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.
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.
A broken device running the hardware can be replaced within 15 minutes with a $100 device & no heavy technical skills required.
Happy to answer technical questions about signaltower or gnokestation.
Links - Signal Tower
Gnokestation
Video Demo
Congratulations we're in 2026