While you could do everything in C(++), you'd probably be writing 1000+ lines of code. ESPHome can do most everything you'd want in smart device firmware in far fewer lines of YAML (that gets converted into autogenerated code). It's easier and far less prone to mistakes, at least in my experience.

I think ESPHome specifically might be a better fit for this use case, especially since it's possible to configure an ESPHome device to work without autonomously and without a Home Assistant instance. It'd require some custom circuitry, but nothing too complicated.

*previous video. I hate autocorrect. 🙃

Anywho I think this was the base parametric model I used if anyone's curious: www.thingiverse.com/thing:660402

I'm looking forward to watching this follow-up. The program video convinced me to ditch dishwasher pods and use powder. I even 3D printed myself a double sided spoon that has an optimal-ish volume for both the main wash and pre-wash receptacles of my bottom dollar apartment dishwasher.

Only for initial programming, and I plan to install the RPi Pico into a socket anyways, which should elevate the port above the relay. I tried a lot of alternate arrangements, but taking this trade-off keeps power traces fairly short.

As a closing note, please enjoy this jank hack of a solder job I did to connect the JST-GH to JST-PH cable for the SEN66 to my breadboard for testing. Works fine, would not recommend.

While this has been a fun project, the price of the SEN66 just spiked due to tariffs, which might push the final per unit cost out of reach for some hobbyists. Not even a month ago, the cost of the sensor was $44.26, plus another $8.85 in tariffs. Now it's $55.32 plus a $24.34 tariff.

I'm currently in the process of designing an enclosure for it to house the sensor and a microcontroller for it, with the eventual goal to also hook in fan control for my Bento Box filter and enclosure lights. I plan on releasing the full design eventually.

Yeah, CWWW stands for "cool white warm white," which is also what ESPHome calls this type of LED lamp configuration. The particular lamps I modified have two separate sets is LEDs for each of the color channels.

I put the design on GitHub under an open hardware license: github.com/danielkent-n...

These are designed to control up to two channels of 12v LEDs via PWM, and can hook into Home Assistant using esphome. I'm using it with some cheap dual arm LED desk lamps I bought a while ago.

This version and a newer (and better, IMO) redesign is on GitHub: github.com/danielkent-n...

My mistake! I didn't see Grit and Glamour's profile when I went to identify her.

Speaking of unidentified cats, who is this playful little kitten I met yesterday?