The $45 Focus Dial That Actually Works: M5Stack Dial

"If you have been chasing the perfect focus timer for way too long. You know the type something physical that sits on your desk, lets you twist a dial to set a timer, and triggers your entire workspace into "Do Not Disturb" mode without ever touching your phone. The idea isn't new. There was even a Kickstarter project called TimeChi that promised exactly this. Spoiler: it never shipped."

"When we came across this Instructables guide, we were excited, finally, someone had built it! But then we looked at what it actually required: 15+ components from different suppliers, hours of soldering, 3D printing both FDM and resin parts, mixing silicone rubber with titanium dioxide for a diffuser (yes, really), and a firmware setup that looked incredibly complex. The guide was comprehensive, but let's be honest, it was way too much of a commitment."

"Fast forward to a few months ago when OpenELAB reached out with a list of products they could sponsor. As soon as we saw the M5Stack Dial on that list, the focus dial idea immediately clicked. This was it, a 1.28" round touchscreen, rotary encoder with a button, ESP32-S3 with WiFi and Bluetooth, USB-C connectivity, and it costs $45. Everything we needed, already assembled."

An M5Stack Dial provides a compact, preassembled platform to build a physical focus timer that integrates with macOS and Windows via USB. The device features a 1.28" round touchscreen, rotary encoder with button, ESP32-S3 with Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, and USB‑C connectivity. The build avoids lengthy part sourcing, soldering, and complex firmware setups by leveraging the Dial's ready-made hardware. The timer implements Pomodoro-style sessions and can toggle system Focus/Do Not Disturb modes automatically, offering a simple, plug-and-play productivity tool for desktop workspaces at an accessible price point of $45.

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