Because I needed lots of buttons, and the LilyGo TTGO T8 module is somewhat limited in the numbers of IO-pins
(as every ESP32 module), I decided what everybody would do in my situation.
I added some PCF8575 (16-bit) and PCF8574 (8-bit) I2C IO-expanders.
Via only 2 IO-ports (hence the name, IC2), Iām able to connect as much buttons as I need. I need 16 buttons on the left,
and 16 on the right, so 2 PCF8575 modules will do. I also need 6 buttons on the button (+2 hidden buttons), so a PCF8574 will do.
They all connect to the same IO-pins š
So, I now have the LilyGo TTGO T8, 2x PCF8575, 1x PCF8574, the ILI9488 (that is not only a touchscreen,
but also includes a SD-card reader on the back)
![](https://digitalplayground.be/locomotion/screenshots/0003.jpg)
Furthermore, the first screen of the application is (almost) complete.
This first screen, does some checks (battery/wifi/connection with EcoS), before the application actually start.
![](https://digitalplayground.be/locomotion/screenshots/0004.jpg)
Also, the “General info” screen is completed (for now).
You can also see 6 icons at the bottom, middle. This is the main menu.
from left to right, (top to bottom row):
– EcoS Stop/Go
– Train control
– Switches control
– S88 live preview
– Sync loco-images
– General info screen
![](https://digitalplayground.be/locomotion/screenshots/0005.jpg)
Next, the “S88 live preview” is also up-and-running.
(Boxes do light up orange, when an occupancy sensor is triggered)
![](https://digitalplayground.be/locomotion/screenshots/0006.jpg)
And finally (for today at least), the beginning of the locomotive control.
I’m already able to get all functions from a locomotive, and the assigned icons for these functions.
The “bright” icons are functions that are active, while the darker ones, are non-active functions.
![](https://digitalplayground.be/locomotion/screenshots/0007.jpg)
More details about all this functionality, when I’m able to get better screenshots ā¦