SpoolSense Standalone Scanner Case (ESP32-S3-Zero + PN5180+ 16x2 I2C LCD)

This is a 4-part standalone enclosure designed for the SpoolSense project, built specifically to house an ESP32-S3-Zero, PN5180 NFC reader, and a 16x2 I2C LCD display.

The goal of this design was to create a clean, desk-friendly scanner unit that’s easy to print, assemble, and use, while keeping the NFC antenna as close as possible to the scanning surface for reliable reads.

It’s designed as a fully self-contained unit, making it ideal for use alongside your printer or filament storage area.

This enclosure is made up of 4 printed parts:

• Top

  • No supports required

• Bottom

  • Supports required only for the 4 corner standoffs

• LED Diffuser

  • Print in white or transparent filament for best effect

  • Recommended 0.1mm layer height

•  Feet (Optional) 

  • Print with TPU

This enclosure is part of the SpoolSense ecosystem – an open-source project for tracking filament spools using NFC.

Full project, firmware, and general wiring guide: https://spoolsense.org

For build information for this scanner, please see here: https://github.com/SpoolSense/spoolsense_scanner/tree/main/usermods/plasticsnake

Bill of Materials (BOM)

• ESP32-S3-Zero https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009890203011.html

• PN5180 NFC RF Sensor https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010338513783.html

• LCD1602 I2C Display (+PCF8574 adapter) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006100081942.html

• 4x6 Double-Sided Prototype PCB Board https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000300483401.html

• USB Charging Port Module https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006544322183.html

• JST Connector Kit (2-pin & 4-pin) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33009421559.html

• 2.54mm Male & Female Pin Headers (breakaway) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007235591794.html

• 4 × M3 x 4mm - Mount the PN5180 scanner board

• 4 × M3 x 5mm - Mount the LCD screen

• 4 × M3 x 5mm - Secures bottom to top

• 2 × M2 x 6mm - Mount the prototype PC