⚡ LocalDot: Open-Source PCB for Echo Dot

AAElectronics has launched LocalDot, an open-source replacement mainboard that converts a 3rd-generation Amazon Echo Dot into a local voice assistant compatible with Home Assistant. The board replaces one of the two original PCBs while reusing the existing microphones, speaker, buttons, LEDs, and enclosure, ensuring the device operates without relying on Amazon’s cloud services.

The hardware combines an ESP32-S3 for WiFi connectivity and device control with an ESP32-P4 dedicated to audio processing. It supports the original four-microphone array with beamforming, on-device wake-word detection, and local voice commands through Home Assistant. A TAS5805 audio amplifier drives the original speaker, maintaining the acoustic performance of the stock unit.

Installation requires no soldering or enclosure modifications, and the device continues to use the original Echo Dot power adapter. Compatibility is limited to the 3rd-generation Amazon Echo Dot, specifically the Donut and Crumpet variants, while the Clock version has not been tested. The project is currently available via crowdfunding.