Additionally, the 26-pin GPIO header supports various protocols, including UART, SPI, and I2C.

      Pricing and Availability

      You can purchase the Pico W5 from Elecrow for just under $7. Meanwhile, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is available on Amazon for $10.89.

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