DIVINER: Occult Synth Firmware for the Cardputer

The M5 Cardputer, essentially a compact ESP32-S3 development kit with a small screen, keyboard, GPIOs, I2C connectivity, and audio output, serves as the foundation for DIVINER. This firmware transforms the device into an eclectic tool that combines multiple functionalities into one cohesive, albeit unusual, package.

Multifunctional Capabilities

DIVINER operates as both a standalone synthesizer and sequencer utilizing the I2S audio output, while also functioning as a visualization engine. The firmware includes WiFi and Bluetooth scanning capabilities, an LLM interface, and an IR blaster. Notably, it explores Channel-State Information for presence detection, similar to recent developments in other technologies.

The underlying system layer supports various applications referred to as 'rites,' which appear designed to demonstrate the firmware's capabilities and its distinctive 'blood and ember' visual aesthetic reminiscent of Diablo. Despite the diverse features, the audio engine and graphics remain particularly impressive elements of the implementation.

Design Questions

The firmware raises interesting questions about cohesive design—whether these diverse applications function together beyond their visual presentation or if the sheer variety of features overshadows any unified purpose. Regardless, developers can experiment with DIVINER through its simulator while waiting for their Cardputer hardware to arrive.