Elecrow's 2023 Innovation Showcase: Advancing Tech and Collaboration with Makers

Innovation is the lifeblood of progress, driving forward the boundaries of inspiring creativity at every turn. In the previous year, Elecrow has persistently upheld its dedication to innovation. From the versatile SmartView to the educational Raspberry Pi Pico Advanced Kit, Elecrow's commitment to pushing the fields of technology and STEM education shines through. Additionally, the partnership with sellers has led to the introduction of groundbreaking products like the ZigStar and Jumpless breadboard, further cementing our position as a trusted mate for makers. Join us as we delve into Elecrow's innovation journey of 2023, where each product tells a story of creativity and collaboration.

I. Products That Captivated Makers' Attention

1. SmartView (ESP32 Display & ESP32 Terminal)

In 2023, we unveiled the SmartView, leveraging the ESP32-WROOM-32-N4 and ESP32-S3-WROOM-32-N4 chips. Available in screen sizes ranging from 2.4” to 7.0”, the SmartView garnered significant popularity among tech enthusiasts. Its versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including industrial IoT control terminals, smart agricultural terminals, personal smart home monitoring terminals, and other DIY projects.

To explore the limitless potential of your projects, we offer multiple creative instructional video guides on YouTube. Compatible with the open-source LVGL graphics library, SmartView facilitates a variety of engaging HMI GUI projects. Our comprehensive 16-lesson LVGL ESP32 tutorial on the Elecrow Wiki walks you through setting up LVGL on your ESP32 development board, creating basic GUI applications, and incorporating advanced features such as animation, themes, and touch input.

SmartView can serve as voice-controlled LED lighting assistants, AC terminal controllers, air quality monitors, and temperature monitoring systems. It also doubles as a stylish smart desk clock and entertaining gaming console, offering experiences like "Whack a Mole" or epic battles in "King of Fighter". Moreover, SmartView can function as a mobile phone for making calls, showcasing the extensive possibilities of the ESP32 displays and inviting enthusiasts to delve deeper into the world of DIY electronics.

2. Elecrow Raspberry Pi Pico Advanced Kit

The release of the Raspberry Pi Pico Advanced Kit underscores our commitment to STEM education. This kit includes a Pi Pico based on the official RP2040 chip, 32 sensor modules, 1 smart car kit, and 32 Raspberry Pi Pico projects.

Despite its name, the Advanced Kit caters to beginners, guiding them from basic tasks like blinking LEDs to more advanced projects such as creating laser traps or building a robot arm. With a well-structured difficulty curve and concise tutorials, users can enhance their critical thinking, hands-on skills, and innovation capabilities.

3. Raspberry Pi Display

In 2023, we continued to offer a diverse range of high-quality Raspberry Pi displays, each with unique features. Among them, three displays received acclaim from tech enthusiasts and industrial sectors:

Elecrow RC050 5 Inch Capacitive Touch LCD Display: This USB capacitive touch screen supports five-touch control and offers an OSD menu for contrast, brightness, and switch button adjustments. With multiple interfaces, including HDMI compatibility, it's versatile for various applications.

Elecrow RC070 7 Inch LCD Display: Supporting systems like Raspberry Pi, Banana Pi, Banana Pro, and BB Black, this display provides high resolution and capacitive touch functionality, providing Lubuntu, Raspbian, and Angstrom images. You can connect it to Raspberry Pi, HDMI-compatible display screens, and other mini PCs or even computer displays.

Elecrow RC070S 7 Inch IPS Capacitive Touch Monitor: Offering a cable-free solution for Raspberry Pi 4, this monitor is compatible with various devices including Raspberry Pi 4/3/2, laptops, TVs, and gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch/XBOX/PS4. With two speakers added you’ll enjoy a more immersive audiovisual experience.

II. Products Originating from Partner Sellers

The inception of the Elecrow Partner Seller Program in 2023 marked a significant milestone, fueled by the continuous support and trust from makers worldwide. Let's highlight the Top 5 Partner Seller Products of 2023:

• ZigStar UZG01: A remarkable remake of the popular ZigStar LAN Gateway, equipped for diverse Smart Home installations, including Zigbee2MQTT, Home Assistant (ZHA), ioBroker, and more.
• EBUS to WiFi Adapter Module V6.1: Elevates the electronic DIY experience, especially for smart home projects.
• Arduino CNC Shield V3.51: Ideal for small CNC routers, DIY laser cutters, and 3D printers, offering precise control over stepper motors with high precision.
• Jumpless: A groundbreaking breadboard that simplifies hardware connections through software commands, eliminating the need for a jumper achieved through a network of analog crosspoint switches intricately wired together into a unified, larger switch.
• Deej Volume Mixer Electronics Kit: Enables makers to create their own physical volume mixer, adding a personalized touch to audio setups.

As we reflect on Elecrow's innovation journey of 2023, it's clear that the pursuit of creativity and collaboration has been at the heart of our endeavors. From the SmartView to the educational Raspberry Pi Pico Advanced Kit, and the introduction of innovative products through our Partner Sellers, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and STEM education. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue this journey with our customers, partners, and fellow tech enthusiasts, striving for even greater achievements and advancements in the years to come.

Thank you for being a part of Elecrow's ongoing quest for innovation and excellence.