DIY Enthusiast Creates Miniature BART Train Display for Home

A DIY enthusiast has crafted a miniature train station display that provides real-time updates from the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, bringing the charm of a train platform into the comfort of their home. This innovative project, shared by Reddit user fil1983, highlights the potential of modern technology to bridge nostalgia and functionality.

The display, resembling the iconic red LED signs found at BART stations, was designed using an ESP32-C6 microcontroller. Fil1983 aimed to create a device that would keep them informed about train schedules without the need to leave the house. “I finally wrapped up a little side project I’ve been chipping away at: a miniature version of a BART platform display that shows real-time train arrivals,” they explained.

Bridging Technology and Nostalgia

Fil1983’s project stemmed from a love-hate relationship with the BART system, which is known for its occasional unreliability. The creator expressed a desire to capture the nostalgic feel of the BART displays while providing a practical solution. “There’s something nostalgic about those red LED-style platform signs,” they stated. To achieve this, the display uses a BuyDisplay red OLED character screen, which perfectly embodies the retro aesthetic.

To gather real-time data, fil1983 developed a middleware service using Node.js that retrieves BART’s General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) Realtime data. This service simplifies the data for the ESP32, ensuring the display shows accurate train arrival information. The hardware components include a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C, a SPI Red 20×4 Character OLED Display Module, and a SparkFun Logic Level Converter. All these elements are housed in a custom 3D-printed shell that mimics the traditional BART displays.

Accessing the Project and Future Innovations

The project not only showcases creativity but also emphasizes the accessibility of technology for hobbyists. Those interested in replicating fil1983’s design can find detailed instructions on their blog and on the project’s GitHub page. The end result is a clever and functional display that informs the creator about train schedules directly from their living room.

This initiative reflects a growing trend among tech enthusiasts to blend personal projects with practical applications. By leveraging readily available technology and programming skills, DIY creators like fil1983 demonstrate how innovation can enhance everyday life. As the world increasingly embraces smart home technologies, projects like this miniature BART display serve as both inspiration and a testament to the creativity of individual makers.

For those looking to explore more innovative gadgets, Seeed Studio continues to provide tools and components that facilitate similar projects, further encouraging the spirit of DIY innovation.