ESP32 Mesh Network for Halloween Prop Control
This project wasuses puta onmesh holdnetwork of ESP32 microcontrollers communicating via ESP-NOW to coordinate a set of Halloween props. The goal is to create synchronized, responsive effects triggered by motion — perfect for haunted house setups or outdoor displays.
System Overview
The network consists of one master controller and multiple slave controllers:
Master Node:
Acts as the central coordinator. It’s equipped with a while,motion butsensor given(such halloweenas a PIR sensor) that detects when someone approaches.
When motion is 2detected, weeksthe away,master timebroadcasts a “trigger” message over ESP-NOW to getall itslave done. nodes.
ThisSlave masterNodes:
Each unitslave usednode EspNowcontrols toan boradcastindividual motionprop events(e.g., fog machine, servo motor, LED lighting, sound module, etc.).
Upon receiving the master’s trigger message, the slave performs its assigned action — for example, moving a prop, flashing lights, or playing a sound.
Once the action is complete, the slave sends a “completed” message back to the slavemaster.
Communication Flow
Motion Detection:
The master’s PIR sensor detects movement.
Broadcast Trigger:
The master controllersends alsoa plays“motion detected” message via ESP-NOW to all registered slave devices.
Action Execution:
Each slave performs its programmed effect or animation.
Completion Feedback:
After finishing, each slave sends a “done” signal to the sounds,master.
Reset or Cooldown:
Once the master receives all “done” signals (or after a timeout), it resets the system and turnswaits onfor the blacknext light.motion It also has a small display to display debug messages. event.
Key Features
IESP-NOW hadprotocol aallows prototypefor workinglow-latency, aWi-Fi-free monthcommunication ago,— butno ofrouter courseor forgotinternet torequired.
Scalable design — easily add or remove props by pairing additional ESP32s.
Bidirectional communication ensures the wiringmaster pins.knows Time to figure that outwhen all overprops again.have completed their sequences.
Energy-efficient — nodes can sleep between triggers.
Highly customizable — each slave can have its own timing, behavior, or randomized effect.
Example Use Case
Master detects motion → broadcasts “TRIGGER”
Slave 1 (fog machine): starts fog → sends “DONE” after 10 seconds
Slave 2 (LED lights): flashes red and orange → sends “DONE” after 5 seconds
Slave 3 (servo skeleton): waves arm → sends “DONE” after 8 seconds
Once all “DONE” signals are received, the master resets and waits for the next visitor.
