Jake's Magic Box
A handheld device that generates random messages, quotes, and inside jokes — built in a single night
Overview
For Christmas 2024 I set out to make a fun, last-minute gift in a single night. The result was "Jake's Magic Box" — a handheld device that generates random messages or images: quotes, answers, inside jokes, and anecdotes, all personalized for a family member.
How It Works
The hardware is simple: an Arduino Nano, a 9V battery, a power switch, and a potentiometer. Turning the potentiometer signals the device to generate a new response on the display.
The coding involved building a function to handle string case scenarios that pile up fast when you want longer possible messages, proper bitmap handling, ensuring no character runs off-screen, and a "two page" display function for longer content.
What's Next
I plan to release the code, CAD files, and other helpful assets on GitHub along with a YouTube walkthrough — my first public mini-project for others to be inspired by and improve upon.