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Show HN: Replacing $5K industrial signal towers with a webapp [video]
(youtube.com)
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2 points
by edmundsparrow
174 days ago
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I built SignalTower, a web app that recreates $5K industrial signal tower functionality using just a browser. Demo: https://signaltower.netlify.app The demo uses your phone's flashlight to prove the concept, but the same Web Serial/WebUSB APIs can control real PLCs and signal towers. Traditional setup: ~$15K (HMI panel + signal tower + licenses)
This setup: $15 Raspberry Pi You can test it standalone or install it in GnokeStation by typing "install [signaltower-url]" in the terminal. Current state: Working proof of concept. Looking for feedback on the industrial control approach and potential production use cases. |
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The video shows SignalTower running inside GnokeStation, then demonstrates the app installation system - I install Photopea (a web-based Photoshop alternative) via terminal, then uninstall both apps.
This proves GnokeStation can run any web app as a native-feeling application just by typing "install [url]" in the terminal. No app store, no complex packaging - just URLs.
For the industrial use case: imagine a factory floor where workers can instantly deploy new control interfaces by pasting a URL. No IT approval, no vendor negotiations, no waiting.
Happy to answer technical questions about signaltower or gnokestation.
Congratulations we're in 2026