Bluetooth figured out. 12 April: got the ESP Feather S3 working for Bluetooth connectivity. This is a significant shift, the controller is no longer tethered. Wireless communication changes the performance context entirely: the performer can move freely, the cable isn't a constraint, the physical relationship between performer and setup opens up.
Designed two PCBs in speed-run mode: one for the joystick with ESP, one for the grid. Both needed to be done quickly to allow time for fabrication and testing before the final presentation. Speed runs in hardware design are their own discipline, knowing what matters to get right immediately versus what can be adjusted later.
WEEK 14
Bluetooth - 12 April
Bluetooth via ESP Feather S3 figured out. Controller is now wireless, performer can move freely, cable constraint removed.
Joystick + Grid Designs
Designed both PCB variants (joystick + ESP, grid + ESP) in quick succession. 3D files all finished by 14 April, printing completed 17 April.
All 3D files finished by 14 April. Printing completed by 17 April after ongoing fixes and adjustments, 3D printing at this stage is mostly troubleshooting: layer adhesion, support removal, tolerance checking. A shelf was also printed this week for display purposes.
Bought RJ paper on 15 April. The PCB based on ESP + grid was finished on 16 April. 18 April: more 3D fixing. The pace at this stage is high but the individual tasks are clear, there's a list, and things are coming off it.
