Craving for that parcel to arrive? The anticipation can sometimes make the simple walk to the mailbox feel like a trek to Mordor. Will there be a bunch of letters waiting for you, or will you be met with the soul-crushing emptiness of a barren box? Fear not, for YouTuber James Music has concocted an adorable tech-solution to this age-old postal predicament.
Meet the mini mailbox
James Music's nifty contraption doesn't quite fit the mould of an ESPHome project, as it features Tasmota firmware on a LOLIN D1 mini. But don't worry, ESPHome lovers! With a little tinkering, it should be possible to port this project, as ESPHome is no stranger to servos. Though, it's worth noting that the creator did mention a few hiccups in the porting process on Reddit.
The foundation: making your mailbox smart
To make this adorable miniature mailbox a part of your everyday routine, your real mailbox needs a dose of smarts. Enter Home Assistant, which requires a method to detect your incoming mail. The original artist used door break sensors, but an Aqara door/window sensor could also work.
Assembling the tech-ensemble: the necessary bits and bobs
To bring this miniature masterpiece to life, you'll need a 3D printer to fashion the tiny mailbox. The blueprint for this petite creation is available on Thingiverse, waiting to be assembled. Additional components include a LOLIN/Wemos D1 mini, an SG90 9G servo, a few strands of wire, and a soldering station.
For the cherry on top, consider painting your mini mailbox or printing it with a colourful filament. You'll wonder how you ever lived without this charming companion as you watch your mailbox notify you of each delivery.
