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¶
- Connect via USB-C to your computer
- Flash firmware using the web-based flasher
- Configure WiFi through setup portal
- Mount on camera or tally stand
- 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:
Recommended 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¶
- Flash Base Firmware: Use our ESP32 firmware as starting point
- Modify for Hardware: Adapt GPIO pins for your components
- Test Connectivity: Ensure WiFi and UDP communication work
- Customize Display: Adapt for your chosen display type
- 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.