{
 "schema_version": 1,
 "generated": "2026-10-20",
 "repo": "mediacutlet/pocket-tank",
 "name": "pocket-tank",
 "owner": "mediacutlet",
 "slug": "mediacutlet-pocket-tank",
 "github": "https://github.com/mediacutlet/pocket-tank",
 "what": "pocket-tank is an open C project that runs a 14M-parameter distilled language model on an ESP32-S3 microcontroller to decide what virtual fish do in a small tank, with no network needed.",
 "why": "",
 "language": "C",
 "requirements": [
  "A PC to read the code and run the simulator (the README points to a PC simulator section)",
  "A C compiler on your PC for the simulator build (inferred)",
  "A supported Waveshare board for real hardware: 1.8-inch, pendant, watch, or square (the board costs about $35 per the README)",
  "A USB cable for the first install; later updates come over Wi-Fi from v0.3"
 ],
 "audience_note": "Hobbyists and embedded developers who want a working on-device language model example, or a PC simulator to watch the fish decisions without owning hardware.",
 "risk": "none",
 "section": "earlier",
 "weekly_rank": null,
 "category": "Games and hobbies",
 "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/",
 "use_case_count": 3,
 "use_cases": [
  {
   "id": "mediacutlet-pocket-tank--watch-fish-decisions-in-pc-simulator",
   "title": "Watch the fish brain decide in the PC simulator",
   "best": true,
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/watch-fish-decisions-in-pc-simulator/",
   "json": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/u/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/watch-fish-decisions-in-pc-simulator.json"
  },
  {
   "id": "mediacutlet-pocket-tank--flash-tank-from-browser",
   "title": "Flash a pocket tank onto a board from a browser",
   "best": false,
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/flash-tank-from-browser/",
   "json": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/u/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/flash-tank-from-browser.json"
  },
  {
   "id": "mediacutlet-pocket-tank--run-firmware-in-qemu-without-hardware",
   "title": "Test the firmware in QEMU without a board",
   "best": false,
   "url": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/run-firmware-in-qemu-without-hardware/",
   "json": "https://dedupedai.com/use-cases/u/mediacutlet-pocket-tank/run-firmware-in-qemu-without-hardware.json"
  }
 ],
 "disclaimer": "Third-party repos we don't own or vouch for. AI-generated use cases can be wrong: review everything and run at your own risk."
}