Wiznet makers

Hardware Components:

• Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller
• TDK InvenSense ICS-43434 MEMS microphone
• Analog Devices MAX98357 I2S DAC
• WIZnet W5500 SPI Ethernet controller (Esparagus Duo)
• RGB LEDs
• Aluminum enclosure

Software Apps and Online Services:

• ESPHome
• Home Assistant

Introduction

Sonocotta, led by Polish open-hardware enthusiast Andriy Malyshenko, has expanded its Esparagus family with the introduction of the Esparagus Echo series. This new lineup includes two ESP32-S3-based devices, the Esparagus Solo and Esparagus Duo, designed to provide edge voice control capabilities tailored for Home Assistant integrations.

Esparagus Solo

The Esparagus Solo is a compact device featuring an Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller paired with a single TDK InvenSense ICS-43434 MEMS microphone. It incorporates an Analog Devices MAX98357 I2S digital-to-analog converter (DAC), delivering monaural audio output suitable for 4Ω 3W and 8Ω 5W speakers. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), facilitated by the ESP32-S3's integrated radio. The front panel houses two RGB LEDs for visual feedback, while power and speaker connections are conveniently located on the backside.

Esparagus Duo

Building upon the Solo's foundation, the Esparagus Duo offers enhanced features, including dual microphones and amplifiers, enabling stereo audio output. In addition to Wi-Fi and BLE, the Duo model is equipped with a connector for an external antenna and a wired Ethernet port, powered by a WIZnet W5500 SPI Ethernet controller. This configuration ensures robust and flexible connectivity options for various home automation setups.

Integration with Home Assistant

Both Esparagus Echo devices are designed to operate seamlessly with ESPHome, serving as edge components within a Home Assistant-based voice control system. Malyshenko has developed two firmware variants: one functions as a media player, and the other, still under development, offers voice assistant capabilities with always-on wake-word detection. This integration empowers users to implement voice control in their smart homes without relying on external cloud services, thereby addressing common privacy concerns associated with mainstream voice assistants.

Conclusion

The Esparagus Echo series by Sonocotta represents a significant advancement in open-source, privacy-focused voice control solutions for Home Assistant enthusiasts. By leveraging the capabilities of the ESP32-S3 microcontroller and integrating seamlessly with ESPHome, the Esparagus Solo and Duo provide versatile and secure options for enhancing home automation experiences.