KnightRider ESP32 – KITT LED Scanner 🔴

This project recreates the iconic Knight Rider / KITT red scanning light using an ESP32, WS2812B LEDs, and a rotary encoder for speed control.

The ESP32 runs fully standalone:

• pre-programmed animation
• optional Wi-Fi Access Point with a captive web page
• no internet connection required

Perfect for a 3D-printed enclosure, desk display, or retro car-inspired build.

✨ Features

• Classic KITT scanning animation (left → right → right → left)
• Smooth trailing fade effect
• Rotary encoder (KY-040) to control animation speed
• Push button on encoder resets speed to default
• Wi-Fi Access Point with captive portal:
  • change LED color
  • adjust brightness
  • adjust speed
  • reset to defaults
• Settings saved in ESP32 flash (persistent after reboot)
• Hardware ON / OFF switch (2-position)

🔌 Wiring (ASCII Diagram)

ESP32U

            ┌─────────────────────┐
            │        ESP32        │
            │                     │
 3V3  ──────┤ 3V3                 │
 GND  ──────┤ GND                 │
            │                     │
 GPIO18 ────┤ LED DATA            │
            │                     │
 GPIO32 ────┤ ENC CLK             │
 GPIO33 ────┤ ENC DT              │
 GPIO25 ────┤ ENC SW              │
            └─────────┬───────────┘
                      │
                      │
                    USB-C

POWER

[USB 5V 3A]
|
|
+------------------------------+
|                              |
|                              |
|                              +------ 2-position ON/OFF switch
|                              |
|                              |
v                              v
[GND Terminal]                [+5V Terminal]

[+5V Terminal (minimum 2 screws)]
| |
| |
| +------------> WS2812B +5V
+--------------> ESP32U USB-C +5V

[GND Terminal (minimum 2 screws)]
| |
| |
| +------------> WS2812B GND
+--------------> ESP32U USB-C GND

WS2812B LED strip

WS2812B +5V -----------------------> +5V Terminal
WS2812B GND -----------------------> GND Terminal

WS2812B DIN <----------------------- ESP32U GPIO18

Recommended : Add a 220Ω resistor in series on the DATA line near the first LED. Resistor as close as possible to the first LED.

Rotary encoder

GND ------------------> ESP32U GND
CLK ------------------> ESP32U GPIO32
DT -------------------> ESP32U GPIO33
SW -------------------> ESP32U GPIO25
+ --------------------> ESP32U 3.3V

🧰 Bill of Materials (BOM)

Qty	Item
1	ESP32 (Dev Module / ESP32-U / ESP32-S3 compatible)
1	WS2812B LED strip (12 LEDs)
1	KY-040 Rotary Encoder
1	2-position ON/OFF switch
1	5V power supply (≥ 2A recommended)
1	220Ω resistor (LED data line)
—	Wires, solder, connectors
1	3D-printed enclosure (optional)

➡️ Download the 3D files here:
🔗 KnightRider – KITT LED Scanner – MakerWorld

🚀 How It Works

• The ESP32 runs a Knight Rider scanning animation
• The rotary encoder adjusts the animation speed in real time
• Pressing the encoder button resets speed to default
• When Wi-Fi AP is enabled:
  • connect to the ESP32
  • captive portal opens automatically
  • configure color, brightness, and speed
• All settings are saved in flash memory

🔧 Default Settings

• Color: Red
• Brightness: 255
• Speed: 35 ms per step
• Animation: Continuous scan

🛑 Disclaimer

This project is not beginner-friendly.

Basic knowledge required:

• ESP32 / Arduino programming
• 5V power distribution
• WS2812B LED handling
• Soldering and wiring

I share this project as-is. I cannot provide individual support for every setup or wiring issue.

❤️ Credits & Inspiration

Inspired by:

• Knight Rider (1982)
• KITT scanning light effect
• Retro automotive electronics

Enjoy building your own KITT 🔴