Espruino Pixl.js is a Bluetooth LE Display Programmable with JavaScript, Compatible with Arduino Shields

Espruino is an open source firmware that allows you to control micro-controllers board with JavaScript, and used in hardware such as Wio LTE GPS tracker, some STM32 Cellular IoT Discovery Kits, and other platforms. I have actually tried Espruino and JavaScript programming in an ESP32 board myself, and it worked reasonably well.

But Espruino developers also provide hardware platforms for Espruino, which – as one should expect – are normally better supported than other third-party board. One of their latest platforms is Espruino Pixl.js a Bluetooth smart display powered by Nordic Semi nRF52832 WiSoC.

Espruino Pixl.js specifications:

WiSoC – Nordic Semi nRF52832 Arm Cortex-M4 @ 64MHz with 64kB RAM, 512kB Flash, Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity (via a Raytac Corportation module)
Display – 54mm diagonal, 128 x 64 sunlight readable monochrome display with white backlight
Connectivity – Bluetooth LE and NFC tag
I/Os
- 20x GPIO in Arduino footprint with PWM, SPI, I2C, UART, Analog Input
- Support for GSM, LTE, WiFi and Ethernet Arduino shields
Sensors – Built in thermometer and battery level sensors
Misc – 4x buttons
Power Supply
- 5V via micro USB port (does power only, no data/programming)
- CR2032 battery holder working with either Lithium or LiPo batteries (some minor hardware hacks are required for the latter); also work as battery backup
- Vin pin – 2.5V to 16V input range regulated to 3.3V (0.3mA idle)
Dimensions – 60mm x 53mm x 15mm; 4x 3mm mounting holes

The display/board comes preload with Espruino JavaScript interpreter, and you can control everything using JavaScript including Bluetooth LE connectivity, the I/Os, the NFC tag, etc…

The product page has much more information with some more technical details, a pinout diagram, a Getting Starter Guide, and tutorials to play games, interface with Arduino shields, create a clock, weather station and so on…If you prefer a video tutorial, you’ve been served.

The EAGLE hardware design files can be found on Github.

Espruino Pixl.js is sold on Espruino shop for 36 GBP (or $50). As the default currency implies, they are based in the UK, and although I’m pretty sure they ship worldwide, you may also consider other distributors such as Adafruit (US) or Tindie (UK).

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.