Two Way Telegraph with Analog Feedback Servos

by Ruiz Brothers and Liz Clark

published August 10, 2022, last edited April 16, 2025

posted in Sensors 3D Printing CircuitPython Internet of Things - IOT

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Intermediate

Project guide

Overview

IoT Telegraph

Build an IoT telegraph using QT Py ESP32 S2, analog feedback servos and CircuitPython! 3D print the case inspired by ship engine telegraphs and use capacitive touch to detect when the handle is touched. Use Adafruit IO to make a WiFi enabled two-way communication system.

Parts

Angled shot of small square purple dev board.

Adafruit QT Py ESP32-S2 WiFi Dev Board with STEMMA QT

What has your favorite Espressif WiFi microcontroller, comes with our favorite connector - the STEMMA QT, a chainable I2C port, and has...

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$12.50

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Angled shot of black servo with three pin cable and one pin cable.

Analog Feedback Standard-Size Servo

It looks like a servo; it acts like a servo, but it's more than just a servo! We got a factory to custom-make these classic 'standard' sized hobby servos with a twist - the...

$14.95

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Copper Foil Tape with Conductive Adhesive - 6mm x 15 meter roll

Copper tape can be an interesting addition to your toolbox. The tape itself is made of thin pure copper so its extremely flexible and can take on nearly any shape. You can easily...

$5.95

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Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Wire - 50ft 30AWG Green

Silicone-sheathing wire is super-flexible and...

$4.95

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Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M3 Thread

Totaling 420 pieces, this M3 Screw Set is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel...

$16.95

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1 x Sticker Project Paper

Avery Printable Sticker Paper, Matte White, 8.5 x 11 Inches

Buy Now

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Circuit Diagram

The diagram below provides a visual reference for wiring of the components. This diagram was created using the software package Fritzing.

Adafruit Library for Fritzing

Use Adafruit's Fritzing parts library to create circuit diagrams for your projects. Download the library or just grab individual parts. Get the library and parts from GitHub - Adafruit Fritzing Parts.

Wired Connections

Analog Feedback Servo

Red/Orange wire to 5V pin on QT Py
Brown/Black wire to GND pin on QT Py
Yellow wire to A1 pin on QT Py
White wire to A2 pin on QT Py

Copper Tape – Capacitive Touch

Signal wire to TX pin on QT Py

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CAD Files

CAD Parts List

STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Parts are designed to 3D print without any support material. Original design source may be downloaded using the links below:

twt-handle.stl
twt-horn.stl
twt-front-plate.stl
twt-frame.stl
twt-front-ring.stl
twt-base.stl
qtpy-holder.stl

cad-source.zip

Download STL files

CAD Assembly

The servo is secured to the front plate with screws. The bezel snap fits over the frame. The front plate snap fits onto the frame. The base plate is secured to the frame with screws and hex nuts. The QT Py snap fits into the holder. The holder is secured to the base plate with screws and hex nuts. The handle is secured to the 3D printed horn with a single screw. The handle assembly is secured to a stock servo horn with screws. The stock servo horn is secured to the shaft of the motor with a single screw.

Build Volume

The parts require a 3D printer with a minimum build volume.

110mm (X) x 110mm (Y) x 100mm (Z)

Label & Graphics

Download the vector template and modify the graphics to your desired set of emoji's.

Use an inkjet color printer with sticker project paper to easily adhere the graphics to the 3D printed face plate.

Label Dimensions: 92mm x 46mm

Ensure the graphics are not scaled when printing. Reference the dimensions above for correct size and scaling.

Download Vector Templates

Design Source Files

The project assembly was designed in Fusion 360. This can be downloaded in different formats like STEP, STL and more. Electronic components like Adafruit's boards, displays, connectors and more can be downloaded from the Adafruit CAD parts GitHub Repo.

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CircuitPython

CircuitPython is a derivative of MicroPython designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the CIRCUITPY drive to iterate.

CircuitPython Quickstart

Follow this step-by-step to quickly get CircuitPython running on your board.

Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via circuitpython.org

install_circuitpython_on_most_boards_CircuitPython_downloaded.jpg

Click the link above to download the latest CircuitPython UF2 file.

Save it wherever is convenient for you.

The board above has a chip antenna, not the u.Fl connector, but the process is the same.

Plug your board into your computer, using a known-good data-sync cable, directly, or via an adapter if needed.

Click the reset button once (highlighted in red above), and then click it again when you see the RGB status LED(s) (highlighted in green above) turn purple (approximately half a second later). Sometimes it helps to think of it as a "slow double-click" of the reset button.

If you do not see the LED turning purple, you will need to reinstall the UF2 bootloader. See the Factory Reset page in this guide for details.

On some very old versions of the UF2 bootloader, the status LED turns red instead of purple.

For this board, tap reset and wait for the LED to turn purple, and as soon as it turns purple, tap reset again. The second tap needs to happen while the LED is still purple.

Once successful, you will see the RGB status LED(s) turn green (highlighted in green above). If you see red, try another port, or if you're using an adapter or hub, try without the hub, or different adapter or hub.

If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right!

A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! Make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.

If after several tries, and verifying your USB cable is data-ready, you still cannot get to the bootloader, it is possible that the bootloader is missing or damaged. Check out the Factory Reset page for details on resolving this issue.

You will see a new disk drive appear called QTPYS2BOOT.

Drag the adafruit_circuitpython_etc.uf2 file to QTPYS2BOOT.

The BOOT drive will disappear and a new disk drive called CIRCUITPY will appear.

That's it!

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Code the Two Way Telegraph

Once you've finished setting up your QT Py ESP32-S2 with CircuitPython, you can access the code and necessary libraries by downloading the Project Bundle.

To do this, click on the Download Project Bundle button in the window below. It will download as a zipped folder.

Download Project Bundle

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# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2022 Liz Clark for Adafruit Industries
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

from os import getenv
import time
import ssl
import board
import touchio
import pwmio
from analogio import AnalogIn
import adafruit_requests
import socketpool
import wifi
from adafruit_io.adafruit_io import IO_HTTP, AdafruitIO_RequestError
from simpleio import map_range
from adafruit_motor import servo

# Get WiFi details and Adafruit IO keys, ensure these are setup in settings.toml
# (visit io.adafruit.com if you need to create an account, or if you need your Adafruit IO key.)
ssid = getenv("CIRCUITPY_WIFI_SSID")
password = getenv("CIRCUITPY_WIFI_PASSWORD")
aio_username = getenv("ADAFRUIT_AIO_USERNAME")
aio_key = getenv("ADAFRUIT_AIO_KEY")

if None in [ssid, password, aio_username, aio_key]:
    raise RuntimeError(
        "WiFi and Adafruit IO settings are kept in settings.toml, "
        "please add them there. The settings file must contain "
        "'CIRCUITPY_WIFI_SSID', 'CIRCUITPY_WIFI_PASSWORD', "
        "'ADAFRUIT_AIO_USERNAME' and 'ADAFRUIT_AIO_KEY' at a minimum."
    )

#  select which display is running the code
servo_one = True
#  servo_two = True

#  angles for servo
ANGLE_MIN = 0
ANGLE_MAX = 180

print(f"Connecting to {ssid}")
wifi.radio.connect(ssid, password)
print(f"Connected to {ssid}!")

pool = socketpool.SocketPool(wifi.radio)
requests = adafruit_requests.Session(pool, ssl.create_default_context())
# Initialize an Adafruit IO HTTP API object
io = IO_HTTP(aio_username, aio_key, requests)

#  pylint: disable=undefined-variable
#  disabling undefined-variable for ease of comment/uncomment
#  servo_one or servo_two at top for user

#  setup for display 1
if servo_one:
    #  servo calibration values
    CALIB_MIN = 15708
    CALIB_MAX = 43968
    #  create feeds
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one and push the first value
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
        io.send_data(in_feed["key"], float(abs((ANGLE_MAX-ANGLE_MIN)/2)))
#  setup for display 2
if servo_two:
    CALIB_MIN = 15668
    CALIB_MAX = 43550
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one and push the first value
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")
        io.send_data(in_feed["key"], float(abs((ANGLE_MAX-ANGLE_MIN)/2)))

received_data = io.receive_data(in_feed["key"])

# Pin setup
SERVO_PIN = board.A1
FEEDBACK_PIN = board.A2
touch = touchio.TouchIn(board.TX)

# servo setup
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(SERVO_PIN, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
servo = servo.Servo(pwm)
servo.angle = None

# setup feedback
feedback = AnalogIn(FEEDBACK_PIN)

#  position finder function for servo
def get_position():
    return map_range(feedback.value, CALIB_MIN, CALIB_MAX, ANGLE_MIN, ANGLE_MAX)

#  touch debounce
touch_state = False
#  new_msg value
new_msg = None
#  last_msg value
last_msg = None
#  time.monotonic() holder for pinging IO
clock = 5

while True:
    #  check IO for new data every 5 seconds
    if (time.monotonic() - clock) > 5:
        #  get data
        received_data = io.receive_data(in_feed["key"])
        #  reset clock
        clock = time.monotonic()
    #  if touched...
    if touch.value and touch_state is False:
        touch_state = True
    #  when touch is released...
    if not touch.value and touch_state is True:
        #  get position of servo
        pos = get_position()
        #  send position to IO
        io.send_data(out_feed["key"], float(pos))
        #  delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  reset touch state
        touch_state = False
    #  if a new value is detected
    if float(received_data["value"]) != last_msg:
        #  assign value to new_msg
        new_msg = float(received_data["value"])
        #  set servo angle
        servo.angle = new_msg
        #  quick delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  release servo
        servo.angle = None
        #  log msg
        last_msg = new_msg

# SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2022 Liz Clark for Adafruit Industries
# SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT

from os import getenv
import time
import ssl
import board
import touchio
import pwmio
from analogio import AnalogIn
import adafruit_requests
import socketpool
import wifi
from adafruit_io.adafruit_io import IO_HTTP, AdafruitIO_RequestError
from simpleio import map_range
from adafruit_motor import servo

# Get WiFi details and Adafruit IO keys, ensure these are setup in settings.toml
# (visit io.adafruit.com if you need to create an account, or if you need your Adafruit IO key.)
ssid = getenv("CIRCUITPY_WIFI_SSID")
password = getenv("CIRCUITPY_WIFI_PASSWORD")
aio_username = getenv("ADAFRUIT_AIO_USERNAME")
aio_key = getenv("ADAFRUIT_AIO_KEY")

if None in [ssid, password, aio_username, aio_key]:
    raise RuntimeError(
        "WiFi and Adafruit IO settings are kept in settings.toml, "
        "please add them there. The settings file must contain "
        "'CIRCUITPY_WIFI_SSID', 'CIRCUITPY_WIFI_PASSWORD', "
        "'ADAFRUIT_AIO_USERNAME' and 'ADAFRUIT_AIO_KEY' at a minimum."
    )

#  select which display is running the code
servo_one = True
#  servo_two = True

#  angles for servo
ANGLE_MIN = 0
ANGLE_MAX = 180

print(f"Connecting to {ssid}")
wifi.radio.connect(ssid, password)
print(f"Connected to {ssid}!")

pool = socketpool.SocketPool(wifi.radio)
requests = adafruit_requests.Session(pool, ssl.create_default_context())
# Initialize an Adafruit IO HTTP API object
io = IO_HTTP(aio_username, aio_key, requests)

#  pylint: disable=undefined-variable
#  disabling undefined-variable for ease of comment/uncomment
#  servo_one or servo_two at top for user

#  setup for display 1
if servo_one:
    #  servo calibration values
    CALIB_MIN = 15708
    CALIB_MAX = 43968
    #  create feeds
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one and push the first value
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
        io.send_data(in_feed["key"], float(abs((ANGLE_MAX-ANGLE_MIN)/2)))
#  setup for display 2
if servo_two:
    CALIB_MIN = 15668
    CALIB_MAX = 43550
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one and push the first value
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")
        io.send_data(in_feed["key"], float(abs((ANGLE_MAX-ANGLE_MIN)/2)))

received_data = io.receive_data(in_feed["key"])

# Pin setup
SERVO_PIN = board.A1
FEEDBACK_PIN = board.A2
touch = touchio.TouchIn(board.TX)

# servo setup
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(SERVO_PIN, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
servo = servo.Servo(pwm)
servo.angle = None

# setup feedback
feedback = AnalogIn(FEEDBACK_PIN)

#  position finder function for servo
def get_position():
    return map_range(feedback.value, CALIB_MIN, CALIB_MAX, ANGLE_MIN, ANGLE_MAX)

#  touch debounce
touch_state = False
#  new_msg value
new_msg = None
#  last_msg value
last_msg = None
#  time.monotonic() holder for pinging IO
clock = 5

while True:
    #  check IO for new data every 5 seconds
    if (time.monotonic() - clock) > 5:
        #  get data
        received_data = io.receive_data(in_feed["key"])
        #  reset clock
        clock = time.monotonic()
    #  if touched...
    if touch.value and touch_state is False:
        touch_state = True
    #  when touch is released...
    if not touch.value and touch_state is True:
        #  get position of servo
        pos = get_position()
        #  send position to IO
        io.send_data(out_feed["key"], float(pos))
        #  delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  reset touch state
        touch_state = False
    #  if a new value is detected
    if float(received_data["value"]) != last_msg:
        #  assign value to new_msg
        new_msg = float(received_data["value"])
        #  set servo angle
        servo.angle = new_msg
        #  quick delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  release servo
        servo.angle = None
        #  log msg
        last_msg = new_msg

Upload the Code and Libraries to the QT Py ESP32-S2

After downloading the Project Bundle, plug your QT Py ESP32-S2 into the computer's USB port with a known good USB data+power cable. You should see a new flash drive appear in the computer's File Explorer or Finder (depending on your operating system) called CIRCUITPY. Unzip the folder and copy the following items to the QT Py ESP32-S2's CIRCUITPY drive.

lib folder
code.py

Your QT Py ESP32-S2 CIRCUITPY drive should look like this after copying the lib folder and the code.py file.

settings.toml

You will need to create and add a settings.toml file to your CIRCUITPY drive. Your settings.toml file will need to include the following information:

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CIRCUITPY_WIFI_SSID="your-wifi-ssid"
CIRCUITPY_WIFI_PASSWORD="your-wifi-password"
ADAFRUIT_AIO_USERNAME="my_username"
ADAFRUIT_AIO_KEY="my_key"

CIRCUITPY_WIFI_SSID="your-wifi-ssid"
CIRCUITPY_WIFI_PASSWORD="your-wifi-password"
ADAFRUIT_AIO_USERNAME="my_username"
ADAFRUIT_AIO_KEY="my_key"

Your settings.toml file will have your Adafruit IO username and key. Reference this guide page for steps on how to grab this information from your Adafruit IO account.

Analog Servo Calibration

Analog Servo Calibration with CircuitPython

Analog servo motors make this project possible, but they work best after they've been calibrated. This CircuitPython calibration code from the Analog Feedback Servos Learn Guide will tell you your analog servo's minimum and maximum values.

Run this code with both of your analog servos and record the results for the code.py file for this project as the CALIB_MIN and CALIB_MAX values on lines 46 and 47 for the first display and lines 59 and 60 for the second display.

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#  setup for display 1
if servo_one:
    #  servo calibration values
    CALIB_MIN = 15708
    CALIB_MAX = 43968
...
#  setup for display 2
if servo_two:
    CALIB_MIN = 15668
    CALIB_MAX = 43550

#  setup for display 1
if servo_one:
    #  servo calibration values
    CALIB_MIN = 15708
    CALIB_MAX = 43968
...
#  setup for display 2
if servo_two:
    CALIB_MIN = 15668
    CALIB_MAX = 43550

How the CircuitPython Code Works

After importing the libraries, you'll leave either servo_one = True or servo_two = True uncommented, depending on which of the two displays the code is running for.

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#  select which display is running the code
servo_one = True
#  servo_two = True

#  select which display is running the code
servo_one = True
#  servo_two = True

Next, depending on which variable is True, the analog servo's CALIB_MIN and CALIB_MAX calibration values are set. Then, the out_feed and in_feed are setup. If the feeds do not exist in your Adafruit IO account yet, then they will be created with io.create_new_feed().

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#  setup for display 1
if servo_one:
    #  servo calibration values
    CALIB_MIN = 15708
    CALIB_MAX = 43968
    #  create feeds
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
#  setup for display 2
if servo_two:
    CALIB_MIN = 15668
    CALIB_MAX = 43550
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")

#  setup for display 1
if servo_one:
    #  servo calibration values
    CALIB_MIN = 15708
    CALIB_MAX = 43968
    #  create feeds
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
#  setup for display 2
if servo_two:
    CALIB_MIN = 15668
    CALIB_MAX = 43550
    try:
        # get feed
        out_feed = io.get_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.get_feed("touch-1")
    except AdafruitIO_RequestError:
        # if no feed exists, create one
        out_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-2")
        in_feed = io.create_new_feed("touch-1")

In the loop, Adafruit IO is polled every 5 seconds to check the current value in the in_feed. This is the feed that the opposing servo is sending data to.

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#  check IO for new data every 5 seconds
    if (time.monotonic() - clock) > 5:
        #  get data
        received_data = io.receive_data(in_feed["key"])
        #  reset clock
        clock = time.monotonic()

#  check IO for new data every 5 seconds
    if (time.monotonic() - clock) > 5:
        #  get data
        received_data = io.receive_data(in_feed["key"])
        #  reset clock
        clock = time.monotonic()

If the incoming data has changed from the previous value, then the servo's position updates to the new angle.

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#  if a new value is detected
    if float(received_data["value"]) != last_msg:
        #  assign value to new_msg
        new_msg = float(received_data["value"])
        #  set servo angle
        servo.angle = new_msg
        #  quick delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  release servo
        servo.angle = None
        #  log msg
        last_msg = new_msg

#  if a new value is detected
    if float(received_data["value"]) != last_msg:
        #  assign value to new_msg
        new_msg = float(received_data["value"])
        #  set servo angle
        servo.angle = new_msg
        #  quick delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  release servo
        servo.angle = None
        #  log msg
        last_msg = new_msg

When the telegraph's touch input is released, the position of the servo is sent to the out_feed and the touch_state for debouncing is reset. By having two feeds, each telegraph build has one feed it is publishing to and one feed it is listening to.

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#  if touched...
    if touch.value and touch_state is False:
        touch_state = True
    #  when touch is released...
    if not touch.value and touch_state is True:
        #  get position of servo
        pos = get_position()
        #  send position to IO
        io.send_data(out_feed["key"], float(pos))
        #  delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  reset touch state
        touch_state = False

#  if touched...
    if touch.value and touch_state is False:
        touch_state = True
    #  when touch is released...
    if not touch.value and touch_state is True:
        #  get position of servo
        pos = get_position()
        #  send position to IO
        io.send_data(out_feed["key"], float(pos))
        #  delay to settle
        time.sleep(1)
        #  reset touch state
        touch_state = False

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Wiring

QT Py and Servo Prep

Get the QT Py and analog feedback servo ready to wire.

The jumper wires feature connectors that will be removed using wire cutters.

Tin Wires from Servo

Using wire stripper, remove a bit of insulation from each wire from the analog feedback servo.

Third helping hands can help keep the wires steady while soldering.

Tin each wire by adding a bit of solder to prevent the strands of wire from fraying.

Prepped Servo Wires

The wires from the analog feedback servo will be soldered to the pin on the QT Py.

An optional bit of heat shrink tubing can be used to keep the four wires from the analog feedback servo together.

Solder Wires to QT Py

Connect the four wires from analog feedback servo to the following pins on the QT Py.

Red wire to 5V pin
Brown wire to GND pin
Orange wire to A1 pin
White wire to A2 pin

Connected Servo

Take a moment to inspect the wiring to ensure proper connections.

Copper and Wire

Get the copper tape and a piece of 30AWG wire ready to connect together.

Measure and cut a piece of copper tape about 3in(76mm) in length.

Measure and cut a piece of wire to about 5in (127mm) in length.

Solder Wire to Copper

Using wire strippers, remove a bit of insulation from both ends of the wire.

Tin both ends of the wire by adding a bit of solder.

Tin one end of the copper tape by adding a small amount of solder.

Solder the wire to the piece of copper tape by heating up the tinned area.

Connect Copper Tape

Take a moment to inspect the copper tape and wire to ensure they have been properly soldered together.

Solder Copper Tape Wire

Connect the wire from the piece of copper tape to the TX pin on the QT Py.

A helping hands tool can keep things sturdy while soldering.

Finished Circuit

Take a moment to inspect all of the wires in the circuit to ensure everything has been properly soldered.

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Assembly

Attach Copper Tape

The piece of copper tape will be wrapped around the edge of the 3D printed handle.

Remove the protective backing from the piece of copper tape by carefully peeling it off.

Wrapping Copper Tape

Place the piece of copper tape over the edge of the 3D printed handle.

Slowly wrap the tape around the handle so it overlaps the wire and solder joint.

Assemble Handle

Use an M3x6mm screw to secure the 3D printed handle to the arrow attachment.

Use the circular servo horn (included with the analog feedback servo) and secure it to the 3D printed arrow attachment using the included hardware screws.

Attaching Servo

The analog feedback servo is secured to the 3D printed plate using two (or four) M4 x 6mm long screws.

Secure Servo

Orient the analog feedback servo with the 3D printed plate so the center hole is lined up with the shaft of the servo.

Place the analog feedback servo over the 3D printed plate with the mounting tabs aligned to the built-in standoffs.

Insert and fasten the M4 screws to secure the servo to the 3D printed plate.

Adhere Label

Using scissors, carefully cut out the sticker label and remove the protective backing.

Begin attaching the label to the front of the 3D printed plate making sure the edges line up properly.

Attach Bezel, Frame and Handle

The 3D printed frame snap fits over the 3D printed plate with the tabs lined up to the bumps.

The 3D printed bezel snap fits over the 3D printed frame with the notches lined up.

The handle assembly is fitted over the shaft of the analog feedback servo.

Secure the servo horn to the shaft using the included hardware screw.

The servo horn will need to be refitted onto the shaft a few times in order to properly calibrate the position of the handle.

Secure QT Py to Holder

The QT Py is snap fitted onto the 3D printed holder. Use flush snips to remove any bits of wire underneath the pins on the QT Py.

Insert the QT Py PCB at an angle under two of the clips near the back and then slightly bend the holder to snap fit the front clips over the PCB.

Secure Base Plate and Holder

Use 2x M3x8mm screws and hex nuts to secure the 3D printed base plate to the 3D printed frame.

Place the QT Py holder over the base plate and use two M3x8mm screws and hex nuts to secure them together.

Page last edited March 08, 2024

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Usage

After building two of the telegraphs, calibrate the analog servos by running the CircuitPython calibration code. Make note of each servo's minimum and maximum offset values. Then, update the code.py file with the values as noted on the Code the Two Way Telegraph page of this guide.

Power up the telegraphs and you're ready to start sending messages!

On one of the telegraphs, pull the servo's lever to an emoji while touching the copper tape capacitive touch point.

After releasing, the other telegraph will move its servo lever to point at the same emoji.

This can be a fun way to communicate quietly within the same household or long distance to let someone know you're thinking of them. You can also update the graphics to better suit your needs.