Is it possible to build a treadmill console using ESP32 and a 4.3" TFT display (no touch)?

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1

Hi everyone,

I’d like to know if it’s technically possible to build a treadmill control panel using an ESP32 and a 4.3" TFT display (no touchscreen).

My idea is to replace the original treadmill panel with a flat, modern design that uses:

  • a TFT display to show speed, time, distance, etc.
  • membrane buttons for control (Start, Stop, Speed+, Speed–)
  • LED indicators
  • and an ESP32 to handle all logic and communication with the treadmill’s inverter (PWM 0–10V or similar).

I don’t need a touch screen — just a reliable, low-cost display controlled by the ESP32.

2

how much IO do you require?
have a look at the 4 inch Freenove_ESP32_TFT_Display which has an onboard ESP32 and SD card reader (for logging your data?) - it has a touch screen but you can always ignore that
main problem with CYDs is the limited IO - the 4inch Freenove has SPI and I2C interfaces and two GPIO inputs - if not using the SPI (4 GPIO) or I2C (2 GPIO) interfaces the pins can be used as general GPIO io pins

having the ESP32 on the same PCB as the TFT and SD reader reduces the number of wire interconnections which can be a source of poor connections and intermittent problems

3

I think you also need all the documentation for the original control so you can duplicate the functions of the original.

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4

Yes, it is technically possible.

5

The treadmill probably has a tachometer feedback from the motor that you will need to process as part of the speed control.