An ESP32 based plane radar for my desk
This project transforms an ESP32-C3 into a compact, desk-friendly live aircraft radar, pulling ADS-B data to display nearby planes on a 1.28-inch round screen. It's an ideal Hacker News story, blending accessible hardware hacking with practical, real-time data visualization. The detailed firmware improvements and ease of build appeal directly to the DIY and embedded systems enthusiasts in the community.
The Lowdown
Alex Kretzschmar details a satisfying weekend project: building an ESP32-based plane radar. This neat gadget utilizes an ESP32-C3 microcontroller and a 1.28-inch round display to visualize live aircraft traffic by processing ADS-B data, showcasing a blend of hardware and software ingenuity.
- Core Functionality: The device acts as a sonar-style radar, plotting aircraft by distance and bearing, and displaying flight details directly on the screen.
- Build Process: Described as an easy, 15-minute assembly involving minimal soldering, with firmware flashing simplified by browser-based ESPHome.
- 3D Printing: The author encountered tolerance issues with a popular 3D model for the enclosure, necessitating an alternative print and plans for a custom design.
- Firmware Enhancements: Kretzschmar significantly improved the project's open-source firmware, adding detailed flight context (origin/destination, descriptive aircraft types), local weather information (temperature, humidity, time), and a more customizable web interface for settings.
- Future-Proofing: The updated firmware includes authenticated Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, streamlining future installations.
This project exemplifies the maker spirit, offering a functional and visually engaging device while providing an open-source foundation for others to build upon and customize.