Build a Wi-Fi Chat Console with ESP32 and OpenAI

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The ESP32 Microcontroller
   1. Overview
   2. Programming with Arduino IDE
   3. Connecting to the Internet
3. Building the Keyboard Interface
   1. Choosing a Keyboard
   2. Connecting the Keyboard to ESP32
   3. Recording Key Presses
4. Displaying Input on OLED
   1. Introduction to OLED Display
   2. Connecting OLED to ESP32
   3. Displaying Typed Text
5. Sending Input to the Cloud
   1. ESP32 Wi-Fi Connectivity
   2. Sending Data to the OpenAI API
6. Receiving and Displaying Responses
   1. Retrieving Response from OpenAI
   2. Displaying Response on OLED
7. Working Without a Computer
   1. Standalone Functionality with ESP32
   2. Wi-Fi Connectivity Requirements
8. Getting Started with OpenAI
   1. Creating a Developer Account
   2. Obtaining an API Key
9. Understanding APIs and Models
   1. Introduction to APIs
   2. Different Models in OpenAI
10. Required Libraries and Dependencies
    1. WiFi and HTTPClient Libraries
    2. ArduinoJSON Library
    3. Universal 8-Bit Graphics Library
    4. PS2KeyAdvanced Library
11. Conclusion

Building a Wi-Fi Connected Chat Console with ESP32 and OpenAI

The ESP32 microcontroller is a powerful yet affordable device that allows for the creation of various Internet of Things (IoT) projects. In this article, we will explore how to build a chat console using an ESP32, an old school PS/2 keyboard, and the OpenAI API. We will leverage the ESP32's Wi-Fi capabilities, connect the keyboard to the microcontroller, and display the typed text on an OLED display. The input will be sent to the OpenAI API, which will generate a response that will be displayed on the OLED as well. The goal is to Create a standalone chat console that operates over Wi-Fi without the need for a computer. Let's dive into the details step by step.

1. Introduction

Here, we introduce the project and explain the concept of building a chat console using an ESP32 microcontroller, a keyboard, and the OpenAI API.

2. The ESP32 Microcontroller

2.1 Overview

Provide an overview of the ESP32 microcontroller, highlighting its capabilities and features.

2.2 Programming with Arduino IDE

Explain how to program the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE, which makes it easy for beginners to get started with the microcontroller.

2.3 Connecting to the Internet

Discuss the steps involved in connecting the ESP32 to the internet, emphasizing the Wi-Fi capabilities of the microcontroller.

3. Building the Keyboard Interface

3.1 Choosing a Keyboard

Explain the selection process for choosing a suitable keyboard for the project, considering compatibility and functionality.

3.2 Connecting the Keyboard to ESP32

Provide a detailed guide on how to physically connect the PS/2 keyboard to the ESP32 microcontroller, instructing the reader on the necessary connections.

3.3 Recording Key Presses

Explain the process of recording key presses on the connected keyboard using the ESP32, describing the code implementation required to capture and store the data.

4. Displaying Input on OLED

4.1 Introduction to OLED Display

Introduce OLED displays, explaining their characteristics and advantages over traditional LCD displays.

4.2 Connecting OLED to ESP32

Provide a step-by-step guide on connecting the OLED display to the ESP32, including wiring and Pin configuration.

4.3 Displaying Typed Text

Demonstrate how to display the recorded input on the OLED display, showcasing the code required to render the text in a readable format.

5. Sending Input to the Cloud

5.1 ESP32 Wi-Fi Connectivity

Explain how to establish a Wi-Fi connection using the ESP32, including the authentication process and network configuration.

5.2 Sending Data to the OpenAI API

Describe the procedure for sending the recorded input from the ESP32 to the OpenAI API, highlighting the importance of secure communication.

6. Receiving and Displaying Responses

6.1 Retrieving Response from OpenAI

Discuss the steps involved in retrieving the response generated by the OpenAI API after sending the input, providing code examples for making the API call.

6.2 Displaying Response on OLED

Explain how to display the response received from the OpenAI API on the OLED display, showcasing the implementation required to render the response text.

7. Working Without a Computer

7.1 Standalone Functionality with ESP32

Highlight the advantages of the project, emphasizing the fact that it can operate without the need for a computer.

7.2 Wi-Fi Connectivity Requirements

Outline the requirements for establishing a Wi-Fi connection and why it is necessary for the chat console to function independently.

8. Getting Started with OpenAI

8.1 Creating a Developer Account

Guide the reader on creating a developer account on the OpenAI platform, emphasizing the benefits of having access to the OpenAI API.

8.2 Obtaining an API Key

Explain the process of obtaining an API key from OpenAI, including the necessary steps to authenticate and access the API.

9. Understanding APIs and Models

9.1 Introduction to APIs

Provide a brief overview of APIs, explaining their role in enabling communication between different software systems.

9.2 Different Models in OpenAI

Highlight the various models available in the OpenAI platform, with a focus on the text completion model used in this project.

10. Required Libraries and Dependencies

10.1 WiFi and HTTPClient Libraries

Discuss the importance of the WiFi and HTTPClient libraries in establishing a secure Wi-Fi connection and making HTTP requests to the OpenAI API.

10.2 ArduinoJSON Library

Explain the purpose of the ArduinoJSON library and how it facilitates the parsing of JSON data received from the OpenAI API.

10.3 Universal 8-Bit Graphics Library

Introduce the universal 8-bit graphics library and its compatibility with monochromatic OLED displays, highlighting its usefulness in this project.

10.4 PS2KeyAdvanced Library

Describe the functionality provided by the PS2KeyAdvanced library, which enables the ESP32 to Read input codes from the connected PS/2 keyboard.

11. Conclusion

Summarize the key points covered in the article and highlight the achievements of building a Wi-Fi connected chat console using an ESP32 and the OpenAI API.

Highlights

• Building a Wi-Fi connected chat console using an ESP32 microcontroller and the OpenAI API.
• Connecting an old school PS/2 keyboard to the ESP32 to Record key presses.
• Displaying typed text on an OLED display and sending it to the cloud via Wi-Fi.
• Utilizing the OpenAI API to generate responses to the input and displaying them on the OLED.
• Standalone functionality without the need for a computer, making it a portable chat console.
• Step-by-step instructions and code examples provided for each component of the project.

FAQ

Q: Can I use any keyboard for this project? A: The project utilizes a PS/2 keyboard, so it is important to choose a PS/2 compatible keyboard.

Q: Do I need a computer to use this chat console? A: No, the chat console operates independently without the need for a computer. It connects to the internet via Wi-Fi.

Q: Can I customize the responses generated by the OpenAI API? A: Yes, the responses generated by the API can be customized by modifying the code that interacts with the API.

Q: Is programming experience required to build this project? A: Basic programming knowledge is helpful, particularly in using the Arduino IDE and coding for the ESP32 microcontroller.

Q: Can I connect other devices to the ESP32 for additional functionality? A: Yes, the ESP32 has various pins and interfaces that can be utilized to connect additional devices or sensors for expanded functionality.