Mellow Machines Start with one MicroTech MTR024QV01A-V1 CYD board, a USB data cable and a compatible Mac. Use the public Pixel character pack. Add a speaker only if you want audible sound effects; recorded speech requires a separate voice-capable pack.
Essential parts and tools
This list follows Buddygotchi’s firmware and character-pack documentation. It is a compatibility reference, not a priced bundle or a promise that any board sold as a CYD will work.
| Item | Quantity | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| MicroTech MTR024QV01A-V1 SKU E32R24P | 1 | The documented CYD variant: ESP32-WROOM-32E, ST7789 display and XPT2046 resistive touch. Start here for the public Pixel build. |
| USB data cable | 1 | A cable with data support and USB-C at the board end. It supplies power and carries flashing/serial traffic. |
| Mac | 1 | macOS 26 or later and Command Line Tools for the current Buddygotchi host application. |
| Python 3.10+ | Installed | Required by the firmware tools. PlatformIO installs itself in the checkout when absent. |
| Jev API key | Optional | Needed for model-guided moods and reactions. Work and attention status can be checked without it. See TypeSafe’s API documentation. |
The display, touch controller, Bluetooth radio, BOOT button, audio amplifier and RGB LED are integrated on the CYD. You do not need separate modules for the screen or touch.
Board comparison
| MicroTech CYD | Waveshare AMOLED | |
|---|---|---|
| Exact model | MTR024QV01A-V1 / E32R24P | ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.06 |
| Display | 2.4-inch IPS, 240 × 320 panel; used as 320 × 240 | 2.06-inch AMOLED, 410 × 502 |
| Touch | XPT2046, resistive | FT3168, capacitive |
| Memory | 4 MB flash, no PSRAM | 32 MB flash, 8 MB PSRAM; current firmware uses a 16 MB layout |
| Audio | DAC → amplifier → speaker header | I2S codec and amplifier |
| Firmware target | cyd24 | amoled206 |
| Starting point | The board used in our public Pixel walkthrough | Documented firmware target; check character support before choosing it |
The README lists both boards. The current character-pack contract also notes that AMOLED face support is still being developed for the public pack. Use the CYD for this tutorial rather than assuming the two builds are interchangeable.
For the AMOLED board’s manufacturer reference, see Waveshare’s product page and hardware wiki. Firmware-specific specifications above come from the project’s board reference.
Optional additions
| Part | When it helps | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Ω, 1–2 W speaker | Audible face sound effects on the CYD | Use the CYD speaker header and verify the connector with your board. This specification comes from the firmware README. |
| microSD card, FAT32 | Recorded speech for a voice-capable character pack | The public Pixel pack has no recorded voice bank. A card alone will not add speech. Follow the pack’s voice instructions if you supply one. |
| Case or desk stand | Keep the display visible beside your monitor | Choose for the exact board dimensions and leave USB, touch and BOOT accessible. No enclosure design is specified by this guide. |
Start with USB power. A battery and a separate microphone are not required for the public Pixel walkthrough.
Check before ordering
- Match the model and board revision, rather than the “CYD” nickname.
- Check the display driver and touch controller against the firmware’s board configuration.
- Use a data-capable USB cable; a charging-only cable cannot flash the board.
- Choose a character pack that provides the face and sound features you want on your selected board.
We have not verified current retailer prices or stock. The firmware’s board configuration is the reference for pins and peripherals; consult it before substituting parts.
From parts to a working companion
Continue with Build Buddygotchi: from harness to animation to hardware. It covers the decision loop, the public character pack, flashing, the host app and the first behavior checks.
If you only want to understand the software first, the MellowHarness quickstart needs no board or model API key.