PolyCast5 is a portable, hackable ESP32-C5-based multi-tool remote to control devices through five different core wireless technologies: WiFi 6, Bluetooth LE, ESP-NOW, LoRa, and infrared Tx/Rx.
The all-in-one controller can be used for cybersecurity work, a standard IR learning remote control, a voice-enabled password manager, a robotic arm controller, an AI keyboard using the built-in microphone and Bluetooth connectivity, a long-range LoRa remote control, DIY electronics projects through a 4-pin GPIO header, and more.
PolyCast5 specifications:
- Wireless module – ESP32-C5-WROOM-1
- SoC – ESP32-C5
- CPU
- Single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor @ up to 240 MHz
- Low-power RISC-V core @ 40 MHz acting as the main processor for power-sensitive applications
- Memory – 384 KB SRAM on-chip, 8MB PSRAM
- Storage – 320 KB ROM
- Wireless Connectivity
- Dual-band (2.4GHz/5 GHz) 802.11ax WiFi 6, with 802.11b/g/n WiFi 4 standard fallback
- Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy (LE)
- 802.15.4 radio for Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3 (note: support not advertised for the Polycast5)
- CPU
- Storage – 8MB or 16MB SPI flash (unclear)
- Antenna – PCB antenna
- SoC – ESP32-C5
- Display – Small screen with two colors (adjustable)
- Audio – Built-in microphone
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6 (ESP32-C5) – Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz 802.11ax for OTA updates, network scanning, and AI packet analysis.
- Bluetooth 5.0 / BLE (ESP32-C5) – The Polycact5 acts as a Bluetooth keyboard controller, including HID payloads, password manager, and AI keyboard mode using the built-in mic (e.g., voice command to open Chrome on the Bluetooth host). Multi-pairing support.
- ESP-NOW (ESP32-C5) – Low-power, Arduino/ESP32-compatible protocol for custom DIY devices such as door openers, robotic arms, lights, etc…
- LoRa (SX1262) – 868/915 MHz for long-range (1+ km) control of IoT devices, including the company’s PolyPlug switch with 15A relay. Supports schedules, away mode, and MQTT.
- Infrared (IR) – 38 kHz universal support with learning (Rx) and replay (Tx) capabilities.
- USB – USB Type-C port for power and programming
- Expansion – 4-pin I2C header for expansion
- Misc
- 7x buttons
- RGB LED
- Vibration motor for haptic feedback
- Power Supply
- 5V via USB-C port
- 1400 mAh rechargeable battery good for up to about 7 days in sleep mode or around 19 hours in continuous use.
- Dimensions – 62 x 45.6 mm
There are also offline “tools”, such as a Tetris game, a dice roller, a pomodoro timer, a Bitcoin QR app, a coin flipper, a random number generator, and more. The firmware will also offer customizable homescreen animations, settings, and add-ons.
The firmware will be open-sourced on RoboticWorx’s GitHub account after the crowdfunding campaign is over. We are just shown a screenshot of the “Polycast5” repo, which must be set to private. In the meantime, you can find short video demos for the various features of the wireless multi-tool on the project’s website.
The LoRa radio appears to be mostly used for Smart Home applications, notably to send an on/off command to the PolyPlug switch with a built-in 15A relay. The firmware implements schedules, an away mode that turns on/off the attached device randomly to simulate presence, and MQTT support for control outside of LoRa range. We previously saw the MOKO LW005-MP LoRaWAN plug with similar features (plus power meter function), and the PolyPlug adds another option.
RoboticWorx (Justin Atkins) has just launched the PolyCast5 ESP32-C5 multi-tool remote on Kickstarter with a $5,000 funding target. Rewards start at $129 for an Early Bird pledge, plus $15 to $45 shipping depending on the destination country. Deliveries are scheduled to start by September 2026.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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