Hardware Overview
MycoBox home · Documentation · Getting started
MycoBox uses a main controller to read conditions and run your schedule, plus a Zigbee controller to switch connected equipment.
System architecture
flowchart LR
SENSOR["SHT41<br>Temperature and RH"] --> S3["ESP32-S3<br>Main Controller"]
RTC["DS3231 RTC"] --> S3
DISPLAY["SSD1306 display<br>and joystick"] <--> S3
BROWSER["Phone or computer<br>Local web interface"] <-->|Wi-Fi| S3
S3 <-->|SPI| H2["ESP32-H2<br>Zigbee Controller"]
H2 <-->|Zigbee| STRIP["Compatible sockets and strips"]
STRIP --> EQUIPMENT["Humidifier / Fan / Light / Heat"]
AMBIENT["Optional Ambient sensor<br>Room temperature and RH"] -->|Zigbee| H2
The diagram shows how the parts work together. For wiring, use the instructions for your controller hardware.
ESP32-S3 Main Controller
The Main Controller reads temperature and humidity, runs automation and stores your settings. It also provides Wi-Fi, the web panel, measurement history and the local display.
Connect appliances to the smart plug or strip, not directly to the controller.
ESP32-H2 Zigbee Controller
The Zigbee Controller connects up to six devices in total: sockets, power strips and at most one Ambient temperature/humidity sensor. It finds switchable outputs, sends ON/OFF commands and checks their state. A power strip counts as one device.
Environmental sensors
The SHT41 measures temperature and humidity inside the chamber. These Chamber readings control automation. Its small built-in heater helps manage the sensor during prolonged high humidity; it is separate from the Heat output for your enclosure.
An optional compatible Zigbee sensor provides Ambient readings for comparing the surrounding room with the chamber. Ambient readings do not control equipment.
See supported sensors, sensor placement and heating/cooling messages.
Real-time clock
The DS3231 keeps time offline once the clock is set. MycoBox can also set it from a network time server. Follow Clock setup to choose the time mode and timezone.
Local user interface
The SSD1306 display and joystick show basic status and network information. Use the web panel for detailed settings.
Wi-Fi and web interface
Connect a phone or computer through Wi-Fi to open the panel. MycoBox runs automation locally, so you can close the browser and disconnect your computer afterwards.
A cloud account or internet connection is not needed for normal operation. See Getting started for connecting and Security for protecting access.
Zigbee actuators
Smart plugs and strips supply switched power to Humidifier, Fan, Light and Heat. Functions can use different devices; each needs its own output.
Choose hardware using Compatibility, then follow Zigbee setup to test and assign its sockets.
Example installations
Use only the roles you need, with settings and equipment suited to what you grow or keep. See Suitable applications.
Control path
A reading or scheduled time tells MycoBox what to do. MycoBox sends the command to the assigned socket and checks its response. You can follow this in Overview and compare it with the appliance’s effect in Measurements.