Makerfabs MaTouch 1.28-inch ToolSet AC Dimmer: ESP32-S3-Based Phase-Cut Dimming Controller with BT139 TRIAC

Makerfabs has introduced the MaTouch 1.28-inch ToolSet AC Dimmer, an open-source AC voltage controller based on the ESP32-S3. It is designed to dim lights and control motor speeds using phase-cut dimming. The device features an ESP32-S3 wireless MCU with 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM, along with a 1.28-inch 240 x 240 capacitive touch display. The user interface is developed using LVGL and Squareline, and it is compatible with the Arduino V2.3.4 IDE.

For precise AC voltage control, the ToolSet_AC Dimmer integrates a BT139 Triac and a zero-cross detection circuit. It also includes an onboard relay for full AC on/off switching. The built-in AC-DC module provides a 5V @ 0.6A output, supporting an input range of AC 100-240V, 50Hz-60Hz, with a maximum load of 10A at 240VAC.

Part of the MaTouch 1.28-inch ToolSet series, this controller is one of several ESP32-based modules designed for direct actuator control, including dimmers, relay controllers, and motor drivers. With open-source hardware and software, it offers flexibility for customization and integration into various home and industrial automation projects.

Matouch 1.28-inch ToolSet_AC Dimmer specifications:

• SoC: Espressif Systems ESP32-S3
  • CPU: Xtensa Dual-core 32-bit LX7, up to 240MHz
  • Memory: 512KB SRAM and 8MB PSRAM
  • Storage: 384KB ROM
  • Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE
• Storage: 16MB flash storage
• Display:
  • 1.28-inch capacitive touchscreen (240×240)
  • Integrated into the rotary knob
• Dimming control:
  • Phase-cut dimming using BT139 TRIAC
  • Supports leading-edge dimming with zero-cross detection
• USB: USB Type-C for power and programming
• Misc: Built-in relay for complete AC on/off switching
• Power:
  • Input: AC 100-240V, 50Hz-60Hz
  • Output: AC 100-240V, 0%-100% dimming
  • Maximum Load: 10A @ 240V AC
  • Onboard AC-DC module (5V @ 0.6A) powers display and MCU
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C

Makerfabs has introduced the MaTouch 1.28-inch ToolSet series, which features a rotary knob with an integrated encoder and touchscreen display. In addition to the MaTouch 1.28-inch ToolSet AC Dimmer, the series includes an LED strip controller, stepper motor controller, DC motor controller, timer switch relay, and RGB LED matrix controller. Each board follows a two-board design, consisting of a main board and a control board. The control board, which houses the ESP32 and the rotary knob, connects to the main board through a male-female header.

The ESP32-based AC voltage controller can be programmed with Arduino. However, Makerfabs specifically mentions “Arduino V2.3.4-compatible source code” and recommends using that IDE version, which is somewhat unusual. The user interface is developed using LVGL and Squareline.

The device is fully open-source, with both hardware and software available on the company’s GitHub repository. Additional details, including setup and programming instructions, can be found on their wiki.

Previously, we covered the Bluetooth Smart LED Dimmer, which features a 4-channel ON/OFF switch capable of handling inductive or resistive loads. It operates within a 12V to 48V power supply range and supports up to 3A per channel. We also covered the 434MHz Wireless Receiver LED Dimmer, which can be used to drive LEDs, heaters, or brushed DC motors while supporting both inductive and resistive loads. Feel free to check them out if you’re interested in these products.

Matouch 1.28-inch ToolSet_AC Dimmer is priced at $23.84 on Makerfabs, or alternatively, you’ll also find it on Tindie for $29.80.

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