ESP32 Control Board for Lift Desk
7/4/2025
Overview
This project is a custom ESP32-powered lift desk controller designed to provide a seamless and modern user experience for any DIY sit/stand workstation.
It features a web-based interface for controlling desk height, saving presets, and adjusting speed, all while monitoring real-time position via hall effect sensors.
Features
‣ Web-Based Control Panel
- Responsive UI with UP/DOWN controls
- Built-in speed slider (PWM-based)
- Prevents simultaneous UP/DOWN activation
‣ Height Preset Memory
- Supports multiple saved positions using onboard EEPROM or Preferences
- Buttons instantly recall saved heights
‣ Hall Sensor Position Feedback
- Four hall effect sensors for accurate lift monitoring
- Supports auto-stop at max/min bounds
‣ PWM Speed Control
- Adjust motor speed live via a slider interface
- Balances lift speed and torque requirements
‣ Voltage Management
- Powered by a buck converter to safely step down to 5V for the ESP32
- Clean power delivery to motor drivers and logic circuitry
‣ Custom PCB & 3D-Printed Enclosure
- Fully custom PCB layout for compactness and reliability
- Protective 3D-printed enclosure with ventilation & mount points
Tech Stack
- ESP32 → Wi-Fi-enabled control brain
- BTS7960 → Dual H-Bridge motor drivers
- Hall Effect Sensors → Position tracking
- Web Interface → HTML/CSS UI served from ESP32
- Preferences API → Persistent height memory
- Buck Converter → Voltage step-down for ESP32 logic
- 3D Modeling → Custom case design for mounting
Project Images & Screenshots
Parts List & Cost (Amazon)
| Part | Qty | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32 GPIO Breakout Board (3PCS) | 1 | ~$13 |
| BTS7960 43A Motor Driver | 2 | ~$11 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter (12–36V to 5V, 4pcs) | 1 | ~$12.50 |
| Molex 6-Circuit Wire Connectors (5 sets, Mini-Fit Jr) | 1 | ~$9.25 |
| Molex 6-Circuit Wire Connectors (3 sets, Latch Lock) | 1 | ~$7.75 |
| 16 AWG Silicone Wire Kit (6 colors, 10ft each) | 1 | ~$22.50 |
| 18 AWG Silicone Wire Kit (6 colors, 13.2ft each) | 1 | ~$16.10 |
| 22 AWG Silicone Wire Kit (6 colors, 10ft each) | 1 | ~$12 |
| 3D Printed Enclosure (Custom) | 1 | ~$5 (PLA) |
| Total: | ~$104 |
Prices may vary depending on availability and local shipping.
Future Plans & Improvements
- Add OLED display to show live height or feedback
- Integrate mobile app for Bluetooth control
- Add load sensors to prevent lifting under strain
Get the Code & Follow the Project
GitHub Repo: Link
More photos, diagrams, and code will be added to the repository once it’s live!
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