12 Useful & Interesting ESP32 Projects for Beginners!

Introduction

This tutorial outlines 12 exciting ESP32 projects for beginners, inspired by a video showcasing various creative applications. Each project is designed to help you enhance your skills with the ESP32 microcontroller while exploring practical electronics concepts. Whether you're interested in IoT, automation, or simple display projects, there's something here for everyone.

Step 1: Gauge for ESP32 and TFT

• Objective: Create a gauge using an ESP32 and a TFT display.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32 board
  • TFT display
• Steps:
  1. Connect the TFT display to the ESP32.
  2. Use the appropriate libraries for TFT graphics.
  3. Write a program to visualize data on the gauge.

Step 2: Building a Voltmeter

• Objective: Build a voltmeter using the ESP32 and an ADS1115 ADC.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • ADS1115 ADC module
• Steps:
  1. Wire the ADS1115 to the ESP32.
  2. Install the necessary libraries for ADC communication.
  3. Program the ESP32 to read voltage levels and display them.

Step 3: Bitcoin Price Ticker

• Objective: Display current Bitcoin prices on an OLED screen.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • OLED display
• Steps:
  1. Set up the OLED display with the ESP32.
  2. Use an API to fetch real-time Bitcoin prices.
  3. Write code to display the fetched price on the OLED.

Step 4: Play Video on a Tiny OLED Display

• Objective: Play simple animations or videos on a small OLED display.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • Tiny OLED display
• Steps:
  1. Connect the OLED display to the ESP32.
  2. Use libraries for video or animation handling.
  3. Program the ESP32 to render animations on the display.

Step 5: Musical Stepper Motors

• Objective: Control stepper motors to create musical notes.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • Stepper motors
• Steps:
  1. Connect stepper motors to the ESP32.
  2. Write code to control motor movements based on musical notes.
  3. Experiment with different melodies and patterns.

Step 6: Social Media Follower Notifier

• Objective: Create a notifier for social media follower changes.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • Internet connection
• Steps:
  1. Use APIs from social media platforms to track followers.
  2. Program the ESP32 to send notifications on follower changes.
  3. Optionally, use LEDs or an LCD to display notifications.

Step 7: IoT Visitor Counter

• Objective: Build a visitor counter that tracks entries and exits.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • Sensors (e.g., PIR or IR)
• Steps:
  1. Set up sensors to detect movement.
  2. Write code to count visitors based on sensor input.
  3. Optionally, display the count on an LCD or send it to a server.

Step 8: Sending Messages with LoRa Module

• Objective: Use a LoRa module to send messages wirelessly.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • LoRa module
• Steps:
  1. Connect the LoRa module to the ESP32.
  2. Write code to send and receive messages through LoRa.
  3. Test by sending messages between two ESP32 devices.

Step 9: Send Images from ESP32 CAM to Google Drive

• Objective: Capture images with the ESP32 CAM and upload them to Google Drive.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32 CAM
  • Google Drive API access
• Steps:
  1. Set up the ESP32 CAM to capture images.
  2. Use the Google Drive API for authentication and uploads.
  3. Write code to handle image capture and uploading.

Step 10: Control LED/Lamp with Amazon AWS IoT Core

• Objective: Control an LED or lamp remotely using AWS IoT Core.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • AWS account
• Steps:
  1. Set up an AWS IoT Core account and create a new device.
  2. Write code for the ESP32 to connect to AWS and control an LED.
  3. Test the control through the AWS console or mobile app.

Step 11: Home Automation with AWS IoT Core and ESP32

• Objective: Implement home automation using the ESP32 and AWS IoT.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • Various home appliances
• Steps:
  1. Connect the ESP32 to different home devices.
  2. Program the ESP32 to control these devices via AWS IoT.
  3. Create an interface (app or web) to manage the devices remotely.

Step 12: Pulse Oximeter Webserver

• Objective: Create a pulse oximeter that displays data on a web server.
• Components Needed:
  • ESP32
  • Pulse oximeter sensor
• Steps:
  1. Connect the pulse oximeter sensor to the ESP32.
  2. Write code to read sensor data and serve it via a web interface.
  3. Access the readings from any web browser.

Conclusion

These 12 projects provide a solid foundation for working with the ESP32 and exploring various applications in electronics and IoT. Each project can be scaled or modified to enhance learning and creativity. As you complete these projects, consider experimenting with new features or combining elements from different projects to create something unique. Happy building!