ESP8266 Matrix Display Case Remix

thingiverse

I wanted to utilize this fantastic thing from wabbitguy to create a display case for a WiFi scrolling message display. I modified it to incorporate a buzzer that announces new messages or simply serves as an annoyance. A passive buzzer fits into the base of the horn and connects directly to the nodemcu module. I modified the back cover to snap into place without screws. I removed the back screw bulges from the case, as well, since I was having trouble sliding the mount into the case with all components installed on the mount. I also added a 12.7mm hole for an on and off switch latch button. I altered the mount slightly because I ruined my MAX7219 module while trying to screw it into the original mount (totally my fault). This modification allows you to simply set the module into the slot at the front without any screws. A screw on the bottom secures the mount to the case. I also had to mirror the mount to install the nodemcu on the other side, which was more convenient for me. It's easy enough to reverse again. A piece of thin white polystyrene sheet acts as an LED diffuser. I only used supports for the horn since it has a weird shape and wasn't sure how it would turn out. I had trouble getting the buzzer to work with the sketch, so I ended up with a couple of buttons on the webserver page that I hadn't planned on. Not elegant, but it worked after many frustrating days of fiddling with the code (still relatively new at Arduino stuff). The sketch is a combination of various bits from multiple sources and library examples, along with one or two original pieces. All are easy to find online. I don't claim ownership in the slightest. I'll be happy to send it to anyone who requests it. Here's a video of the final project - https://youtu.be/nZ9SdPsexlA UPDATE: I replaced the original horn with a slightly better one and added a 1.5x larger horn that should increase the volume of the buzzer (haven't printed it yet). UPDATE2: Horn 2 was too thick, so I made a third horn in two parts. Still using supports for the main horn, but it's printing much cleaner. The nozzle part of the horn requires no supports. Thinner walls should increase the buzzer volume even more. I'm not sure why some images aren't showing up, but all files download correctly.