Espressif’s ESP32-WROOM-32 module provides a complete solution for advanced IoT applications. It achieves outstanding performance with a wide range of peripherals and a combination of Wi-Fi and BT/BLE connectivity. Despite its small size, measuring 25.5 mm × 18 mm × 3.1 mm, the module contains not only the ESP32-D0WDQ6 chip, but also flash memory, precision discrete components and a PCB antenna, achieving great RF performance in space-constrained applications.

No wonder why, then, ESP32-WROOM-32 has been  truly popular and has been at the heart of various different projects, ranging from weather stations to wearable cigarette lighters. Developer Derek Lai took his ESP32 to design a portable game console that doubles as an IoT development kit, which he named WiFiBoy32.

WiFiBoy32

WiFiBoy32 specifications

• Wireless module: ESP32-WROOM-32 wireless module with 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 LE connectivity
• Display: 2.4″ 240×320 color SPI TFT LCD display
• Expansion: 2x 8-pin through holes with GPIOs, SPI, DAC, I2S, ADC, VP/VN, and power signals (3.3 V, Vin, GND)
• Miscellaneous: 
  • Top: 6x large gaming buttons, select and start push buttons, buzzer
  • Bottom: PROG and RESET buttons, user LED
• USB: 1x micro USB port for power and programming (CP2102)
• Dimensions: 120 x 73 mm

WiFiBoy32 specs

The board can be programmed with the Arduino IDE, MicroPython or the visual drag-and-drop Python Blocky. Users can find some Arduino tutorials, with downloadable source code for various games, etc. However, on the WiFiboy Club website most information is only available in Chinese. WiFiBoy32 is partially open-source hardware, with its PDF schematics and mechanical design (DXF) files already released.

One particularly interesting how-to guide gives information on how to use WiFiBoy32 as a remote controller for a lightweight drone, called Tello. Weighing less than 100 grams, yet being extremely safe and stable, Tello is ideal for beginners and can be operated even indoors.

Tello: a lightweight drone operated by WiFiBoy32