# scottbez1/smartknob

Haptic input knob with software-defined endstops and virtual detents

Repository: https://github.com/scottbez1/smartknob
Canonical: https://ross.abutalabs.com/products/smartknob
Homepage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip641WmY4pA
Language: C++
License: NOASSERTION
License Family: other
Last push: 2024-02-19T10:08:59+00:00

## Health v2 (maintenance only)
Score: 23/100 (v2, computed 2026-09-02T17:46:02.011165+00:00)
- activity 0, release rhythm 8, longevity 100
- inputs: {"age_days": 1774, "days_push": 926, "days_rel": null, "gap_med": null, "n_releases_24m": 0}
- flags: no_license
- formula: round(0.45*activity + 0.35*rhythm + 0.20*longevity); archived -> min(score, 10)

## Adoption (not part of the score)
Stars 22082, forks 1279 (observed 2026-08-28T04:11:32.363468+00:00)

## What it is
SmartKnob is an open-source haptic input knob combining a brushless gimbal motor and magnetic encoder with closed-loop torque control to simulate software-defined detents and endstops. The project includes firmware, PCB designs, and 3D-printable hardware for building the device, including the SmartKnob View variant with an integrated round LCD.

## Use cases
- build a haptic rotary input knob with adjustable detents
- DIY macro knob for controlling software with tactile feedback
- learn closed-loop motor control with a BLDC motor and magnetic encoder
- create a customizable volume or media control dial
- experiment with ESP32-based embedded hardware projects
- build an input device with software-configurable endstops

## When to choose
- you want an open-source, hackable haptic knob you can build and modify yourself
- you need software-defined detents and endstops that can change dynamically
- you're an electronics hobbyist interested in motor control and custom hardware

## When to avoid
- you want a polished consumer product ready out of the box
- you're not comfortable with soldering, firmware flashing, and PCB assembly
- you need a cheap off-the-shelf macro dial without a DIY build

## Facets
- artifact type: application
- maturity: active
- function: embedded, graphics, developer-tools
- domain: hardware, embedded-systems, cross-platform
- platform: embedded, iot, cpp
- tags: haptic-feedback, input-device, bldc-motor, esp32, open-hardware, diy-electronics, knob, magnetic-encoder, automation

## Member repositories
- scottbez1/smartknob (main) score 23

## Provenance
- Observed fields: from GitHub, fetched 2026-08-28T04:11:32.363468+00:00.
- Health v2: computed from the inputs above; adoption is never an input.
- Inferred fields (summary, facets, guidance): AI-extracted, prompt v1, taxonomy v1, on 2026-08-29T16:57:43.402846+00:00, confidence not recorded.
  - readme: https://github.com/scottbez1/smartknob (fetched 2026-08-28T04:11:32.363468+00:00, sha d98069ec20f1)
  - homepage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip641WmY4pA (fetched 2026-08-29T07:55:51.230027+00:00, sha 44136fa355b3)
- Data as of 2026-08-30T08:39:29.467469+00:00.