Someone turned an Apple II monitor into a flight tracker using an ESP32
Something old with something new.
In a fascinating blend of vintage tech and modern innovation, an old Apple II monitor has been transformed into a real-time flight tracker using an ESP32. This ingenious project, showcased on the ESP32 subreddit by user Virtual-Bet-4566, demonstrates the versatility and potential of the ESP32 microcontroller.
The ESP32-WROOM-32 module was chosen for its built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and the ability to generate composite video from GPIO25, courtesy of its Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). This eliminated the need for an additional video converter, as Virtual-Bet-4566 demonstrated by simply connecting the video and ground to the RCA input of the monitor.
The data feed for the flight tracker is sourced from live online ADS-B feeds, which provide the aircraft's position, and photos from Planespotters.net. The project boasts additional features such as radar and map views, flight details, zoom controls, and the ability to track individual flights. These functionalities are accessed through a Wi-Fi web interface, allowing users to interact with the flight tracker remotely.
Despite the nostalgic aesthetic of the 80s-style display, Virtual-Bet-4566 encountered several challenges during the project. Achieving optimal composite video on the screen, ensuring the data remained current without disrupting the display, and managing the limited RAM on the ESP32 were significant hurdles. However, the project's success lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate vintage components with modern technology, resulting in a unique and functional flight tracking device.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
