Content

AIH 1.0

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Watch how I made it

Description

This project started as a simple question:

Could I build a different way of studying Anki flashcards using an ESP32?

The idea was to create a minimal audio-based study device with physical controls, removing the need for a phone or a traditional screen-based interface. Instead of interacting directly with Anki on a computer, the ESP32 communicates with a local HTTP server, downloads the flashcards due for the day, converts them into audio, and manages the entire study session through headphones and buttons.

What initially looked like a relatively small project quickly evolved into a long-term hardware and software challenge involving audio systems, external flash memory, ESP-IDF, PCB design, and months of debugging and redesigns.

The final version features a custom PCB built around the ESP32-C3, an audio jack output, external flash storage, and a fully functional workflow capable of synchronizing study results back to Anki.

More than the final device itself, this project became an opportunity to learn how to approach larger hardware projects from start to finish: prototyping, testing, solving reliability issues, redesigning subsystems, reading datasheets, and gradually transforming a breadboard prototype into a real piece of hardware.

You can find the source code and PCB files on GitHub, and more project details in my YouTube videos.

Copyright & Intellectual Property

The design, electronics, and content related to this project are open for personal use, modification, and redistribution. Commercial use, resale, or redistribution for profit is not permitted without prior consent.