Cool ESP32 projects you can actually build tonight

OpenGizmo is a collection of open-source ESP32 gadgets. Every project has a build page with the parts, specs, step-by-step setup, and FAQs, plus a public GitHub repository with the code. The blog explains the microcontroller concepts and tools behind the builds.

Yes. The project pages, guides, and source code are free, and there is no account to create. The only cost is the hardware you buy to build a gadget, such as an ESP32 board and a few components.

No. Each build page walks you through the hardware, the wiring, and the firmware step by step. Some patience with connections and USB drivers helps, and the blog covers the basics, from what a microcontroller is to how the ESP32 works.

Every project starts with an ESP32 development board and a USB data cable. The rest depends on the gadget: Gizmo Ticker uses a MAX7219 LED matrix, while Gizmo Reolink Switch uses a push button, a buzzer, and a 16x2 I2C LCD. The full list is on each project page.

Projects with a prebuilt firmware, like Gizmo Ticker, can be flashed directly from the project page in a recent Chrome or Edge browser with Web Serial support. The others are built and uploaded with PlatformIO, following the steps on the project page.

Yes. The code of every project is public on GitHub, so you can read it, fork it, and adapt it to your own hardware or ideas. Check the license in each repository before reusing the code in your own projects.

Start with the blog: the guides explain what a microcontroller is, what the ESP32 can do, how it compares to the ESP8266, and whether to use the Arduino IDE or PlatformIO. Then pick a project and follow its build page.