An open-source ecosystem for building and driving mechanical split-flap displays — and virtual ones too. Clocks, weather, transit, sports scores, messages: gateway firmware, module firmware, and a companion app that make it all work together.
Physical split-flap modules sit on an RS-485 bus behind an ESP32 gateway. The gateway exposes a web dashboard, REST API and MQTT; the Companion app layers content on top — apps, playlists, schedules and triggers. Prefer no moving parts? The Matrix and LCD gateways render virtual flap modules on an RGB LED matrix or a touchscreen, speaking the exact same protocol.
Everything is open source and documented in one shared wiki. Pick the pieces you need.
Firmware for the Waveshare ESP32-S3-RS485-CAN board that bridges your network to the module bus.
The content brain: drives one or many gateways with apps, playlists, schedules and event triggers.
One identical binary for every module — identity is assigned at runtime, not flash time.
A split-flap display with no split flaps: virtual modules with animated flips on an RGB LED matrix.
75 virtual modules rendered at 60 Hz on a 10.1″ touchscreen with Ethernet and PoE.
The module hardware and bus protocol come from Adam G Makes' original split-flap design. The app ecosystem grew out of csader's splitflap-os, which also works as an alternative content engine.
Native add-on with sidebar app, HACS integration, and MQTT auto-discovery so your board shows up as a device.
Accepts Vestaboard character matrices and text messages, so existing third-party Vestaboard integrations just work.
Model Context Protocol tools let Claude and other LLM clients read and write your display directly.
Fully documented OpenAPI spec on both gateway and companion, plus optional MQTT for automation from anywhere.
Physical modules, LED matrix or LCD? The wiki's configuration guide helps you pick.
Flash the gateway (prebuilt binaries available) and, for physical builds, the module firmware.
Discover modules on the bus, assign positions, and fine-tune flap alignment from the web dashboard.
Install the Companion and set up apps, playlists and schedules — or write your own app.