Show HN: Replacing $5K industrial signal towers with a webapp [video] (opens in new tab)

(youtube.com)

2 pointsedmundsparrow4mo ago1 comments

I built SignalTower, a web app that recreates $5K industrial signal tower functionality using just a browser.

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.

1 comments

edmundsparrowOP4mo ago

Author here. Quick demo walkthrough:

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

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