This DIY step counter is built around the Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.8" AMOLED Touch Display Board, designed for precise step tracking without the drawbacks of accidental counts. Unlike smartwatches, which often record unintended movements, this device focuses on purposeful walking sessions, allowing users to calibrate step sensitivity, adjust step length for accurate distance measurement, and input weight for calorie estimation.
The system relies on an accelerometer to detect steps, with an initial sound-based calibration mode that beeps for the first 30 steps to help fine-tune sensitivity. Once configured, it provides precise statistics at the end of each workout session. The ESP32-S3 powers the device, offering Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for potential wireless data integration. A power management chip enables complete shutdown to conserve battery life when not in use, and the device is programmed to refresh at 80Hz instead of 240Hz to further extend battery runtime, achieving approximately 2.5 hours of continuous operation.
Additional features include an SD card reader for storing logs, a sleep mode where the screen turns off every 8 seconds to save energy, and the ability to function as a stopwatch, timer, MP3 player, and image viewer. Although the GPIOs are covered, users can access them by modifying the case for potential expansion. The firmware is stored in EEPROM, ensuring that user settings persist even after the device is powered off.
With its open-source firmware and accessible GPIOs, this ESP32-based step counter offers plenty of room for customization and experimentation, making it a great choice for developers and DIY enthusiasts looking to explore new features beyond step tracking.
