A New Parking Assistant using ESP8266 and WS2812b LEDs

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UPDATE: There is an updated version of this project that supports the ESP32 and adds optional lateral guidance. These new features are shown in this update video: https://youtu.be/Eps6QCgKzaM
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Get rid of that old tennis ball hanging from a string in your garage and replace it with a simple to build and use LED parking indicator. Four different approach and parking zones, each with their own LED color, guide the driver to the optimal parking position. Different effects can be selected that use the LEDs to provide a 'countdown' to the final parking spot. In addition, a 'backup zone' will flash the LEDs if the driver gets too close to the sensor or overshoots the parking zone by a user-defined distance.

All options and settings are controlled via a simple web app with over-the-air updates. The system also has optional MQTT if you want to integrate into Home Assistant or other platform to provide vehicle detection or to create automations based on the data. Can your tennis ball do all that?

Note: There is an error in the video when reporting the minimum distance, in inches, of the VL53L0X. 50 mm is correct, but this is approximately 2" and not the 0.2" shown.

You can find a written version of this project with step-by-step build instructions, full parts list, wiring diagrams and more at:
https://resinchemtech.blogspot.com/2022/11/esp-parking-assistant.html

Firmware and instructions for using the web application, including all options and settings, are located in this Github repo:
https://github.com/Resinchem/ESP-Parking-Assistant

Chapter Links:
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00:00 Introduction
00:43 Review of original Raspberry Pi version
01:41 Highlights and overview of new system
05:03 Primary parts used
07:05 Comparing three different distance sensors
13:41 Controller wiring highlights
14:12 Breadboard bench testing
14:49 Building the controller
16:21 Preparing LEDs and external connections
18:00 Final installed version and driving test
19:45 Comparing new version to original Raspberry Pi version
20:37 Conclusions and wrap up

"Correction:", 09:37, The conversion to inches for the VL53L0X is wrong (50 mm ~ 2 inches)

Parts Used:
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Wemos D1 Mini*: https://amzn.to/4cl8fk9
Logic Level Shifter: https://amzn.to/418Gq94
TFMini-s LIDAR Sensor: https://amzn.to/3TzdMZe
WS2812b LED Strip: https://amzn.to/3g9KLWu
ElecroCookie Protoboard: https://amzn.to/3EAMgX9
5V 3A Power Supply: https://amzn.to/3EbFQfJ
LED Aluminum Channel: https://amzn.to/3TEQTUi
Barrel connectors: https://amzn.to/3gfZ3oi
JST Connectors: https://amzn.to/3hKgvlx
Dupont Connector Kit: https://amzn.to/3UZvupX
3M Mounting Tape: https://amzn.to/3g6i2Sg
1/4" Braided Sleeve: https://amzn.to/3hztc2f
Controller enclosure (example in lieu of 3D printer): https://amzn.to/3Gk4o8J

*The firmware is currently not compatible with boards that use the ESP8266EX chip. Be sure to purchase a compatible board. See this Github issue: https://github.com/Resinchem/ESP-Parking-Assistant/issues/31 For best compatibility, use a board with ESP8266MOD which has been the most tested.

Some of these links may be Amazon affiliate links. Use of these links will not affect your pricing, but this channel may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Use of these Amazon links is one the best ways to show your support for the channel... at absolutely no cost to you!

Other related links and videos:
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Original Raspberry Pi Parking Assistant video: https://youtu.be/MzMva6lHiAU
Logic Level Shifter Video: https://youtu.be/Q9mLitVxF3c
Using WS2812b RGB Light Strips: https://youtu.be/GZjS51yBV4s
3D printed controller enclosure stl files: https://github.com/Resinchem/ESP-Parking-Assistant/tree/main/stl

You can also support the channel, or just say thanks, by buying me a cup of coffee at:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/resinchemtech

#esp8266 #LED #parkingsolution #homeassistant