SmartKnob
Haptic-feedback rotary encoder built on an open-source PCB design. Three boards assembled and flashed — each driven by a BLDC motor under Field-Oriented Control to produce programmable detent sensations and visual feedback through a ring of eight LEDs.
Fig. 01 — SmartKnob View in operation
Fig. 02 — SmartKnob View Base PCB v0.5 × 3 (one powered, LED ring active)
PCB Assembly
Soldered three SmartKnob View Base PCB v0.5 boards from components — TMC6300 motor driver IC, ESP32-S3 module, LED drivers, and the BLDC motor mount.
Firmware Flash
Built and uploaded the open-source PlatformIO firmware over USB. Configured FOC motor parameters and haptic detent profiles in C++.
Haptic Profiles
Tuned magnetic pole count and current limits to achieve clean detent clicks, free-spin, and damped modes — mapped to different knob "personalities".
LED Ring Control
Configured the eight-LED ring for position feedback and idle animations, matching the knob's current mode through colour and brightness.
Open Source
Based on the SmartKnob View by Scott Bezek