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.

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Communication Flow

1. Motion Detection:
   The master’s PIR sensor detects movement.

2. Broadcast Trigger:
   The master controllersends alsoa plays“motion detected” message via ESP-NOW to all registered slave devices.

3. Action Execution:
   Each slave performs its programmed effect or animation.

4. Completion Feedback:
   After finishing, each slave sends a “done” signal to the sounds,master.

5. 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.

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• 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.