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Learn how to work with Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film, also known as "smart glass," in this 23-minute tutorial that demonstrates creating interactive transparent displays. Discover the properties of PDLC film, which appears milky white and diffuses light in its normal state but becomes instantly transparent when voltage is applied across its surfaces. Explore the hardware components needed to control PDLC panels, including ESP32 microcontrollers, relays, and PCF8574 GPIO port expanders. Follow along as the instructor builds a 4x3 array of individually controllable PDLC panels connected to a matrix keypad, where pressing buttons toggles the opacity of corresponding panels. Examine detailed wiring diagrams and complete Arduino/ESP32 code implementations for controlling the smart glass system. Gain insights into practical applications for theatrical special effects, magic tricks, escape rooms, memory games, and other creative projects that require switchable transparency effects.
