Epoch Vibrator Controller (Haptic Field Emitter) 2 - Now with 100% more edge...
A follow on to Epoch 1. Designed in 2025. Replaced by Epoch 3 in 2026. Redesigned with AdaFruit Qualia ESP32 and a Amazon 4-inch IPS (GT911 touch). Motors driven with pca9685 PWM controller/Amazon PCA9685 Board and FET outputs in order to drive bigger motors. Epoch 1 was limited to 120mA maximum motor drive (because of PWM controller choice) and some larger "rumble" motors need 180mA or higher.
- Adafruit Qualia ESP32-S3 RGB666
- Amazon 4-inch IPS (GT911 touch)
- pca9685 PWM controller
- LiPo Battery - 62mm x 50mm, 2500mAH, Adafruit
- TRS 3.5mm type cables (two motors per connector)
- FET outputs in order to drive bigger motors.
- Used Electric Mini Micro Vibration Motor DC 1.5V/3V/6V 1000RPM M20 with Brass Eccentric Rotating Wheel in attachments.
- Programmed in CircuitPython.
- Hardware was intended to output all 16 channels as two rows of connectors, but only built one row.
- IPS type display used most of the ESP32 pins.
- Circuit Python with the IPS display was excrucatingly slow.
- Touch response time was very slow with Circuit Python and made on-screen sliders frustrating to use.
- TRS Audio type connectors were a big improvement over Molex MinifitJr type connectors.
- This platform performed well for almost a year, before Epoch-3 developed.
- Experimental air pressure input showed promise but was fussy in setup/use and not worth using long term.
- PCA9685 PWM driver was much easier to code with over older Epoch-1 PWM driver.
- FET outputs allowed use of slightly bigger motors with more rumble yet allowed for a lower motor speeds for subtle haptic sensations.
- Custom molds were 3D printed for attachments where silicone was poured over a TPU flex frame that held the motors.
- Attachments had LEDs built in to indicate intensity of each motor.
- This design and motor patterns have changed my life, able to realize two or three hour long usage sessions.
- I look forward to improving on this design in Epoch 3.
