New big thing: RoonPilot - The new era of Roon control

Well, it’s not as if I’m trying to “market” anything. I’m just doing this for fun and enjoyment, and if others find it useful, that’s great.
Unfortunately, I have to admit that the device I ordered from Waveshare is currently on a plane, flying from China to Germany. Everything I’ve been developing and testing so far has been done using a ‘normal’ ESP32-S3. To practise, I’ve already set up a GitHub page for the previous project, from which I learnt many things. It’s basically the same device, just without the rotary control and touchscreen. Instead, it has a few other additional and very specialised functions. It’s been running continuously at my place for several weeks now.
Perhaps someone might be interested:

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I am impressed you ported a Roon API client to the little ESP32-S3. I can see that being interesting to lots of folks.

For me a Roon extension with configuration, filtering, cross-platform support (already have Roon, LMS, HQPlayer, adding Apple Music, Spotify, HA Music Assistant), image dithering (for the eInk devices) etc… makes the server worth it. My future work (adaptive UI, voice control) makes it a requirement. If it weren’t for that, 0 extra servers sounds great.

Thanks. It wasn’t easy either. :sweat_smile:

etc… makes the server worth it.

I have my other major application for that. This really doesn’t run on an ESP32.

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Oh, your solution isn’t open source? Was curious about the Roon implementation and see there’s only docs and binaries in the repo.

The hardware seems available on the Amazon UK site for delivery sometime between September 3 and 11. Assuming it’s the correct hardware. Is it worth buying the hardware now or should we wait until you have completed your testing?

I’m sorry, but I can’t make that decision for you. As I mentioned, everything is actually up and running and has been tested—except for the battery management. Unfortunately, the hardware includes a lot of unnecessary options and power-consuming components, so I won’t be able to properly test it until I actually have it in my hands.

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I created a version of this recently but could not get album art from the Roon API. I already had a lightweight docker running for some other tinkering so was able get the art from there. I added voice control routed through a local instance of Claude Code. So I can send natural language commands.

Fun little project for me. Claude Code makes programming these ESP-32 microcontrollers something almost anyone can do. I went with taps (short press for play/pause and long press for voice commands) and swipes rather than transport controls.

@Georg

I like the concept of this. Potentially a fun little addition to the roon experience.

Thanks for sharing :folded_hands: .

You mentioned battery management. Would that be relevant if the unit was powered during use?

As already mentioned by @Andrew_Godsall The UK version on Amazon, has, (from what I can see, the Blue version of the hardware.) Not much feedback, but a couple that may be useful.

Please do start separate threads for all your brilliant ideas and don’t clutter up this thread with information that has nothing to do with the original topic. Nobody’s stopping you.

Thanks.

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Apologies. That was odd. I wrote it as a private message :man_shrugging:

First device for Roon control that I am interested in as it is self-enclosed, no other dependent device/server/etc. needed. Will be watching this thread. Thanks!

DFRobot makes one of these with Qi wireless charging. Might be nice to have wireless charging in a remote. Cool project. The ESP32-S3 is a heck of a little devboard.

ESP32-S3 Round Display Dev Board | AI Voice & Touch HMI | DFRobot

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Love the idea. How does the battery work? Replaceable or recharging with the USB-C cable?

Just placed my order. As great fan of rooDial utilising Microsoft Surface Dial with Raspberry Pie I’m very keen to try this simplified solution. This is a considerably cheaper option, too. The only drawback I see is battery life measured in hours. My Dial has two AA batteries originally installed over 18months ago and still going strong. rooDial was a steep learning curve for me so I look forward to a much easier implementation with RoonPilot. Well done Roon, I can’t wait!

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Mine is in flight … looking forward to this. Hopefully the C charging will not be too much of a hindrance - I will have a cable next to my main listening chair.

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I’ve ordered one also. Should arrive in the UK early September. Seems like it might be an interesting addition to my roon setup. Not such a big risk financially, if it all goes south.

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Don’t worry. In principle, everything is already running on different hardware. The Waveshare device simply adds the touchscreen, the rotary knob, and the battery.

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I’m a github-newbie. I’m confused: is there a manual for install software /firmware on the wavesahre rotary?

A step-by-step guide?

THX!

@dreipass it’s not out yet.

Mine just arrived straight from Waveshare. Took about 2 days with DHL.

It’s a bit smaller than I expected. Still very much a good size though.

From left to right, Senic Nuimo, Waveshare, MS Surface Dial:

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