Hardware widget and Chrome extension monitor Claude API rate limits

What this is

A developer created a hardware widget and Chrome extension combination to monitor Claude's API rate limits in real time, eliminating the need to rely on Claude's rate limit banner notifications.

Key details from the source

The solution consists of two components:

• Chrome extension: Intercepts Claude's internal /usage API, shows a live badge on the browser icon, and tracks a 14-day hourly heatmap of usage patterns. The extension works standalone without the hardware component.
• Hardware widget: Uses an ESP8266 microcontroller with an OLED display that counts down to the rate limit reset window in real time, even with the browser closed. The NodeMCU polls Claude's API directly.

The system architecture includes:

• The Chrome extension silently handles session cookie rotation in the background
• The hardware widget provides continuous monitoring independent of browser state
• Total bill of materials cost: approximately ₹550 (~$6.50 USD)

The project is available on GitHub at github.com/acervenky/over-engineered-claude-usage-monitor.