Split-Flap Display · Scott BezekSource ↗

Image credits and source versions

Source schematic of the split-flap position sensor ↗ · Scott Bezek and splitflap contributors · Apache-2.0
Source render of the Chainlink driver board ↗ · Scott Bezek and splitflap contributors · Apache-2.0

CAIBI ASSESSMENT

Split-Flap Display

CAIBI VERDICTBUILD FOR THE EXPERIENCE

A modular ESP32-based split-flap display designed to scale from a single character to large installations.

See what the build involves Original source ↗

Build or buy?

Compare the documented build with the purchase reference.

Build it yourself

Cost per character£35–£75Choose quantity to budgetPer character; frame and labour extra

Time: Multi-day
Difficulty: 4/5
Physical processes: Laser cutting · Soldering

See build requirements →

Purchase reference

Buy price reference£3,199Vestaboard, 132 charactersRecorded 5 Sep 2026

Check the source for the exact model, availability and what is included.

Check comparison evidence →

Prices are not directly comparable

For the same 132 characters: build allowance £4,620–£9,900, before frame and labour.

What the prices cover

Planning allowance based on the current v2 architecture and comparable module BOMs. The official source publishes a detailed ordering route but no stable all-in per-character price.

Includes: Motor/sensor/driver share; Flap set; Mechanical panels and fasteners; Proportional controller/power hardware.

Not included: Large display frame; Labour; Premium pre-printed flaps and international shipping.

Build evidence recorded 4 Sep 2026. Currency conversions are approximate.

Vestaboard uses 132 characters. Applying CAIBI’s current £35–£75 / $47–$101 per-character planning range to the same count gives about £4,620–£9,900 / $6,204–$13,332 before a large frame or labour.

UK purchase/source reference ↗US purchase/source reference ↗

BUILD AT A GLANCE

Source view and main parts

Check the source ↗

**Source schematic of the split-flap position sensor**Scott Bezek and splitflap contributors · Apache-2.0Source and version ↗

Split-Flap Display · Scott Bezek ↗

PHYSICAL BUILD6 key parts or groups

No.	Source specification
01	3D printed module parts
02	Custom PCB and electronics
03	Stepper motor per module
04	Printed character flaps
05	Frame and power distribution
06	Controller computer or microcontroller

Full source specifications

3D printed module parts
Custom PCB and electronics
Stepper motor per module
Printed character flaps
Frame and power distribution
Controller computer or microcontroller

TOOLS / PROCESSES2 involved

Laser cutting
Soldering

The real-world work

YOU STILL HAVE TOThe real-world work

Fabricate the repeated mechanical parts
Assemble and wire every display module
Fix mechanical alignment, friction and sensor positioning problems
Calibrate a large bank of modules so they behave consistently

THE BUILD SEQUENCE

How it comes together

1Preparation

Decide the display size
The module count drives printing, PCB ordering, flap fabrication, power and frame complexity, so choose the finished scale before ordering.
YOU
Make one complete module
Print the mechanics, assemble the motor and sensor, build the electronics and prove one module before multiplying anything.
YOU

2Build and assembly

Produce the flaps
Use the project fabrication guidance to create the physical character flaps. This repetitive production step is one of the most labour-heavy parts.
YOU
Scale electronics and mechanics
Order or assemble the required PCBs, duplicate modules and build the supporting frame and power system.
YOU

3Configure and test

Configure the controller
Set up addressing, character maps and software control. AI can help with integrations and content logic after the hardware is reliable.
AI + YOU

Benchmark this project

Use the Split-Flap Display prompt. Compare what different models deliver, then add what happened when you tried it.

Try this benchmark

View the project prompt

CAIBI adaptation · Prompt 1.0 · Project source

Prompt for Split-Flap Display

CAIBI project benchmark: Split-Flap Display
Prompt version 1.0

Help me build Split-Flap Display using the existing creator project at https://github.com/scottbez1/splitflap. This is a CAIBI benchmark adaptation of the project build brief, not a claim about how the creator used AI.

Project context:
- A modular ESP32-based split-flap display designed to scale from a single character to large installations.
- Build context: 3D printed module parts; Custom PCB and electronics; Stepper motor per module; Printed character flaps; Frame and power distribution; Controller computer or microcontroller.
- Where AI helps: Firmware help, Layout calculations, Debugging.
- Physical work: Fabricate, Solder, Assemble, Calibrate.
- Main limitation: Every extra module multiplies fabrication, assembly, calibration and fault-finding work.

Read the source first. Use its published design, files, dimensions and parts as the baseline; do not redesign it unless a missing detail requires a clearly labelled proposal. If you cannot access a source or verify a revision, say so.

Provide one practical build package:
1. Design and files: explain the source design, link the original editable files, and identify missing files or modifications.
2. Parts and fabrication: give quantities, exact variants and compatibility, plus a cutting or printing list where applicable. Preserve source dimensions; flag anything unconfirmed.
3. UK and US purchasing: direct product links, checked dates, stock, pack sizes, taxes, delivery and regional costs. Mark unverifiable details as unknown; do not invent links, prices or availability.
4. Assembly: an ordered guide covering fabrication, fitting, wiring or software as applicable, setup, checks and troubleshooting.
5. Cost and time: separate parts, fabrication, delivery, hands-on time and machine time, with assumptions and exclusions.
6. Function and ease: a test plan for the project's stated purpose, likely difficulties, required skills and any corrections or limitations.

Keep source facts, your proposals and items needing physical verification distinct. An estimate is not a measured build result. Do not claim to have built or tested hardware. Include failed attempts and omissions. If a section does not apply, say why.

Use the source as accessed during this run and record its revision or access date. The prompt is fixed; the linked source can change.

Open and copy prompt →

Benchmark results 0

No reviewed results yet for Split-Flap Display. Add the first result →

AI IN THIS PROJECT

Get AI help on this build

CAIBI · AI CAN HELP

AI can help with

Firmware help
Layout calculations
Debugging

CAIBI · AI CAN'T DO

You still need to

Fabricate the repeated mechanical parts
Assemble and wire every display module
Fix mechanical alignment, friction and sensor positioning problems
Calibrate a large bank of modules so they behave consistently

Original source AI use and prompts

SOURCEThe original project does not publish an AI prompt

The prompts below are CAIBI helpers for this build. They are not presented as instructions from the creator.

CAIBI STARTING PROMPTS

Copy a prompt for this build

Each prompt tells AI to keep the original project source as the reference and to flag anything you must verify on the real build.

Ways to take it further

AFTER THE FIRST BUILD

Ways to take it further

Different module countsCustom flap artworkClock or transit dataMessage displayAlternative frame materials

More routes and resources

OTHER WAYS TO GET THERE

You do not have to follow one route.

ORIGINAL BUILDFollow the creator route

Use the published files and instructions as the baseline.

OUTSOURCE A PROCESSGet specialist fabrication done

You do not necessarily need to own every capability used here: Laser cutting, Soldering.

ALTERNATIVE PROJECTClawd Mochi

A small ESP32-C3 desk companion with animated faces, web controls and a published low-cost parts list.

REVIEWED RESOURCES

Useful places beyond the main source

DOCSSplit-flap documentation index

Project-maintained index for the current build, ordering and assembly documentation.

DOCSSplit-flap electronics guide

Detailed electronics guidance for drivers, power and module wiring.

DOCSSplit-flap flap fabrication guide

Detailed guide for producing the physical character flaps, one of the most labour-sensitive parts of the build.

SOURCE · CAIBI · BUILDERS

What supports the verdict

SOURCEScott Bezek

Long-running open source project with detailed fabrication documentation

Open source ↗

CAIBIBUILD FOR THE EXPERIENCE

A physical display with sound, motion and presence that software cannot reproduce. It makes most sense when the mechanism itself is part of the appeal.

Evidence: Strong

BUILDERSNo published reports yet

Actual time, cost, changes and outcomes appear here after submitted builds are reviewed.

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HAVE YOU MADE THIS?

Leave a build review.

First-hand evidence improves the assessment

What we want to know

What happened when you actually tried to make it.

Did it work?
Actual time and cost
What did you change?
What was harder than the source suggested?
Would you build it again?