ESP32 particle fluid simulation

Published on: April 10, 2025

Source code GitHub License

So, I came across this really amazing looking LED matrix fluid simulation pendant, and thought it would be fun to try and make one without needing machining skills, nor the money to buy gold plating.

I decided it should be possible with modular components, and made a first brush at running it on the Arduino Mega 2560. It worked, but the simulation was only running at about 10 fps. Enter the ESP32, with its dual cores and floating point support.

Here's the list of components (so far):

  • ESP32-WROOM-32 (Any ESP32 should work) dev board
  • ESP32 breakout board
  • SSD1306 OLED 128x64 display
  • GY-521 / MPU-6050 Accelerometer & gyroscope
  • 500mAh LiPo pouch
  • TPS63020 3.3V buck/boost module
  • 3296W 10K Trimpot
  • TP4056 Charger Module

Work in progress video

More to come soon...I'm waiting on a couple of parts, and then I'll spend some time finishing it off and cleaning up the code.