Guides & Tutorials

Build a wireless soil moisture sensor that runs for over a year on three AA batteries using the ESP32-C6's 7µA deep sleep mode and ESPHome. This guide covers wiring, deep sleep configuration, battery life calculations, and Home Assistant integration for garden automation.

Turn an ESP32-C6 into a Thread border router that bridges Thread mesh devices to your WiFi network and Home Assistant. This is the cheapest way to add Thread and Matter support to your smart home, replacing a $100+ HomePod Mini or Google Nest Hub with a $10 dev board.

Build a Meshtastic GPS tracking network using the LiLyGo T-Beam Supreme as a mobile tracker and a Heltec LoRa 32 V3 as a base station. This mesh network provides off-grid text messaging and position tracking at ranges of 2-10km without cellular or WiFi coverage.

Deploy ESP32-S3 boards as Bluetooth proxies that extend Home Assistant's BLE range to every room in your house. Each proxy requires just 10 lines of ESPHome YAML, a USB power source, and 5 minutes of setup time. No soldering or custom firmware needed.

Choosing between the Home Assistant Green ($99), Yellow ($150-200), and a DIY Raspberry Pi 5 build ($120-150) depends on your technical comfort level, smart home size, and need for built-in Zigbee or Thread radios. This guide breaks down the specs, tradeoffs, and ideal buyer for each option.

Flash WLED onto an ESP32-S3, wire a WS2812B addressable LED strip, and control thousands of effects from your phone or Home Assistant. This beginner-friendly guide covers wiring, power calculations, and integration in under 45 minutes with no soldering beyond header pins.

Build a BLE asset tracking system using the XIAO ESP32-S3 as iBeacon or Eddystone beacons detected by ESPHome base stations. At just 21x17.5mm, the XIAO is small enough to attach to tools, bags, or pets. This guide covers firmware, deployment, and room-level tracking.