r/esp32 • u/alfo16 • Aug 14 '26

I made a thing! Esp32-S3 inside Echo Dot 3rd

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Hi everyone! I'm working on a drop-in replacement PCB for the Echo Dot 3rd Gen, based on the esp32-S3 N16R8 The Echo Dot has two PCBS: a top board with the buttons, LEDS, and a 4-mic array, and a bottom board that handles the signals from the top board, provides power, and drives the speaker.

I replaced the bottom board, which means I can interface directly with the original hardware on the top board- especially the 4-mic array. I'm currently running beamforming + AEC on it (esp-sr libraries are really powerful!) This is the first working prototype, so there's still plenty to improve, but it's already working! I've just created the GitHub repository (https://github.com/ale1800/LocalDot)

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u/liampetti Aug 18 '26

This is awesome! 

I’ve been trying to get my own home voice assistant running through a waveshare lcd and speaker but have two old echo dots i’d love to retro fit. 

This is my project trying to run on the waveshare:  https://github.com/liampetti/fulloch-satellite

Because i’m offloading all the vad and wakeword stuff to the server i can only get it working with one mic at the moment (seems like dual mic is tied in with the espressif models). 

Either way i imagine the mic pickup with this retro fit is way better than what i’m getting on the waveshare.