I’m thrilled to share my latest smart home project, which combines the charm of vintage technology with modern smart home capabilities. Inspired by the Severance show, I decided to repurpose an old Bell System 107A speaker into a smart device. The journey was both challenging and rewarding, and I’d love to walk you through it. The Vintage Speaker Transformation The speaker, built in 1972, had a unique design that I wanted to preserve. I removed the original PCB and replaced it with an ESP32-WROVER module. The goal was to integrate it with Home Assistant and add some RGB lighting for a modern touch. Challenges and Solutions One of the biggest challenges was finding a way to mount RGB LEDs without altering the speaker’s exterior. I opted to place the LEDs alongside the rotary encoder shaft, hoping a translucent knob would act as a light pipe. The result? A subtle, elegant glow that complements the vintage aesthetics. Integration with Home Assistant The ESP32 module allowed me to connect the speaker to my Home Assistant setup seamlessly. I also added a USB cable with strain relief for a clean look. The speaker now serves dual purposes: delivering announcements and occasional music playback, thanks to its class D amplifier. Lessons Learned This project taught me the importance of preserving original design elements while integrating modern tech. It also highlighted the versatility of ESP32 modules in retrofitting older devices. Future Plans I’m considering adding a microphone and voice processing chip, similar to the Voice PE device, to enhance functionality. It’s a fun project that’s as much about the journey as the result. If you’re looking for a creative way to blend old and new, I highly recommend exploring retrofits like this. It’s a fantastic way to give new life to vintage tech while enjoying the benefits of modern smart home integration. Happy tinkering! 