Real-Time Fire Particle Art with ESP32 & TouchDesigner

This project blends interactive art with physical computing, using an ESP32, ultrasonic sensor, sound sensor, and TouchDesigner to control a dynamic fire particle system.

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Beginner friendly

Features

• Fire intensity increases with sound volume
• Fire direction shifts based on distance measured
• Real-time sensor input over Serial (COM3, 115200 baud)

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Hardware Used

• ESP32 Dev Board
• Sound Sensor (Analog Output)
• Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)
• USB to Serial Connection
• CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers (install for Windows if COM3 isn't detected)

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Software Used

• TouchDesigner
• Arduino IDE with ESP32 board support

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How It Works

1. ESP32 reads:

   • Distance from the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor
   • Sound level from the analog sound sensor

2. The ESP32 sends this over serial in this format: Distance (cm): 123 | Sound Level: 89

3. TouchDesigner reads the data using a Serial DAT and maps:

• Distance → particle direction
• Sound Level → fire intensity

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Connections & Setup

ESP32 to Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)

HC-SR04 Pin	ESP32 Pin
VCC	3.3V or 5V
GND	GND
TRIG	GPIO 5
ECHO	GPIO 18

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ESP32 to Sound Sensor

Sound Sensor Pin	ESP32 Pin
VCC	3.3V or 5V
GND	GND
OUT	GPIO 34 (ADC)

Use an analog output sound sensor for better volume sensitivity.

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ESP32 to PC

• Connect ESP32 using a USB cable.
• If it's not detected, install Silicon Labs CP210x drivers.

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TouchDesigner Serial Setup

In TouchDesigner:

1. Add a Serial DAT
2. Set the following:

• Port: COM3 (or your detected port)
• Baud Rate: 115200
• Parity: None
• Data Bits: 8
• Stop Bits: 1

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you can change the sensor intraction from the point to transform node

MIT License – feel free to remix and build upon it