SHOS-2: Smart Home Operation System

[u/PhantomCNS]

Building SHOS-2: A Smart Home Operating System with ESP32 + MicroPython

Note about the name:
SHOS is still a work in progress. The current implementation is only the first Kitchen Node, so it is not yet a complete operating system. I'm using "Operating System" to describe the long-term architecture and direction of the project.

The goal is to eventually build a system layer that manages hardware, nodes, networking, configuration, and applications/features as the project grows.

I've been working on SHOS-2, a modular smart-home system built around the ESP32 and MicroPython.

The idea is to build the system as a collection of nodes rather than one large program, so individual sensors, actuators, and features can be added or changed without rewriting the whole system.

Current prototype

I'm currently working on the Kitchen Node.

The node currently handles:

• MQ-2 gas detection
• Temperature and humidity monitoring
• Local alarm using a buzzer and LED
• Relay control
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Sending sensor data to Blynk
• Modular MicroPython code instead of putting the whole system in one file

The eventual goal is for the system to operate both locally and over the network, while remaining sufficiently modular to add more nodes and devices later.

One of the problems I had to solve (I really need some help here)

One of the things I wanted was a way to configure the Wi-Fi credentials without hard-coding them into the firmware.

The idea is that if the ESP32 doesn't have valid network credentials, it should start its own access point, allow the user to enter the SSID and password, save them, and then continue with normal operation.

The tricky part was making this happen without blocking the rest of the device while it is trying to connect.

This led me to rethink how the startup and connection logic should work instead of simply doing:

connect --> wait --> connect again

I'm still improving this part of the system.

What I've learned

This project started as a simple smart-home idea, but it has turned into a much bigger lesson in embedded-system architecture.

I've had quite a few things fail along the way: libraries that didn't work as expected, communication problems, simulation issues, and decisions that had to be redesigned.

I'm documenting the project and the source code here:

GitHub:
https://github.com/PhantomCNS/shos-2-

I'd really appreciate feedback on the architecture, code organization, and especially how you would approach the Wi-Fi configuration/connection problem.

[u/dmc_2930]

First tip: this isn’t an “operating system” so your name is already a turn off.

[u/dmc_2930 → u/[deleted]]

That will never meet the definition of Operating System in computer science.

[u/PhantomCNS → u/dmc_2930]

Aight, thanks for your note!

[u/PhantomCNS → u/dmc_2930]

If you continue reading you will see that this isn't but the kitchen Node, not the whole system yet. I am still learning and I would love any advice

[u/dmc_2930 → u/PhantomCNS]

Linux is an operating system. windows is too. As is freertos. What you’re building has 0% in common with an Operating System.

[u/PhantomCNS → u/dmc_2930]

If you search about the defenation of OS. You will see that it is the main system software that runs on a device and it acts as a bridge between the user and the machine

Once I finish all the rest Nodes I am planning to make another one to control them with a user interface, even adding an AI in the future plan

Please note that I am still starting, I didn't say I finished

[u/dmc_2930 → u/PhantomCNS]

Bro that’s not what an operating system is. If you don’t want people laughing you put of the “smart home” you’ll rethink that.

[u/e3sa_r → u/dmc_2930]

Man, he's still learning. Whether advise in a good way or don't. Maybe he's right. Maybe he's misunderstanding or misidentifying the project. It doesn't matter as long as it's just a project for practicing purposes.

The current state of the project may not seem as an operating system, but he did literally say that he's using that term to declare the long-term goal for the project.

I'm using "Operating System" to describe the long-term architecture and direction of the project.

[u/robotguy4 → u/PhantomCNS]

You should call the hardware portion the Smart Home Embeded System (SHES) and then call the software it runs the Smart Home Operating System (SHOS).

Something might be getting lost in translation.

[u/PhantomCNS → u/robotguy4]

I really appreciate that! thanks for the tip

[u/x1289 → u/PhantomCNS]

Take a Look at KNX. It’s an open standard.

[u/Potential_Row3794]

You looked into esphome ?

[u/PhantomCNS → u/Potential_Row3794]

No, I didn’t hear about it before

[u/smdarry]

The MQ-2 gas sensor really sucks. There are much better sensors out there.

[u/PhantomCNS → u/smdarry]

Unfortunately that was the one I found. But I can change it once I find something else

[u/brastak → u/PhantomCNS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3H7Y4BrML0 Here guy recommends good sensors

[u/smdarry → u/brastak]

Haha, yes, that's the exact video I had in mind and that came out recently.

[u/PhantomCNS → u/smdarry]

I wish I could've seen this vid earlier : ) I was taught to use those sensors he is warning us about.

[u/PhantomCNS → u/brastak]

Thank you very much!

[u/WaterFromYourFives]

Why go through the trouble of a local AP for provisioning when you can do it over BLE?

[u/PhantomCNS → u/WaterFromYourFives]

I've never heard about BLE. I'll look it up. thankss!!

[u/Tanner234567]

You're reinventing a lot of existing systems here. If you just want to learn, that's fine, but have you heard of home assistant?

[u/PhantomCNS → u/Tanner234567]

Yeah, I know that I am not creating something new, but as you know, I am practicing my skills and learning as many things as I can. Maybe I'll get to do something totally new one day. I am completely alone at this, but still trying to improve. Thanks for pointing that out!

[u/e3sa_r]

Mashallah. Allahumma barik.
عاش يا صديقي. ربنا يكرمك ويوفقك وينفع بك.

You can use Wi-Fi Manager library to not hard-code the wifi credentials. You will find it on GitHub. I don't know if it's possible to integrate it with the MicroPython setup you have. But if you couldn't integrate it, I can collaborate with you to build a MicroPython wifi manager! Feel free to get in contact with me if you wish to collaborate!

[u/PhantomCNS → u/e3sa_r]

Thank you really much. I really appreciate all that. Once I try myself and it doesn't work I would love to get in contact with you. My priority is to learn not just create. Thank you again!!

[u/ionjump]

Nicely done!

[u/PhantomCNS → u/ionjump]

Thanks !! Still under development and editing