The author describes rewriting the ESP32-based Watchy open-source watch firmware from C++/Arduino to Rust, citing poor library documentation, lack of modern language features like tagged unions, and the need for deep sleep support on early ESP32 Rust HALs. After overcoming toolchain challenges on NixOS, they successfully drove the GDEH0154D67 e-paper display using Rust.
Background
The ESP32 is a popular low-cost microcontroller with Wi-Fi and BLE, widely used in hobbyist projects. Rust embedded development for ESP32 has matured significantly since its early experimental days, now offering stable HAL support.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Oct 3, 2026 at 01:55 AM
- Score
- 5.0 / 10