Retro ESP32 CYD 2.8″ Stock & Crypto Ticker

Tickertronix CYD IL9341 Retro Ticker Display Enclosure

Bring Wall Street Nostalgia to Your Desk with This Open-Source Retro Ticker!

Transform your Cheap Yellow Display (CYD) into a stunning desktop stock and crypto ticker with this 3D-printed retro-inspired enclosure. The Tickertronix Open project turns affordable ESP32 hardware into a professional-grade, fully local financial display—no cloud services, no subscriptions, just real-time market data scrolling in classic style.

This enclosure is custom-designed for the ESP32-2432S028R "Cheap Yellow Display" with IL9341 driver (320x240 touchscreen TFT). It gives your build that vintage ticker tape machine vibe—think old-school green-screen terminals meets modern makerspace ingenuity. Perfect for finance enthusiasts, traders, crypto hodlers, or anyone who loves retro tech with a functional twist!

Project Highlights

• Retro-Styled UI: Color-coded price changes (green for up, red for down), clean fonts, and smooth multi-asset cycling through your personal watchlist.
• Touchscreen Convenience: Easy WiFi provisioning and settings adjustments right on the device—no computer needed for setup.
• Real-Time Data: Pulls stock, crypto, and forex prices from free APIs via a local Raspberry Pi hub (required for the full system). Updates every ~5 minutes.
• Fully Local & Private: Runs on your home network.
• Expandable Ecosystem: Part of the larger Tickertronix Open project, supporting multiple display types (LED matrices, other LCDs) and custom clients.

The full open-source project is available here: https://github.com/Tickertronix/Tickertronix-Open/tree/main/cyd-ticker-il9341

What's Included in This Model

This download features the complete 3D-printable retro case parts:

• Precise fit for the CYD board, with cutouts for the screen, touchscreen, USB port, reset button, and SD card slot.
• Screw-together design for easy assembly.
• Optional stand or base for desktop placement with a slight viewing angle.

(Note: Firmware and software are provided separately in the GitHub repo—build or flash via Arduino/PlatformIO for the IL9341-specific version.)

Required Components (Beyond the Print)

• ESP32-2432S028R Cheap Yellow Display with IL9341 controller (important: some CYD variants use ST7789—confirm yours matches!).
• Raspberry Pi (e.g., Zero 2 W) as the data hub.
• Basic tools for assembly (screwdriver if using screws).
• 4 x M2 x 20mm Socket Head Cap Screws
• 4 x M2 x 4mm x 3.2mm Brass Heat Inserts

Recommended Print Settings

• Material: PLA works great for durability and detail—black or dark green for that authentic retro look! PETG-GF also works well for added strength and heat resistance.
• Layer Height: 0.2mm for a balance of speed and quality.
• Infill: 20-30% for strength without excess material.
• Supports: Snug supports work well for plug openings in the case
• Nozzle: 0.4mm standard.
• Bed Adhesion: Brim or raft recommended for larger parts.

Print time varies by printer, but expect 4-8 hours total depending on settings.

Assembly Guide

1. Print all parts.
2. Press 4 heat inserts into the holes of the Holder
3. Place ESP32 CYD board in the correct orientation into the Holder
4. Align and attach the the Back using 4 M2 x 20mm socket head cap screws
5. Add the stand/base for stable desktop display.
6. Flash the firmware from the repo, connect to your Tickertronix hub, and watch the prices scroll!

This build is beginner-friendly yet rewarding, with endless customization potential (tweak the code for custom messages, weather overlays, or more assets).

Join the growing community of Tickertronix builders—share your makes, watchlists, and mods! If you're into open-source hardware, local-first tech, or just cool desk gadgets, this is the project for you.

Happy printing, and may your portfolio always trend green! 📈🖨️