Build a Modern MQTT Pager: Revive the Classic Beeper
▼ Summary
– Pagers, once common, are now used primarily by doctors and niche users, but a custom ESP32-based device is reviving the concept.
– The ESP32’s built-in WiFi and Bluetooth allows it to receive alerts via MQTT, specifically for notifications from the Sentry platform.
– This device acts as an on-call beeper, alerting the user to system issues and playing custom ringtones in the Nokia RTTTL format.
– The build used an Adafruit ESP32 Reverse TFT Feather for easy screen and button integration and a 3D-printed translucent case for a retro aesthetic.
– The project is both a useful tool for immediate alerts and a nostalgic tribute to largely obsolete pager technology.
Remember the satisfying buzz of a pager clipped to your belt? Once a symbol of being in-demand, these devices have largely faded into history, reserved for specific professions. However, a new project is giving the classic beeper a smart, modern revival. By leveraging the power of an ESP32 microcontroller and the flexibility of MQTT messaging, this DIY pager bridges the gap between nostalgic hardware and contemporary notification systems.
The core of this build is the versatile ESP32, chosen for its integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This connectivity allows the device to subscribe to an MQTT broker, a lightweight messaging protocol perfect for IoT applications. The creator wrote straightforward code enabling the pager to listen for specific alert messages. In this implementation, it’s configured to activate whenever the Sentry platform triggers a notification, effectively creating a dedicated, physical on-call alert system for monitoring software and services.
When an alert arrives, the device doesn’t just vibrate silently. It plays a customizable ringtone, adding an audible layer to the notification. The firmware supports the classic RTTTL (Ring Tone Text Transfer Language) format, famously used by old Nokia phones, allowing for a dose of retro sonic flair. This means you can program it to play any tune you can find or create in that format, making each alert distinctly recognizable.
Assembly is refreshingly straightforward, thanks to starting with a development board that handles much of the complexity. The Adafruit ESP32 Reverse TFT Feather was the foundation, providing the processor, a display, and control buttons in a single, ready-to-use package. This significantly simplified the hardware side of the project, allowing the builder to focus on the enclosure and software.
The final, polished look comes from a custom 3D-printed case. Designed for a resin printer, the shell is translucent, giving the finished pager a distinctive, sleek aesthetic that channels the cool tech gadgetry of the 1990s. It’s a thoughtful touch that completes the retro-futuristic vibe, transforming a simple electronic project into a conversation-starting piece of functional art.
Ultimately, this project is more than a nostalgia trip. It demonstrates a practical application for simple IoT components, creating a tangible, dedicated alert device that cuts through the noise of smartphone notifications. It’s a fun, useful build that successfully resurrects the spirit of the beeper for the modern connected world.
(Source: Hackaday)
