In the world of wearable electronics, where smartwatches and fitness trackers dominate, an unexpected player has emerged – a choker with an AMOLED display. Developed as a striking accessory, it became a true star at the DEF CON festival, demonstrating how thin and light screens can become part of a fashionable look.
At the heart of this device is a 2.14-inch AMOLED touchscreen, surrounded by RGB LEDs. Inside, a RP2350 microcontroller with an SD card slot is hidden, and a standard 18650 battery provides power. All this allows for dynamic, "on-the-fly" generated animations to be displayed on the screen, which, combined with the flickering of the LEDs, create a mesmerizing spectacle. The manufacturer claims that a single battery charge lasts for 16 hours of operation, which is more than sufficient for such a device.
The creation of the choker revealed a number of interesting technical nuances. It turned out that connecting a specific AMOLED display (Hello Lighting HL024E21-02) requires significant effort, as there are no ready-made solutions or reference designs for it. The developer shared their experience, offering a ready-made board design that can save time for other enthusiasts. There was also a problem with the screen's touch sensitivity: when assembled and isolated from the casing, it responded poorly to touch, which is something to consider when designing similar devices.
This project is not just a fashionable gadget, but also a valuable lesson for those involved in creating their own wearable devices. It shows that even familiar components, like AMOLED displays and 18650 batteries, can be used in non-standard ways, and integration difficulties are just an opportunity for new engineering solutions. And, of course, it serves as a reminder to pay attention to details: a wire's insulation falling off due to unsuitable glue is also part of the process.