Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Power Supplies & Voltage Regulators/CryptoGotchi Compagnon

Intermediate

RASPBERRY PI

₹5,000 – ₹15,000

3 – 6 Hours

Partial Kit

CryptoGotchi Compagnon

CryptoGotchi is an open-source crypto companion for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and Waveshare LCD, combining live market tracking, technical analysis, and a playful virtual pet.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 5,400.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)
SD / MicroSD Card

Browse all components

How It Works

The CryptoGotchi Compagnon operates as a self-contained desktop cryptocurrency monitoring device powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. At its core, the system runs Raspberry Pi OS to manage computing tasks, executing a custom Python script powered by a Flask web server and served reliably via Waitress. This backend software periodically queries live market data from the CoinGecko API over an internet connection. Once fetched, the information is processed alongside local records stored in an SQLite database, which tracks historical trends and virtual pet states. The processed data is then rendered graphically onto a Waveshare 1.44-inch LCD HAT, which communicates directly with the Raspberry Pi's GPIO header using the ST7735S display controller driver. A dedicated power supply feeds the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W and its connected display hat, ensuring stable operation of both the processing unit and the visual interface. As the software runs, it alternates between displaying real-time cryptocurrency technical analysis, live market prices, and animated virtual pet interactions, merging practical IoT functionality with a nostalgic digital companion experience.

Why Build This

Create a custom, compact desktop cryptocurrency ticker to monitor your favorite coin prices at a glance.

Build a personal market monitoring terminal that combines live API data tracking with a fun, interactive virtual pet dashboard.

Gain hands-on experience developing an educational IoT dashboard using Python, web frameworks, and hardware displays.

Real-World Application

Compact desktop cryptocurrency ticker, personal market monitoring terminal, and educational IoT dashboard.

Skills You'll Learn

Python programming

web server deployment

API integration

database management

SPI display interfacing

Linux environment configuration

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

PYTHON

FLASK

SQLITE

COINGECKO API

WAVESHARE LCD

ST7735S

WEB DASHBOARD

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

CRYPTOGRAPHY

VIRTUAL PET

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a constant internet connection for the CryptoGotchi to work?

Yes, the device relies on active internet access to fetch live cryptocurrency pricing data from the CoinGecko API.

How is the Waveshare LCD HAT connected to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W?

The LCD HAT is designed to plug directly into the GPIO header pins of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, handling both power and data communication without requiring loose jumper wires.

What is the role of SQLite in this project?

SQLite is used locally on the MicroSD card to store data, helping track historical information and manage the state of your virtual pet.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-01626