i4Seer presents

TICK

The tech behind the scares. Every Version 3 Seer Frights device runs Tick — real firmware on real hardware. Wi-Fi, microcontrollers, and code you can read.

Versions 1 and 2 use LEDs, batteries, and junk drawer parts. They work. They scare people. But they're simple. Version 3 is Tick. A real microcontroller running real firmware. Configure from the setup page. Add Wi-Fi when you're ready. Code you can read and modify.

What Is Tick?

Firmware for tiny devices. Built for the books. Open for everything else.

Tick is firmware that runs on ESP32 microcontrollers. It handles Wi-Fi, LED patterns, audio playback, scheduling, and sensor data — everything the Version 3 devices need.


Each device is self-contained. Plug it in, configure it from the setup page, and walk away. No server required. No internet required. Just the device and your phone. Firmware is free on GitHub.


Want more control? Connect to the device's AP setup page from a browser. Want time sync across multiple devices? Add Wi-Fi. Each step is optional. Start simple.

How Every Device Works

Same progression. Simple to advanced. Your choice how far to go.

1

Load the Firmware

Download the firmware zip and extract it. Connect the device via USB-C — it shows up as a CIRCUITPY drive. Copy your device’s folder onto the drive. It reboots and starts running in 2 seconds.

2

AP Setup Page

Hold the button for 3 seconds. The device becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot. Connect with your phone and open 192.168.4.1. A setup page loads from the device. Set colors, brightness, patterns, schedules, upload audio — all from a browser. No app needed.

3

Wi-Fi

Optional. Enter your network credentials on the setup page. The device joins Wi-Fi, syncs time via NTP, and becomes controllable from any browser on the network. Multiple devices sync to the same clock.

Under the Hood

Real hardware. Real code. All CircuitPython.

ESP32

Dual-core 240 MHz processor. 4–8MB flash. Wi-Fi built in. Runs CircuitPython — code you can read and edit. Small enough to hide anywhere.

CIRCUITPY Drive

Plug in USB and the device shows up as a thumb drive. Settings, audio files, and code all live on the drive. Update by dragging and dropping files.

WebServer

The AP setup page runs on the ESP32's built-in web server. HTML, CSS, and a form — all served from the device. No internet required.

NeoPixel / I2S

NeoPixel drives the 5×5 LED matrix. I2S drives the Atomic Echo Base speaker and mic for Three-Knock. Each device page shows the actual code.

Sensors

MPU6886 accelerometer built into every ATOM Matrix. ES8311 audio codec and MEMS mic on the Atomic Echo Base. Pressure mat input on GPIO for Route 13.

The Path

Version 1 — junk drawer parts. LEDs, batteries, tape. You learn circuits.


Version 2 — better parts, better housing. Timers, resistors, switches. You learn soldering.


Version 3 (Tick) — a real microcontroller running real firmware. Wi-Fi, setup pages, code. You learn programming.


Same project, three levels. Pick the one that matches where you are.

Swamp Glow Device Three-Knock Device Route 13 Device Get the Hardware