Banned book library in a wi-fi smart light bulb (richardosgood.com)

Article summary

The article describes a project to create a 'Banned Book Library' by modifying a WiFi smart light bulb to host a web server and store digital copies of books. The author chose a Tasmota-enabled bulb and attempted to add a microSD card for expanded storage, but ultimately decided to work within the 4MB storage limit. The goal is to create a device that can be installed in a community, allowing people to access banned or restricted books. The project involves programming the ESP32 chip in the bulb using Arduino and setting up an open WiFi access point and web server.

Main themes

• Banned books and censorship
• DIY electronics and hacking
• WiFi and networking
• Book access and literacy
• ESP32 and microcontrollers
• Tasmota and home automation

What commenters say

• The term 'banned books' is misleading, as it refers to books that are not actually banned by the government, but rather challenged or removed from certain libraries or curriculums.
• The project is a creative way to provide access to restricted books, but it may not be effective in areas with strict censorship or limited internet access.
• The use of a light bulb as a covert WiFi access point is unlikely to go unnoticed, and could be easily detected with a WiFi analyzer or other tools.
• The project raises questions about the definition of 'banned books' and whether it includes books that are restricted by institutions or governments, rather than just those that are formally banned.
• The idea of using a mesh network to distribute books and other content is an interesting one, but may be limited by the storage and bandwidth constraints of the devices used.
• The project is a form of civil disobedience, aiming to provide access to information that is restricted by certain groups or institutions, and could be seen as a way to promote literacy and freedom of expression.
• The discussion around banned books is subjective and context-dependent, and what constitutes a 'banned book' can vary depending on the location, culture, and institution.
• The project's use of a light bulb as a WiFi access point is a clever idea, but may not be the most practical or effective way to provide access to restricted books, and could be improved with additional features such as battery backup or expanded storage.