How to Make Your Own Flipper Zero | DIY Flipper Zero With ESP32

Summary

In this DIY electronics tutorial, the creator unveils a homemade device inspired by the Flipper Zero, capable of listening to, analyzing, and emulating sub-gigahertz frequencies. The video details the construction process, showcasing the use of an ESP32 development board, a 433 MHz transmitter, and various components like an LED indicator, a switch, and a charging module. The creator also shares the schematics, code, and an Android app available on the Play Store for device interaction. The device is designed for hobbyists to clone and test RF signals, offering a practical yet affordable alternative to commercial products.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses a homemade device that emulates the sub-gigahertz frequency capabilities of the Flipper Zero, focusing on its cloning and analysis features.
• 🛠️ The device is built using an ESP32 development board, which is the 'brain' of the project and has been featured in many of the creator's previous videos.
• 🔄 A 433 MHz transmitter and a 400 MHz receiver are utilized, with the option to choose a 315 MHz receiver for American users.
• 💡 An LED indicator and a switch are included for signal detection and device operation.
• 🔌 A step-up converter is used to convert voltage to 5 volts for powering the ESP32, and a charging module is integrated for battery management.
• 🔋 An 8650 battery is used to power the device, and a prototype board is mentioned for organizing components.
• 📦 The device is housed in a custom package, with a USB charging port, LED indicator, and power switch for convenience.
• 📷 Photos of the building process are shared, showing the assembly of components and the final product.
• 📝 The video shares the code written for the device, which can be uploaded to an ESP32 board to replicate the project.
• 📱 An Android app is created and published on the Play Store for communication with the device.
• 🔗 Links to the GitHub repository and libraries used are provided for those interested in the technical details and further development.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the device discussed in the video?

The device is designed to listen to and analyze sub-gigahertz frequencies, with the aim of cloning The Flipper Zero's functionality, particularly focusing on its ability to emulate these frequencies.

What features of the Flipper Zero does the device attempt to replicate?

The device attempts to replicate the feature of listening to, analyzing, and emulating sub-gigahertz frequencies, which has garnered significant attention.

What is the 'brain' of the device?

The 'brain' of the device is the ESP32 development board, which is central to its operation.

What components are used for transmitting and receiving frequencies?

A transmitter operating at 433 megahertz and a receiver operating at 400 megahertz are used for transmitting and receiving frequencies, respectively.

How does the device indicate a signal detection or button press?

An LED indicator is used to inform the user when a signal is detected or when the replay button is pressed.

What is the function of the Step Up converter in the device?

The Step Up converter is used to convert the voltage to 5 volts, providing sufficient power for the ESP32.

How is the device powered and charged?

The device is powered by an 8650 battery and features a charging module to charge the battery and protect it from overcharge and over-discharge.

What is the role of the USB connector in the device?

The USB connector allows for easy charging of the battery and is connected with the charging module.

How can viewers access the code and schematics for the device?

The code and schematics are shared in the video, and additional resources, including a GitHub repository and libraries, are provided for download.

What is the process for connecting the device to a phone?

The device must be turned on, and then the phone is connected via Bluetooth. The user then accesses the app through the hamburger menu and selects '433 MHz Cloner'.

How does the device handle signal decoding?

The device always tries to listen to a signal and decode it, even amidst environmental noise. However, it may not recognize all protocols due to the limitations of the RC switch Library.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ DIY Sub-Gigahertz Frequency Analyzer and Cloner

This paragraph introduces a homemade device that emulates the functionality of the Flipper Zero, focusing on sub-gigahertz frequencies. The creator shares their journey from a prototype on a breadboard to a polished, product-like device. The device is built around an ESP32 development board and includes a 433 MHz transmitter, a receiver, an LED indicator, a switch, a step-up converter, a charging module, and a USB connector. The creator also mentions an Android app available on the Play Store for device interaction and plans to share the schematics and code for others to replicate the project. The call to action is to subscribe to the channel for more homemade gadget and tech-related content.

05:01

🔍 Building Process and Testing of the DIY Frequency Device

The second paragraph details the construction process of the device, from soldering components onto a prototype board to integrating them into a compact package. The creator desoldered the USB connector to save space and used jumper wires for a neater assembly. They also drilled holes for the USB connector and LED indicator and installed a power switch. After assembling, the device was tested for functionality, including connecting to it via Bluetooth and using an Android app to clone and emit 433 MHz signals. The creator acknowledges the limitations of the RC switch library used and suggests that with further research and development, the device could potentially decode a wider range of signals. Links to the GitHub repository and libraries are promised for those interested in the technical details.

10:02

👋 Conclusion and Future Engagement

In the concluding paragraph, the creator expresses gratitude for watching the video and hints at future content. They encourage viewers to look forward to the next videos, suggesting a series or ongoing project. The music in the background signifies a light-hearted and positive ending to the presentation. The creator reiterates their appreciation for the audience's support and interest in their work.

Keywords

💡Device

In the context of this video, 'device' refers to a homemade electronic gadget that the creator has built to emulate the capabilities of the Flipper Zero. The device is designed to listen to, analyze, and replicate sub-gigahertz frequencies, which is a key feature of the Flipper Zero. The script mentions the device being in its construction phase in the previous video and now being converted into a more polished, product-like form.

💡Flipper Zero

The Flipper Zero is a real-world device known for its ability to clone and analyze various types of signals, including sub-gigahertz frequencies. In the script, the creator's homemade device is compared to the Flipper Zero, highlighting its aim to replicate the Flipper Zero's functionality, particularly in the area of sub-gigahertz signal emulation.

💡Sub-gigahertz frequencies

Sub-gigahertz frequencies refer to radio frequencies that are below 1 gigahertz. In the video, the creator focuses on the ability of their device to listen to, analyze, and emulate these frequencies, which are commonly used in remote controls for various devices such as garage doors and car locks. The script emphasizes this feature as a primary function of the homemade device.

💡ESP32

The ESP32 is a microcontroller development board that serves as the 'brain' of the homemade device in the video. It is used to process the signals received and transmitted by the device. The script mentions the ESP32 multiple times, indicating its central role in the device's operation and its popularity in the maker community.

💡Transmitter

In the context of the video, a 'transmitter' is a component of the device that sends out signals at a specific frequency, in this case, 433 megahertz. The transmitter is part of the device's functionality to emulate signals, as mentioned in the script when discussing the components used in the device's construction.

💡Receiver

A 'receiver' in the script refers to the component that picks up incoming signals at a specified frequency. The homemade device uses a receiver to listen to sub-gigahertz frequencies, which is essential for its ability to analyze and clone signals, as highlighted in the video's transcript.

💡Schematic

A 'schematic' in the video refers to a technical drawing that shows the connections and layout of components in an electronic circuit. The script mentions sharing the schematics of the device, which is crucial for understanding how the various components are interconnected and function together.

💡Android App

The creator mentions developing an Android application that communicates with the homemade device. This app, available on the Play Store, is used to control and interact with the device, demonstrating the integration of software and hardware in the project.

💡Signal Emulation

Signal emulation is the process of replicating a signal that was originally transmitted by another device. In the video, the homemade device is capable of signal emulation for sub-gigahertz frequencies, allowing it to clone and transmit signals that can control devices like garage door openers, as demonstrated in the script.

💡DIY (Do It Yourself)

The term 'DIY' encapsulates the theme of the video, which is about creating a homemade electronic device. The script discusses the process of building the device, from its initial construction on a breadboard to its final, more polished form, embodying the DIY spirit of creating something from scratch.

💡GitHub

GitHub is a platform for version control and collaboration used by programmers. In the script, the creator mentions a GitHub repository where they have shared the code and libraries used for the device, allowing others to access, learn from, and potentially contribute to the project.

Highlights

Introduction of a homemade device that emulates the functionality of the Flipper Zero, focusing on sub-gigahertz frequencies.

The device is designed to listen to, analyze, and clone sub-gigahertz frequencies, a feature that has garnered significant attention.

The creator shares the building process, including photos and code, enabling others to replicate the project using an ESP32 development board.

An Android application has been developed to communicate with the device, available for download on the Play Store.

A call to action for subscribers, emphasizing the importance of community support for the channel's content creation.

The device's brain is an ESP32 development board, which has been featured in numerous videos on the creator's channel.

Components used include a 433 MHz transmitter, a 400 MHz receiver, an LED indicator, a switch, a step-up converter, a charging module, and a USB connector.

A detailed explanation of the connections between the receiver, transmitter, LED indicator, and charging module to the ESP32 board.

The creation of a prototype board that consolidates all components into a compact, product-like package.

Inclusion of a USB charging port and power switch for ease of use and device control.

The device's ability to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, facilitating the use of the custom Android application.

Demonstration of the device's functionality with a frequency tester, showing successful signal reading and emulation.

Links to the GitHub repository are provided, including libraries used for programming and customizing the device.

A brief overview of the code, indicating its simplicity for those with basic programming knowledge to understand and modify.

Discussion on the limitations of the RC switch Library and the potential for users to improve it or use alternative methods for broader device compatibility.

The device's capability to decode approximately 60-70% of devices in the creator's area, highlighting its practical utility.

A closing statement expressing gratitude for viewership and anticipation for future video content.

Transcripts

foreign

and welcome to my new video in this

video I'm gonna be talking about the

device that I did in my last video so in

that video it was still in construction

it was still on a throttle board and in

this video I'm gonna show you how I did

this device so I converted everything

that you saw on the bench on the table

into this kind of more product looking

device if you haven't watched that video

so I I was talking about a device that

is able to listen to and analyze some

people first frequency and then try to

make a clone of The Flipper zero

obviously it doesn't have all the

features that the flipper zero offers

but it's got the feature that in my

opinion got a lot of attention by a lot

of people and an IDI also got my

attention that was the ability of

listening to and analyzing and emulating

sub gigahertz frequencies and this

device is able to do the same thing

so in this video I'm gonna show you the

building process I took some photos of

the building process and I'm gonna share

that with you also I'm gonna share the

code that I wrote so you will be able to

grab the code and upload to your esp32

development board and you will be able

to do the same thing as I did and also

I'm gonna share the application so I did

an Android app and I published it on

play store so you will be able to

download the app and use you know the

application and to communicate with that

with the board also I'm going to share

the schematics before starting with the

building process I would like to say

that if you like these types of videos

where I'm talking about homemade gadgets

electronics and Tech in general please

consider subscribing to my channel it

means a lot to me and it really helps me

and motivates me to configure you know

working exploring and sharing with you

everything that I'm gonna do in my free

time on this YouTube channel so thank

you for that so let's see what they've

done

so let's see the components that I used

the brain of this thing is the esp32

development board I've done a lot of

videos about this board so we can check

them out on my YouTube channel so this

is the transmitter it works on 433

megahertz frequency and I bought it

online the name of it will be on the

screen somewhere

this is the receiver it also works on a

400 literary megahertz frequency but you

can choose

315 option if you live in America and

everything will work as with this one an

LED to inform me when a signal is

detected or when we press on the replay

button and we emulate the signal a

switch to power up the gadget

Step Up converter in order to convert

the voltage to 5 volts so it will be

enough to power up the esp32

the charging module it charges the

battery and also it saves the battery

from overcharge and over discharge

a USB connector I wanted to have a

connector on the package in order to

easily uh you know charge the battery it

is connected with the charging module

[Music]

an 8650 battery

a prototype board after filming this

video I sell the need of using two of

them and kind of making you know

double-sided one

and this is the package that I used I

like it so I put everything that you saw

in this package you will see the results

later

this is the schematics

so the receiver is connected to the

esp32 this is the pins so VCC is

connected to the 3.3 volt uh pin of the

esp3 to ground to ground and the data

pin of the receiver is connected to the

second or the pin 2 of the ESP related

the transmitter VCC to a 3.3 volt ground

to ground and the data pin is connected

to the pin zero of the ESP internet the

LED indicator so the cattle of it is

connected to the ground and the anode is

connected to the pin 32. I didn't post

the connections of the charging modules

in the Step Up converter because they

are obvious I don't think that you're

gonna have any problems doing them

because everything is well written

I took some photos of our building

process I'm gonna show them I put all

the components on the product board and

I soldered them together following the

schematics that I showed you before I

put also the esp32 and it looks like a

shield after that I glued the

electronics on one side of the package I

decided to desolder the USB connector

from the type of converter in order to

save space just to be able to put it on

the package after that I soldered jumper

wires put everything together uh in the

package as you can see here

also I drilled some holes to be able to

put the USB connector and also the LED

indicator I end on the other side they

put a switch to be able to turn the

device on and off all the components

were here so I managed to kind of make a

product looking device as you can see

here

it has a USB charging port the LED is

here and as you can see

uh on the other side I've got a power

switch it's in my opinion ended up

great so and I'm satisfied with the

results

so let's test it out uh We've gotta turn

the device on

after turning the device on we've got to

connect our phone uh through Bluetooth

to the device

uh so I named it esp32 and after that

we've got a press on the hamburger

button and go to

433 markers cloner I've done also some

other exercises that you can find on my

channel so you can also access them

using the hamburger button and if I

press on the refresh data no current

error of data but if I press on the lock

button and also on the unlock button and

I'm gonna press on the refresh data

these are the codes that are currently

stored and let's test it out using my

frequency tester and as you can see we

can read the signal and it works without

any problem

[Music]

I'm also going to put some links about

this GitHub repo that I've got I also

put the libraries that I used you can

access them and download them and import

to your Arduino IDE

and this is the code that I wrote so I'm

not going to go into a lot of details

about the code so if you know just a

little bit about programming so

everything is I think simple so these

are some methods and some beef Clauses

and things like that so I think that

you're not going to have any problems

understanding it and changing to suit

your name

if for some reason you try to decode

your car remote or your garage remote or

whatever so and if you ended up not

being able to decode it maybe the RC

switch Library doesn't recognize the

protocol of the device you might find a

way so go to the GitHub frequency how we

can add your particle or maybe the code

that your you know device sends is too

big for the for the library

that's the reason uh so it's got kind of

pros and cons so flipper zero has an

option to press the button and in the

device starts listening to a signal but

this device always tries to listen to a

signal and decoded in that mass of you

know noise in the environment so the

developers of the RC switch Library did

a great job

so did an amazing job but they obviously

can't you know the code down every

single protocol that is used by a lot of

manufacturers of remotes and sensors and

different gadgets different modules and

probably if you do a little bit of

research and try to improve the library

or you know use some other methods

probably we're going to be able to uh

you know decode most of the devices but

I would say that this device is able to

you know the code enamel it maybe 60 70

percent of you know the devices that are

valuable here in my in my area so thank

you for watching that was everything

that I've got and I hope you liked this

video so thank you and we are gonna see

each other in one of our next videos so

bye bye

[Music]

thank you