ESP32 Pomodoro Cube (DIY)

Overview

The ESP32 Pomodoro Cube is an open-source hardware project that allows makers to build their own physical timer cube. Unlike commercial products, this DIY approach offers complete customization and serves as an educational electronics project.

How It Works

The cube uses an ESP32 microcontroller with an accelerometer to detect which face is pointing up. Each of the six faces represents a different timer duration (typically 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, and 60 minutes). When you flip the cube to a specific face, it automatically starts the corresponding timer.

Technical Features

Hardware Components

• ESP32 development board (brain of the device)
• MPU6050 or similar accelerometer/gyroscope module
• LED matrix display (often 8x8 or 16x16)
• Rechargeable battery (LiPo)
• Custom 3D-printed enclosure
• Optional: Buzzer for audio alerts

Software Features

• Gravity-sensing face detection
• Falling-sand LED animation showing time progress
• Configurable timer durations via web interface
• WiFi connectivity for time synchronization
• Sleep mode for battery conservation
• Open-source firmware (C++ for Arduino/ESP32)

Visual Feedback

The signature feature is the LED matrix display showing a "falling sand" animation. As time progresses, LED pixels "fall" from top to bottom, providing intuitive visual feedback on remaining time.

Customization Options

• Timer durations (modify any of the six faces)
• LED colors and animation styles
• Sound alerts (tone, volume, duration)
• WiFi notifications to phone or computer
• Integration with smart home systems
• Custom 3D-printed case designs

Building the Cube

Required Skills

• Basic soldering
• Arduino/ESP32 programming (C++)
• 3D printing (or access to printing service)
• Electronics assembly

Estimated Cost

• ~$20-30 in components
• 3D printing costs vary (or free if you have access)
• A few hours of assembly and programming time

Community and Resources

• GitHub repository with full code and schematics
• Active community on GitHub Issues
• Detailed build guide and troubleshooting docs
• Multiple community variations and remixes
• Compatible with Arduino IDE and PlatformIO

Advantages Over Commercial Products

• Cost: Much cheaper than $30-50 commercial cubes
• Customization: Modify any aspect of behavior
• Learning: Educational electronics project
• Repairability: All components easily replaceable
• Community: Active maker community for support

Use Cases

• ADHD individuals who benefit from tactile time management
• Students learning embedded systems programming
• Makers wanting a functional productivity tool
• Anyone seeking screen-free time tracking
• Gift for tech-savvy friends interested in productivity

Platform

Standalone hardware device. Optional web interface for configuration. Code available on GitHub under open-source license (typically MIT or GPL).