Open-source ESP32 + MAX7219 project

Gizmo Ticker

A WiFi-connected crypto display built with an ESP32, a MAX7219 LED matrix, and a Nuxt 4 web app for browser-based setup and configuration.

  • Live crypto ticker
  • MAX7219 LED matrix
  • Web-based setup
Project/ Gizmo Ticker
Gizmo Ticker
Gizmo Ticker

Project snapshot

Project snapshot

A quick overview of the hardware, firmware, and behavior behind this build.

01

Display

A scrolling crypto ticker shown on a MAX7219 LED matrix.

02

Firmware

ESP32 firmware with WiFi, EEPROM-backed settings, and an embedded HTTP configuration server.

03

Setup flow

Captive-portal onboarding on first boot, then local access through ticker.local on supported networks.

04

Companion app

A lightweight Nuxt 4 interface for WiFi credentials, API key, and display settings.

Overview

Gizmo Ticker is a small always-on crypto display that feels more like a compact appliance than a demo board. The ESP32 keeps pulling live market data, the MAX7219 matrix turns it into a readable scrolling output, and the Nuxt app gives you a clean place to configure the device without reflashing firmware for every change.

  • ESP32 firmware connected to WiFi for live market data
  • MAX7219 LED matrix used as a compact scrolling display
  • Nuxt 4 companion app for browser-based setup and updates

How it works

The project is built around a simple three-part flow.

StepWhat happens
SetupThe web app sends WiFi credentials, API keys, and display settings to the device over HTTP.
RuntimeThe firmware stores those settings locally and keeps pulling market data in the background.
OutputThe LED matrix renders the selected values as a readable scrolling ticker.

That makes the whole build practical for a desk, shelf, or workbench setup instead of just a one-off prototype.

Why it is useful

Gizmo Ticker works well both as a daily crypto glance board and as a maker template for other connected displays. The same firmware-plus-web-app structure can be reused when you want a physical screen with local configuration and predictable runtime behavior.

  • 1
    Use it as a dedicated live crypto display for a desk or shelf.
  • 2
    Reuse the same device-plus-web-app pattern for other real-time display ideas.
  • 3
    Adapt the project when you need local setup without repeated firmware reflashing.

Field notes / Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

A few practical answers about how the project works, how it is configured, and what to expect from the hardware.

01
How does Gizmo Ticker get live crypto prices?

Gizmo Ticker connects to WiFi, calls a market data API in the background, and renders the selected values on the MAX7219 matrix as scrolling text.

02
Do I need to reflash the ESP32 every time I change a coin or display setting?

No. The project is designed around a browser-based setup flow so you can update WiFi credentials, API settings, selected assets, brightness, and scroll behavior without repeated firmware flashing.

03
Why use a MAX7219 matrix instead of a regular display?

The MAX7219 matrix is compact, bright, and well suited to simple scrolling data displays. It keeps the hardware focused on glanceable information instead of full UI rendering.

04
Does Gizmo Ticker work only for Bitcoin?

No. The setup flow is built so you can choose which asset to display, adjust how values are formatted, and tune the ticker for the market data you care about.

05
What makes this better than a quick LED matrix demo?

The useful difference is the full appliance workflow: saved settings, WiFi onboarding, browser-based configuration, and a display loop designed for daily use instead of a one-off test sketch.

Setup flow

Setup flow

Follow these steps to get the project running, from the first local setup to the initial upload or configuration.

01

Step 1

Connect the ESP32 over USB

Plug the ESP32 into your computer with a data USB cable so the browser flasher can detect the serial port.

02

Step 2

Flash the prebuilt firmware from this page

Scroll down to the firmware flashing card, start the upload from the browser, and wait for the process to complete before disconnecting the board.

03

Step 3

Complete the first network setup

On first boot, use the device setup flow to add WiFi credentials and the market data API key, then save the configuration so the ESP32 can join your local network.

04

Step 4

Open ticker.local and tune the display

After the ESP32 joins WiFi, open ticker.local on a supported network and adjust visible sections, selected coin, number format, intensity, and scroll speed until the matrix behaves the way you want.

Source code

View Gizmo Ticker on GitHub

Browse the repository for firmware, hardware notes, and the implementation details behind this build.

OpenGizmo GitHub project illustration
Open source

See also

Gizmo Reolink Switch
Open-source ESP32 + Reolink project

Gizmo Reolink Switch

An ESP32-powered quiet-exit switch that uses a button, buzzer, 16x2 I2C LCD, and WiFi connection to temporarily mute Reolink NVR notifications and recording.