Marelleo, a story box I built for my kids

Marelleo, a story box built by a father for his three children, is a simple yet ingenious creation. The box plays an audio track when a child puts a figurine on top, and stops when the figurine is removed. The design eschews screens, menus, and parental intervention, making it incredibly easy for toddlers to operate. The child simply places the figurine, and the story begins - a two-year-old can understand the gesture in a single second.

The project started when the father, with no prior knowledge of electronics, saw the Toniebox on holiday with friends. Intrigued by its simplicity and functionality, he decided to build a similar device for his own kids. The idea was to learn electronics while creating something that would enhance his children's playtime.

The father chose an ESP32 development board as the core of the project. This microcontroller, equipped with WiFi and capable of decoding MP3s, was both affordable and user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for a beginner. The project also required a breadboard, a simple and safe way to prototype electronic circuits without the risk of damaging components.

As the father progressed, he added a potentiometer to adjust the volume. However, a simple mistake in wiring led to a short circuit, causing the circuit to smoke. This incident highlighted the importance of understanding basic electrical principles, even when learning to build something new.

The battery was another crucial component, requiring a charge controller to prevent overcharging and potential damage. The father learned the necessity of proper enclosure and securing the battery to avoid common hazards. However, a minor mishap occurred when the battery connector did not match the charging board, forcing him to solder the battery directly onto the board. This irreversible change emphasized the need to thoroughly plan and test each step of the project.

Throughout the process, the father learned valuable lessons in soldering, circuit design, and the importance of safety and durability in electronic projects. The creation of Marelleo was not just about building a story box; it was about learning electronics, understanding the implications of technology in children's lives, and creating something meaningful for his family.