Fun ESP32 Projects you need to try!

If you’ve been trying out new IoT products, you would have known that ESP32 is a follow-up to the ESP8266. It is a low cost, low power system System on a Chip (SoC), created by Espressif Systems. Thus in this blog, we will be talking everything about ESP32 projects you can experiment with!

But before we get into the project, let’s understand a little about ESP32’s development and how it gets its popularity today!

How did ESP32 come about?

Espressif Systems, a Shanghai-based company, first developed ESP8266 SoC, where their focus is the development of RF chips, specifically WiFi. This inexpensive yet capable SoC then received a lot of attention as IoT was beginning to be prevalent in our everyday lives back then.

Thus, when the successor of ESP8266, ESP32 was launched in September 2016, it received as much or even more attention when it was featured as a dual-core, dual-mode MCU with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in. The introduction of these open-source chips has changed the game for IoT applications! Which makes it so widely popularized and deployed in IoT projects.

With that said, let’s look at some of the features of ESP32! We do offer ESP32 development boards at Seeed, so if you’re interested in purchasing one from us, you may do so here:

WT32-ETH01 ($5.90)

The WT32-ETH01 is a serial to ethernet module that is based on the ESP32 series WT32-S1 Microcontroller and has a dual-core processor. This tiny board features WiFi and Bluetooth built-in, it even has an RJ45 connector for Ethernet connection!

Features:

• Wireless Tag WT32-S1 based on ESP32 dual-core wireless System on Chip (WiSoC) with 4MB flash, onboard antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• 26 dual expansion points with GPIO, enabling holes for pin headers and castellated holes for surface mounting.
• I2C, SPI, dual UART, EN, LINK, and 5/3v power.

Pros and Cons:

• Affordable price tag
• Petite
• Contains all the basic functionality of an ESP32 development board
• Works with Tasmota (open-source hardware that supports a wide range of devices)
• Does not provide PoE support
• Lacks an onboard connector

Though there are many other ESP32 development boards out there, this is one of the practical and affordable ones!

But if you’re interested in the other ESP32 development boards, do check out:

• GeeekNET ESP32 Development Board ($19.95)
•  ESP32 Development board – WT32-SC01 with 320×480 capacitive multi-touch screen ($19.90)
• Sipeed Maixduino for RISC-V AI + IoT ($20.90)
• Sipeed Maixduino Kit for RISC-V AI + IoT ($23.90)

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ESP32 Projects

Program ESP32 using Arduino IDE to Blink an LED

This tutorial is perfect for beginners who are completely new to ESP32. It shows you exactly how to configure ESP32 directly in Arduino IDE and then program it to blink an LED!

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 Module // WT32-ETH01
• USB cable
• Arduino IDE

Not sure how to use an ESP32 yet? Check out this tutorial now! Once you’re done with that, you can move on to this tutorial: Over-the-Air (OTA) Programming on ESP32 – Basic OTA using Arduino IDE and Web Updater OTA that shows you how to program ESP32 wirelessly!

ESP32-CAM Face Recognition Door Lock System

Tired of fumbling through your bag looking for your keys? You no longer require any physical keys with this project! Using ESP32 CAM, your face could very well become the digital key instead!

What you’ll need:

• Sipeed Maixduino for RISC-V AI + IoT
• FTDI Board
• Relay Module
• Solenoid Lock
• Jumper Wires

Does a keys-free life sound like a dream come true? Start building this project now!

Automatic Hand Sanitizer Dispenser with COVID19 Live Updates

During this pandemic, where many countries are under lockdown and everyone is trying to stay healthy, a hand sanitizer is definitely a must-have! This project not only dispenses hand sanitizer, it even shows you the live count of the Coronavirus cases!

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 Dev Module // WT32-ETH01
• Ultrasonic Sensor // Grove – Ultrasonic Distance Sensor
• 16*2 LCD Display
• Relay Module
• Mini DC Submersible Pump
• Hand Sanitizer

ESP32 DHT11/DHT22 Web Server – Temperature and Humidity using Arduino IDE

Learn how to build an asynchronous ESP32 web server with the DHT11 or DHT22 that displays temperature and humidity using Arduino IDE. This web server even updates the readings automatically without refreshing the page!

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 development board // WT32-ETH01
• DHT22 or DHT11 Temperature and Humidity Sensor
• 4.7k Ohm Resistor
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires

Sounds like something you’re interested? Do check out the project for more details!

Internet Clock

Want a high accuracy clock that would always be accurate as long as it’s connected to a network? This project allows you to build an internet clock using minimal hardware! It can also be useful while building other IoT projects as well!

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• 128*64 OLED display
• Breadboard
• Male-female wires

Time for a new clock? Try out this project for an instant clock!

Telegram Bot with ESP32

If you’ve used Telegram before, you’ll know that telegram bots can be configurated to do may tasks. Through this project, you can program your Telegram bot and allow you to control the LED.

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 Development board // WT32-ETH01
• Arduino IDE
• Specific Arduino Libraries
• Telegram App

Interested to build your Telegram bot? Check out this project now!

Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell using ESP32 and Camera

Ever thought of building a home security system without breaking your bank? This project shows you to build this smart WiFi Video doorbell that allows you to see the person who pressed your doorbell!

What you’ll need:

• Sipeed Maixduino for RISC-V AI + IoT
• FTDI Programming Board
• 220V AC to 5V DC Converter
• Buzzer
• Push Button
• LED (2)

Ready to up your home security game? Check out this project now!

ESP32 GPS Tracker

Do you have issues finding your vehicle after you parked it? With this project, you will never have to worry about that anymore! You’ll be able to find your vehicle by building your GPS Vehicle Tracking System and you’ll able to monitor wherever you are.

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• GPS Module
• OLED Display Module
• Jumper Wires
• Breadboard

Sounds cool? Try out this project for yourself now!

Power ESP32 with Solar Panels

If you’d like to explore ESP32’s deep sleep capabilities, you can do so with the project by charging your ESP32 with solar panels! Moreover, you’ll be able to use this circuit for other solar-powered projects.

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• 2x Mini Solar Panel (5/6V 1.2W)
• Lithium Li-ion battery 18650
• Battery holder
• TP4056 Lithium Battery Charger Module
• Voltage regulator: Low-dropout or LDO regulator (MCP1700-3302E)
• 100uF electrolytic capacitor
• 100nF ceramic capacitor
• Optional:
  • Battery charger
  • voltage divider for the battery monitor
  • 27k Ohm resistor
  • 100k Ohm resistor

Want to give solar-powered circuits a shot? Check out this project and start experimenting!

Soil Moisture Monitoring System

If you’re interested in agriculture or simply just curious about your soil’s moisture level, this project shows you how to monitor the soil moisture level by using a soil moisture sensor alongside ESP32 to create a monitoring system!

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• Soil Moisture Sensor
• OLED Display
• Connecting Wires

Sounds like something up your alley? Try out this project for yourself now!

ESP32 Based Power Meter

Sick of having too many measuring instruments such as voltmeter, ammeter etc.? Why not combine all of them into one! This project incorporates all of the functions and even has a power measuring efficiency!

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• 128X64 OLED 
• 2 x ACS712-20 IC
• DC Barrel Jack
• 2 x 100uF Capacitor
• 2 x 104pF
• 2 x 102pF
• 4 x 10K, 1%
• 2 x 68K, 1%
• 2 x 6.8K, 1%

Want an all in one measuring instrument? You can build it now by following this project!

ESP32 Data Logging Temperature to MicroSD Card

Want to record the temperature of the surroundings with timestamps for your projects? This project allows you to log temperature readings from the temperature sensor every 10 minutes, with ESP32 in deep sleep mode.

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• MicroSD card module
• MicroSD card
• Temperature sensor
• 10k Ohm resistor
• Jumper wires
• Breadboard

Interested? Do give this project a shot and start recording now!

Air Quality Index Monitoring System

Living in a city can often mean bad air due to vehicles and industrials. If you’re curious about your city’s air quality, this project allows you to measure eight main pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO2, CO, Ozone, NH3, and Pb.

What you’ll need:

• ESP32 // WT32-ETH01
• PM Sensor SDS011
• OLED Display Module
• DHT11 Sensor
• MQ-7 Sensor
• Jumper Wires

Sounds like something up your alley? Check out this project and start measuring now!

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Summary

That’s all on ESP32 projects and its background! Hope that you’ve found a project that’s to your liking and utilise ESP32 in your future projects as well! Do check out the suggested readings below if you’ve enjoyed reading this article!

Suggested Readings

• What is Serial to Ethernet? – Functions, Applications and Recommendation: Do you know you can ESP32 for serial to ethernet? Check out this article for more details!
• All about CPUs: Microprocessor, Microcontroller and Single Board Computer: For basic Microcontroller knowledge, and comparisons.
• Best Arduino Boards and Microcontrollers (MCUs) for IoT and Wearables: For other MCUs you might be interested apart from ESP32!
• How to choose the right Microcontroller and Microprocessor for your Embedded System projects?: Learn more about embedded systems and choosing your right MPU and MCU!

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