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Hardware Guide

Tally Hub supports a variety of hardware devices, from cost-effective ESP32 boards to premium M5Stack devices. This guide will help you choose the right hardware for your needs.

🎯 Device Comparison

Device Cost Display Battery Mounting Best For
ESP32-1732S019 ~$15 1.9" TFT USB Only Compact Budget setups
M5Stick C Plus ~$25 1.14" IPS Built-in Professional Mobile use
Web Browser Free Any screen Device dependent N/A Testing
Custom ESP32 $10-20 Optional Optional Custom DIY builds

📟 ESP32-1732S019

Overview

The ESP32-1732S019 is an excellent entry-level device that provides professional tally functionality at an affordable price point.

Specifications

  • Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 dual-core
  • Display: 1.9" 320x170 TFT LCD
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
  • Power: USB-C 5V input
  • Dimensions: 45mm x 30mm x 15mm
  • Weight: ~25g

Features

  • Bright Display: Excellent visibility in studio environments
  • Low Power: Efficient ESP32-S3 for extended operation
  • Compact Size: Easy to mount on cameras or stands
  • USB-C Power: Modern connector for reliable power
  • Open Source: Full firmware source code available

Purchasing

Available from multiple suppliers: - AliExpress: Search "ESP32-1732S019" - Amazon: Various sellers (~$15-20) - Local Electronics: Some specialist stores

Setup Process

  1. Connect via USB-C to your computer
  2. Flash firmware using the web-based flasher
  3. Configure WiFi through setup portal
  4. Mount on camera or tally stand
  5. Assign in admin panel

🔋 M5Stick C Plus

Overview

The M5Stick C Plus is a premium option that offers professional build quality with advanced features like built-in battery operation.

Specifications

  • Microcontroller: ESP32-PICO-D4
  • Display: 1.14" 240x135 IPS LCD
  • Battery: Built-in 135mAh LiPo
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
  • Power: USB-C charging + battery
  • Dimensions: 48mm x 25mm x 14mm
  • Weight: ~13g

Features

  • Battery Operation: Up to 2-3 hours wireless use
  • Premium Display: High-quality IPS with wide viewing angles
  • Professional Housing: Durable plastic case suitable for broadcast
  • Grove Connector: Expansion port for custom accessories
  • Button Interface: Physical buttons for local control

Purchasing

  • M5Stack Official: m5stack.com
  • Amazon: Official M5Stack store
  • Adafruit: Authorized distributor
  • Local Distributors: Check M5Stack website

Battery Life

  • Typical Use: 2-3 hours continuous operation
  • Standby: 8-12 hours with WiFi connected
  • Charging: ~1 hour via USB-C
  • Power Management: Automatic sleep when inactive

🌐 Web-based Tallies

Overview

Any device with a web browser can serve as a tally light, making this the most accessible option for testing and temporary setups.

Supported Devices

  • Smartphones: iPhone, Android devices
  • Tablets: iPad, Android tablets, Windows tablets
  • Laptops: Any laptop with a web browser
  • Smart TVs: Many modern smart TVs with browsers
  • Dedicated Displays: Raspberry Pi with browser

Features

  • No Cost: Use existing devices
  • Instant Setup: Just visit a URL
  • Full Screen: Professional full-screen tally display
  • Responsive: Adapts to any screen size
  • Color Customization: Configurable tally colors

Best Practices

  • Dedicated Devices: Use devices exclusively for tally use
  • Power Management: Disable sleep modes during production
  • Brightness: Set maximum brightness for visibility
  • Orientation Lock: Prevent accidental rotation
  • Do Not Disturb: Enable to prevent notifications

🔧 Custom Hardware Builds

ESP32 Development Boards

Build your own tally lights using standard ESP32 development boards:

  • ESP32-WROOM-32: Classic development board
  • ESP32-S3: Newer generation with better performance
  • ESP32-C3: Lower cost option with adequate performance

Additional Components

  • LED Strips: WS2812B/NeoPixel for custom lighting
  • Displays: OLED, TFT, or LED matrix displays
  • Enclosures: 3D printed or commercial project boxes
  • Power Supply: USB power banks or wall adapters

Building Instructions

  1. Flash Base Firmware: Use our ESP32 firmware as starting point
  2. Modify for Hardware: Adapt GPIO pins for your components
  3. Test Connectivity: Ensure WiFi and UDP communication work
  4. Customize Display: Adapt for your chosen display type
  5. Create Enclosure: Design mounting system for your use case

Community Builds

Check our GitHub Wiki for community-contributed builds: - LED Ring Tallies: Using WS2812B LED rings - Large Format Displays: Using larger TFT screens - Wireless Solutions: Battery-powered custom builds - Professional Enclosures: Commercial-grade mounting solutions

🔌 Connectivity Requirements

Network Specifications

  • WiFi Standard: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4GHz)
  • Security: WPA2/WPA3 supported
  • DHCP: Automatic IP assignment preferred
  • Multicast: Required for device discovery
  • Ports: UDP 9999 for device communication

Performance Considerations

  • Signal Strength: -70dBm or better for reliable operation
  • Bandwidth: <1Kbps per device under normal operation
  • Latency: Network latency affects tally response time
  • Reliability: Stable network connection essential for live production

Network Optimization

  • 5GHz WiFi: Use when available for better performance
  • QoS Configuration: Prioritize tally traffic
  • Dedicated SSID: Consider separate network for production gear
  • Enterprise Networks: May require additional configuration

📦 Package Contents & Setup

What's Included (ESP32-1732S019)

  • ESP32-1732S019 development board
  • USB-C cable (varies by supplier)
  • Pin header strips (unsoldered)
  • Basic documentation

What's Included (M5Stick C Plus)

  • M5Stick C Plus device
  • USB-C cable
  • Grove connector cable
  • Quick start guide
  • Protective case (some packages)

Additional Items Needed

  • Mounting Solution: Camera mounts, desk stands, or custom brackets
  • Power Source: USB chargers, power banks, or direct camera power
  • Network Access: WiFi credentials for your production network

🛠️ Mounting Solutions

Camera Mounting

  • Hot Shoe Mounts: Standard camera accessory mounts
  • Cold Shoe Adapters: For cameras without hot shoes
  • Magic Arms: Flexible positioning arms
  • Velcro Strips: Quick temporary mounting

Desk/Stand Mounting

  • Phone Stands: Universal phone/tablet stands
  • Custom 3D Prints: Community-designed mounts
  • Magnetic Mounts: For metal surfaces
  • Suction Cups: For smooth surfaces

Professional Solutions

  • Broadcast Mounts: Professional camera accessory mounts
  • Rack Mounting: For control room installations
  • Wall Mounts: Permanent installation solutions
  • Ceiling Suspension: Overhead mounting systems

💡 Buying Guide

For Beginners

Start with ESP32-1732S019: - Low cost to try the system - Easy to use and configure - Professional results - Upgrade path to premium devices

For Professional Use

Choose M5Stick C Plus: - Battery operation for flexibility - Professional appearance - Better build quality - Suitable for client-facing environments

For Large Installations

Consider Custom Builds: - Optimized for specific use cases - Lower per-unit costs at scale - Customizable features - Integration with existing systems

Ready to get hardware? Check our recommended suppliers and setup guides to get your devices configured quickly.