Waveshare ESP32-S3-RLCD-4.2 is a 4.2-inch Reflective LCD (RLCD) development board built around ESP32-S3 wireless SoC for DIY projects, rapid prototyping, and smart display devices that need a paperlike experience with a higher refresh rate compared to e-paper displays. The ESP32-S3 provides 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 LE connectivity, and the board also includes a dual microphone array with ES7210 ADC and ES8311 audio codec, as well as an onboard speaker for AI voice interaction. Other features include an SHTC3 temperature and humidity sensor, a PCF85063 RTC, a microSD card slot for storage, along with multiple GPIO, UART, and I²C expansion headers. Power, programming, and battery charging are done through the USB Type-C port connected to an optional 18650 battery. Applications include electronic calendars, desktop displays, voice-based devices, environmental monitoring, and low-power indoor or outdoor display systems. ESP32-S3-RLCD-4.2 specifications Core module – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8 SoC – ESP32-S3 CPU – Dual-core […]
Cerelog ESP-EEG – A low-cost ESP32-based EEG acquisition board for brain computer interface (BCI) experiments
The Cerelog ESP-EEG is an 8-channel, low-cost brain computer interface (BCI) circuit board built around the ESP32 MCU and designed for EEG data acquisition. The board supports 8-channel, 24-bit EEG data collection and connects to a host system over USB-C for both power and data. The board has an active noise-removal bias pin which reduces mains interference, along with onboard status LEDs, including a dedicated indicator for active data capture. It works with third-party or DIY EEG headsets using adapter boards, and STL files are provided for 3D printed mounts. Cerelog also offers various software tools and sample code to enable real-time EEG visualization, BCI experiments, neurofeedback, and custom brain-controlled applications. Cerelog ESP-EEG specifications: Wireless Module – ESP32-WROOM-32 SoC – ESP32 CPU – Dual-core processor @ 160 MHz Memory – 520 KB SRAM Wireless WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 Storage – 4 MB flash PCB antenna Analog Front-End (via TI’s […]
LILYGO T-Echo Plus off-grid LoRa communicator features a climbing hook for hiking, cycling, and remote communication
The LILYGO T-Echo Plus is another off-grid LoRa communicator, similar to Blackout Comms, ThinkNode M2, and Wio Tracker L1 Pro, but it features a metal attachment loop (designed like a climbing hook) for use in hiking, cycling, and off-grid environments. Built around a Nordic Semi nRF52840 MCU, it supports Bluetooth 5, Thread, Zigbee, and 802.15.4. It also adds an SX1262 LoRa transceiver, a 1.54-inch 200×200 SPI E-Paper display, and an L76K GNSS module. Other features include a 6-axis IMU (BHI260AP), a vibration motor, a buzzer, and a larger 2400mAh battery, along with a 1/4-inch mount and a “climbing finger loop” for gear attachment. Additional features include an optional BME280 sensor, Grove expansion, all in a rugged and compact enclosure with a long external antenna for extended LoRa range. LILYGO T-Echo Plus Specifications: SoC – Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 CPU – 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4F microcontroller @ 64 MHz Memory/Storage – 2 MB Flash, […]
Fusion HAT+ Raspberry Pi expansion board targets motor and servo control with AI and LLMs
SunFounder Fusion HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+ and Zero single board computers is a motor control and GPIO expansion board designed to work with LLMs such as ChatGPT or Gemini using the board’s built-in speaker and microphone for voice interaction. It features four DC motor drivers, twelve PWM servo channels, four ADC inputs, I2C, SPI, and UART interface for sensors, and ships with two 18650 rechargeable batteries with smart power management & safe shutdown. It can be used in smart cars, humanoid robots, robotic arms, multi-legged spiders, and smart home systems. Fusion HAT+ specifications: MCU – Gigadevices GD32E203C8T6 Arm Cortex-M23 microcontroller @ 72MHz with 64KB flash, 8KB SRAM. Motor control – 4x motor ports Audio 2030 audio chamber speaker connected to an I2S audio port MEMS microphone Expansion 4-channel digital pins 4-pin I2C interface compatible with Qwiic/STEMMA Qt 7-pin SPI interface 4-pin UART interface 12-channel PWM pins for servos 4-channel […]
Maxell PSB2032 35 mAh all-solid-state coin cell battery targets industrial IoT devices
Maxell PSB2032 is a rechargeable “all-solid-state” coin cell battery for industrial IoT devices, which more than quadruples the capacity of the earlier PSB401010H ceramic-packaged solid-state battery, increasing it from 8mAh to 35mAh. As its name implies, it measures 20 mm in diameter and 3.2 mm in height, and delivers key benefits of solid-state batteries such as a wide discharge temperature range, high reliability, and high safety. It’s also easier to install than ceramic-packaged batteries requiring reflow soldering, since it comes pre-equipped with two connection terminals suitable for mounting into small-sized devices. The company shared a comparison table between its two solid-state batteries. For reference, the capacity of a typical CR2032 battery is 220–240 mAh, so the PSB2032 has a much lower capacity. However, it can be recharged and works in demanding environments with a wide temperature range and high safety requirements. The last time we wrote about solid-state batteries was […]
reTerminal E1001/E1002 Review – B&W and color ePaper displays tested with SenseCraft HMI and Home Assistant
Seeed Studio sent us samples of the reTerminal E1001 (monochrome) and E1002 (color) ePaper displays for review. They are powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller providing WiFi and Bluetooth LE wireless connectivity, and are designed for low-power information display applications, consuming power only when updating the screen content. This makes them ideal for tasks requiring long battery life (average of 3 months per charge, depending on how often they are updated) and always-on display capabilities. In this review, we will unbox the devices, go through a teardown, and test them with Seeed Studio’s SenseCraft no-code HMI platform, as well as ESPHome firmware for Home Assistant integration. reTerminal E1001/E1002 unboxing We received two cardboard packages that look identical and are labeled “Seeed Studio reTerminal ePaper Display”. But the sticker on the bottom side of the boxes provides clarity… Inside each box, we’ll find the ePaper display, a USB Type-C cable, a display […]
52Pi UPS Gen 6 UPS for Raspberry Pi 4/5 supports up to 4x external battery packs, PikaPython scripting
The 52Pi UPS Gen 6 is another UPS solution for the Raspberry Pi 5 that supports external battery packs for long-duration projects, and uses I²C plus PikaPython scripting to manage power settings and safe shutdowns. Designed for the Raspberry Pi 5 and 4B, the module mounts on the bottom of the board and delivers power via pogo pins. It also includes an aluminum heatsink with an automatic fan for cooling. It runs on two 18650 batteries, which can be mounted to the Pi with spacers, and there is an option to add three more battery packs in parallel if you need longer runtime. The board also features a physical power button for manual control, a 12V power interface for SATA hard drives, and switching hardware (bumpless power transfer) that instantly falls back to battery power so the system stays on during a power outage. 52Pi UPS Gen 6 specifications: Main […]
AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 UPS HAT works with large capacity, multi-chemistry batteries (Li-Ion, LiFePO4, Sodium-Ion)
Developed by Hungary-based AQEX, qUPS-P-BC-2.0 is a Raspberry Pi-compatible UPS HAT that supports multi-chemistry batteries, including Li-Ion, LiFePO₄, Sodium-Ion, and even supports large, high-capacity packs up to 300Ah. It is designed for applications that require long backup times and reliable 5V power. It features an offline UPS-like architecture with a highly efficient boost converter, adjustable input voltage and energy thresholds, as well as AUTO/ON/OFF operating modes to prevent reboot loops or unsafe restarts. Communication with the Raspberry Pi is handled through three GPIO pins to provide alerts for power loss and low battery. The board supports up to 7.5A discharge, 2A charging, USB-C and auxiliary 6–28V input, reverse-polarity and thermal protection, and external power-control capability. It’s also stackable with other HATs thanks to a robust soldered 40-pin header. AQEX qUPS-P-BC-2.0 specifications: Compatibility – Raspberry Pi 5 / 4B / 3B+ and other boards with compatible form factor and 40-pin PIO header […]

