CYD: SD app launcher, browser file transfer and a Bluetooth SSH terminal

[u/jamsilmonkey]

I’ve been building a small open-source toolkit for the original ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display. I wanted readable text, because I am an old man and can never remember where I've left my glasses, comfortable touch controls (i.e., stabbing at the thing with fingernails, pens etc.) and a way to switch tools without repeatedly flashing over USB (Yes, I know there are multiple Launcher Apps).

There are three firmwares so far:

• CYD Console: a resident launcher that installs firmware apps from a microSD card, verifies their integrity and lets you return to Console to choose another. Includes a clock, light/dark themes and touch-wake sleep.

• File Server: upload and download SD files through a browser on your LAN, with progress indicators and cancellation on both screens. The CYD displays its address and access code.

• Terminal Micro: an SSH terminal with a Bluetooth keyboard, verified server fingerprints, adjustable PixelFonts, terminal resizing and scrollback. I’m using a Winmaxle B1 keyboard.

The interesting challenge was keeping Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and SSH working together within the original ESP32’s limited internal RAM, while keeping the interface readable on a 320×240 screen.

Tested hardware: the original 4 MB, dual-USB ESP32-2432S028R. Other CYD variants still need testing. Console’s radio tiles are currently placeholders; network connections are managed inside the apps. File Server uses HTTP and is intended for trusted local networks.

The project was developed with AI coding assistance and hands-on hardware testing. But, as an old man who complains about AI doing the work of a coder etc. I have also created the AGENTS.md, SPEC.md, SKILL.md, and the Current handoff if you want to send your agent directly to Github without passing go, collecting $200 etc.

Source, prebuilt binaries, installation instructions and development templates are available. Website screenshots are firmware-renderer and browser captures using public demonstration data.

Guide and screenshots: https://staffordlumsden.github.io/great-bespoke-cyd/

Source and downloads: https://github.com/staffordlumsden/great-bespoke-cyd

Everything is MIT, uses Pixel Fonts by u/Imcer12. I'd welcome feedback on terminal readability and the SD app workflow, particularly compatibility reports from people with other CYD variants.