Home Automation Panel Looks Industrial
Modern technology is undeniably impressive, but there’s a certain nostalgia for when electronics looked intricate and hands-on. Today’s computers and control rooms often seem bland compared to older setups like the IBM 360 or retro control rooms filled with dials, knobs, and flashing indicators. BorisDigital seems to share this sentiment, as evidenced by his creation of a custom control panel for his Home Assistant setup, drawing inspiration from jet cockpits and nuclear plant control rooms. The result is a visually engaging, interactive interface that brings a sense of old-school complexity to modern smart home control.
The video he shared isn’t so much a step-by-step guide but more of an inspiration piece. Even though the setup may not be identical for everyone, the details of how he constructed it using a Raspberry Pi, 3D printing, and web services for Home Assistant control are fascinating. While it’s true that you could simply display everything on a touchscreen, this panel offers a tactile experience that makes interacting with it far more fun. There is still a touchscreen included for added functionality, but the physical switches and dials give it a special charm.
The control panel itself can either hang on the wall or sit on a desk with attachable feet. With around 50 input and output devices, the project required multiple GPIO expanders to manage all the connections. To create clean, labeled buttons and panels, he used a neat trick of filling 3D-printed inset text with spackle, producing a functional yet appealing DIY aesthetic. While it might not be perfect, it definitely captures the spirit of retro design in a modern smart home setup.
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