waveshare News - CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

May 14, 2026May 14, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 10 Comments

Clawdmeter – A DIY ESP32-S3 desk dashboard for Claude Code token usage monitoring

Clawdmeter is a DIY ESP32-S3-powered desk dashboard that displays Claude Code token usage on a 2.16-inch AMOLED screen so you know when you’re about to reach the limits in real time. It’s mostly a firmware project since it relies on off-the-shelf hardware (Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.16). It leverages the LVGL library for its graphics user interface, the NimBLE stack for Bluetooth LE (BLE) communication, and also functions as a HID keyboard for shortcuts using the buttons from the unit. We previously covered Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-1.8 with a 1.8-inch display, but never the 2.16-inch variant, so let’s have a quick look at the hardware first. ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-2.16 specifications: Wireless MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8 CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration. Memory – 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM ROM – 384KB Connectivity – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE Storage 16MB NOR flash MicroSD card slot […]

April 28, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 2 Comments

ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT dual-band WiFi IoT board offers up to 32MB flash, 8MB PSRAM, onboard or external WiFi antenna

Waveshare ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT development kit looks similar to the official Espressif Systems ESP32-C5-DevkitC-1 board, but offers a wider range of options, including different PSRAM and flash capacities, and onboard or external antenna selection. While the official devkit ships with 8MB PSRAM, 4MB SPI flash, and a PCB antenna, the Waveshare board is offered with up to 8MB PSRAM, 16MB or 32MB flash, and either a PCB and external antennas. It also adds battery support and can be ordered with or without pre-soldered headers. Waveshare ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT specifications: Wireless module – ESP32-C5-WROOM-1 or ESP32-C5-WROOM-1U 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 Storage – 320 KB ROM Connectivity Dual-band (2.4GHz/5 GHz) 802.11ax WiFi 6, with 802.11b/g/n WiFi 4 standard fallback 20MHz bandwidth for the 802.11ax mode 20/40MHz bandwidth […]

April 21, 2026April 21, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

UGV Beast – An off-road tracked AI robot built for Raspberry Pi 4/5

Waveshare UGV Beast is an off-road robot with tracked wheels designed for Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 SBC handling AI vision and strategy planning, while an ESP32 sub-controller takes care of motion control and sensor data processing. If the design feels familiar, it’s because it’s a variant of the UGV Rover unmanned ground vehicle we covered in 2024, which replaces the six wheels of the original model with two continuous tracks, as found in military tanks, for better driving in difficult terrain. Waveshare UGV Beast specifications: Supported SBCs – Raspberry Pi 4B or Raspberry Pi 5 Multi-function driver board/sub-controller Main SoC – ESP32 wireless microcontroller with WiFi, Bluetooth, ESPNOW connectivity Motor drivers – 2x TB6612FNG chips Peripheral interfaces 4x motor control connectors 2x servo connectors Lidar USB (4-pin) and UART (USB-C) connectors 2x 4-pin I2C connectors Sensor – 9-axis attitude sensor (ICM20948) for image stabilization Misc – EN and user […]

April 14, 2026April 15, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 15 Comments

PocketTerm35 – A Raspberry Pi 4/5-based handheld Linux terminal with 3.5-inch touch display and built-in keyboard

Waveshare PocketTerm35 is a portable handheld terminal for the Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 single board computers featuring a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and a built-in QWERTY keyboard. The device also features Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0/2.0 ports from the Raspberry Pi SBC, gaming buttons, a built-in stereo speaker, a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB Type-C port for power, and an optional 5,000 mAh battery. PocketTerm35 specifications: Compatible SBC – Raspberry Pi 4 Model B and Raspberry Pi 5 MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU for keyboard, brightness, and volume Storage – Optional 64GB microSD card with OS Display – 3.5-inch 640 × 480 IPS display with 5-point capacitive touch; toughened glass panel, 6H hardness Audio Built-in 8Ω 2W stereo speaker 3.5mm audio jack Networking – Gigabit Ethernet ports (on Pi 4/5) USB – 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports (on Pi 4/5) User Input 67 keys QWERTY silicone keyboard […]

April 10, 2026April 14, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 6 Comments

Feature-rich Raspberry Pi CM5 carrier board offers dual Ethernet, quad RS485, 4G LTE/5G connectivity, and more

Waveshare CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE Raspberry Pi CM5 carrier board offers plenty of features such as GbE and 2.5GbE RJ45 jacks, optional 4G LTE/5G connectivity, terminal blocks for RS485, relay, and digital outputs, and more. The board also features a 4K-capable HDMI output, an M.2 Key-M socket for an NVMe SSD or AI accelerator, two MIPI DSI/CSI connectors, ten status and user LEDs, and a wide 7-36V DC power input. Waveshare CM5-ETH-RS485-4G-BASE specifications: Supported system-on-modules – All Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 variants with up to 16GB RAM, 64GB eMMC flash, Wireless Storage Optional NVMe SSD via M.2 Key-M socket MicroSD card socket for Compute Module 5 Lite only Video Output HDMI 2.0 port up to 4K resolution 2x MIPI DSI connectors (multiplexed with MIPI CSI) Camera I/F – 2x MIPI CSI connectors (multiplexed with MIPI DSI) Networking Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port 2.5GbE RJ45 port Optional WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 on Raspberry […]

March 30, 2026March 29, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments

DIY ESP32-S3 Internet radio features Winamp-styled user interface

Volos Projects recently showcased an easy-to-reproduce, inexpensive DIY ESP32-S3 Internet radio based on a Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-1.54 development board and an Arduino sketch with a Winamp-styled user interface. As its name implies, the hardware is based on the ESP32-S3 WiFi and Bluetooth SoC, connected to a 1.54-inch 240×240 color display and a speaker that delivers better-than-expected audio quality, according to Volos Projects. Waveshare ESP32-S3-LCD-1.54 specifications: SoC – Espressif ESP32-S3R8 CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration Memory – 512KB SRAM, 8MB PSRAM Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE + Mesh connectivity Storage 16MB NOR flash MicroSD card slot Display 1.54-inch IPS display with 240×240 resolution, 262K colors 4-wire SPI ST7789 driver Optional CST816 capacitive touch controller (not used by the DIY Radio project) Audio Speaker 2x microphones NS4150B audio amplifier ES8311 low-power audio codec ES7210 AEC (acoustic echo cancellation) chip USB […]

March 17, 2026April 1, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 8 Comments

Thin Raspberry Pi CM5 fanless mini PC offers HDMI video output, 2.5GbE + GbE, dual USB, M.2 Key-M socket

Waveshare “Gigabit / 2.5G Dual Ethernet Mini-Computer (B)” is a thin Raspberry Pi CM5 fanless mini PC with a 4K HDMI video output, 2.5GbE and Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 jacks, two USB ports, a microSD card slot, and USB-C power. Internally, it features an M.2 Key-M socket for a 2230/2242/2280 NVMe SSD or AI accelerator, two MIPI DSI/CSI connectors for cameras or displays, and a 40-pin GPIO header. The flat cables for the MIPI devices can be passed through an opening under the HDMI and USB 2.0 ports of the metal case, and the GPIO headers are also accessible externally through a small cover under the enclosure. Gigabit / 2.5G Dual Ethernet Mini-Computer (B) specifications: Main board – CM5-DUAL-ETH-BASE-B Supported SoMs – Raspberry Pi CM5 or CM5 Lite (and potentially other electrically compatible modules like the Banana Pi BPI-CM5 Pro, Radxa CM5, and Orange Pi CM5, but it’s not been tested […]

February 16, 2026February 19, 2026 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 5 Comments

Project Aura – A neat, easy-to-assemble, DIY Air quality monitor compatible with Home Assistant

Project Aura is an ESP32‑based DIY air quality monitor that combines a touchscreen display and industrial sensors. It is fully integrated with the Home Assistant open-source home automation platform. The words “DIY” and “open source” often imply manufacturing the board yourself and soldering components, but that’s not the case for Project Aura. It’s based on off-the-shelf components connected through cables without any soldering requirements, while the enclosure can be 3D printed. The firmware is equally easy to install through a one-click web installer. Project Aura key components: Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3 – ESP32-S3 board with 16MB flash, 4.3-inch IPS display (800×480) with capacitive touch. Similar to the ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3B but using PH2.0 connectors instead of a terminal block for I/Os Sensirion SEN66 + Adafruit breakout for data capture PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 particle levels (full spectrum of particles from smoke to pollen) CO2, VOC, and NOx for air freshness, volatile chemicals, and exhaust […]