CAIBI ASSESSMENT

Split-Flap Display

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

CAIBI VERDICTBUILD 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.

Build with AI See the build I built this

AI CAN HELP

Useful work to hand to AI

Firmware help
Layout calculations
Debugging

AI CAN'T DO

The physical boundary

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

BUILD WITH AI

Start with the project, not a blank prompt.

The CAIBI build pack gives an AI assistant the source, the known constraints, the useful AI work and the physical boundary. It is designed to help you move faster without pretending the AI has built the thing for you.

Preview the full build brief

I want to build Split-Flap Display.

Source project: https://github.com/scottbez1/splitflap

Use the source as the authority. Do not invent parts, dimensions, prices or capabilities that are not published.

AI can help with: Firmware help, Layout calculations, Debugging.
AI cannot physically do: 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.
Tools and capabilities involved: Laser cutting, Soldering.
CAIBI's main concern: Every extra module multiplies fabrication, assembly, calibration and fault-finding work.

Start by checking the source, confirming the current parts and build instructions, then give me a staged plan. Clearly separate source facts from your suggestions. Stop and ask me to verify anything that depends on physical fit, wiring, calibration or safety.

THE BUILD

How it actually comes together

Check the source ↗

YOU

Choose the display size

Decide how many modules you actually need before ordering or fabricating parts. Every added character multiplies mechanical and electronics work.

YOU

Use a stable release

Start from the published stable v2 mechanical release rather than the auto-generated development artifacts unless you specifically want to experiment.

YOU

Fabricate the mechanics

Laser cut the enclosure and module parts, prepare the flap sets and assemble each mechanism.

YOU

Build the electronics

Assemble the sensor and driver electronics, connect motors and chain modules using the documented architecture.

AI + YOU

Configure and calibrate

Load the firmware, verify sensing and use software calibration. AI can help with configuration, scripts and fault finding.

AI + YOU

Integrate your content

Connect the finished display to the data, messages or automation you want it to show.

WHAT YOU NEED

Key components

Laser cut 3mm MDF or acrylic mechanical parts
Printed flap set, 52 flap v2 option recommended
Sensor PCB for each module
Chainlink driver electronics
ESP32 based controller route
Motors, magnets, fasteners and wiring for each module

AFTER THE FIRST BUILD

Ways to take it further

40 or 52 flap modulesCustom flap fonts and symbolsSingle or multi-row displaysCustom combined front panelsDifferent enclosure materials

OTHER WAYS TO GET THERE

You do not have to follow one route.

ORIGINAL BUILDFollow the creator route

Use the published source, files and instructions as the baseline.

↗AI ASSISTEDUse the CAIBI build pack

Start from the source with prompts that keep the AI inside the verified build information.

→OUTSOURCE PARTGet fabrication done for you

You do not necessarily need to own every capability. This build uses Laser cutting, Soldering.

→ALTERNATIVE PROJECTClawd Mochi

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

→

MADE BY PEOPLE

Real builds belong here.

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SOURCE · CAIBI · BUILDERS

What supports the verdict

SOURCEScott Bezek

Source available with a stable v2 mechanical release

The project is modular and can scale from a single character to large displays.
The v2 mechanical and sensor design is the recommended route for new builds.
The project publishes stable releases, ordering guides, assembly instructions, electronics documentation and an interactive 3D model.
Mechanical parts are based on laser cut sheet material and the design is parametric in OpenSCAD.

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
Biggest challenge: Every extra module multiplies fabrication, assembly, calibration and fault-finding work.

BUILDERSNo published reports yet

Actual time, cost, changes and outcomes from reviewed builds will appear here.

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BUILT IT?

Tell us what actually happened.

Your result can improve the assessment and, if you choose, link people to your public build or listing.

What worked and what changed
Actual time and cost
Public build or repo link
Optional maker or sales listing