Designed by Meterbit Cybernetics in Nigeria, the Pixlpal is an open-source, ESP32-S3-based 11.25-inch 128×64 RGB LED matrix display designed as a customizable ticker for news, crypto, and smart home notifications, while also offering Hi-Fi audio playback.
The device also includes a multi-function rotary encoder for local control, a digital MEMS microphone, and a 3.5 mm headphone output driven by a TI PCM5102A DAC for Hi-Fi audio playback. Pixlpal also provides a USB Type-C OTG port for power and programming, and a USB Type-A adapter port for firmware updates and peripherals. The device targets Smart Home dashboards, desktop information displays, and educational or maker-focused IoT applications.
Pixlpal specifications:
- Wireless Module – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
- SoC – ESP32-S3
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz with vector extension for AI/ML workloads
- Memory – 512KB SRAM
- Storage – TBD
- Wireless – WiFi 4 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0 LE
- PCB antenna
- SoC – ESP32-S3
- Display – 11.25-inch 128×64 RGB LED Matrix Display (P2 / 2mm pitch)
- Audio
- 3.5mm audio jack via Texas Instruments PCM5102A DAC (32-bit/384 kHz)
- InvenSense INMP441 omnidirectional I2S digital MEMS microphone
- Onboard buzzer
- USB
- USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Supports USB OTG (Type-A adapter included) for flash drives, keyboards, or mice
- Misc
- Multi-functional rotary encoder (EC-11) for navigation and control
- RGB LED
- Reset button
- Power
- 5V DC via USB Type-C port (<10W power consumption)
- 5V power input option in the PCB
- Dimensions – 285 x 175 x 52 mm
- Weight – 850 grams
On the software side, the Pixlpal supports the ESP-IDF framework. It can run custom applications as standalone FreeRTOS tasks, which can be triggered via BLE. The project is fully open-source; the hardware files are licensed under CERN-OHL-W and the firmware under LGPL v3.0. You can find the source code, including instructions for building applications using Arduino libraries, on GitHub. The current firmware supports features such as scrolling text, stock and crypto tickers, and audio playback from USB drives or internet streams. It can also integrate with Home Assistant via MQTT, supports Google and Outlook calendar sync, and work is being done to support the ESP Matter SDK.
One disadvantage of this device is that it lacks an internal battery compared to some similar products in the market. However, it features a higher resolution 128×64 display and a USB-OTG interface for hardware expansion. We have previously written about other matrix display development boards, such as Vcc Labs’ Nova, Waveshare’s RP2350-Matrix, and ESP32-S3-Matrix, but those are much smaller than the Pixlpal.
The Pixlpal has launched on Crowd Supply, where it has raised over 50% of its funding goal of $6,500. Rewards start at $150 for a fully assembled unit, which includes a USB Type-A to Type-C adapter. Shipping is free worldwide and is scheduled to begin in September 2026. Some additional information is available on the company’s website.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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