One thing I’ve noticed in cybersecurity is that everyone loves talking about tools. The problem is that most tools live on a laptop.
A laptop is powerful, sure. But it isn’t exactly something you pull out in the middle of nowhere to experiment with wireless protocols, test an idea, or build something fun.
I’ve always been fascinated by portable devices. Not because they make me look like a hacker in a movie. Mostly because I enjoy devices that make me want to experiment.
The Cardputer-Adv falls into that category immediately. It’s the kind of gadget that makes you ask:
“What happens if I install this firmware?”
Five minutes later, you’re flashing binaries from an open-source repository and wondering where your evening went.
First Impressions
The first thing that surprised me was the size. Photos don’t really prepare you for how small this thing is. It fits in your hand. The keyboard is tiny. The screen is tiny.
The entire device feels like someone shrank a laptop in the washing machine. Yet somehow, it works. And after a few minutes, you start adapting to it.
I wouldn’t write a novel on it. But for launching apps, navigating menus, testing firmware, or sending commands, it’s surprisingly usable.
What’s Actually Inside?
Under the hood, the Cardputer-Adv is powered by the ESP32-S3. If you’ve spent any time around hardware experimentation, IoT projects, or DIY electronics, you’ve probably encountered ESP32 devices before.
The ESP32-S3 is powerful enough to support:
·Wi-Fi
·Bluetooth
·Portable applications
·Custom firmware
·Hardware projects
·Wireless experimentation
The important part isn’t just the specifications. It’s the ecosystem. ESP32 projects are everywhere, and the Cardputer-Adv benefits from that massive ecosystem.
More Than a Cyberdeck
The funny thing is that I initially planned to use this purely for cybersecurity experiments. That lasted about ten minutes.
I installed M5Launcher. Then I started loading different firmware binaries onto an SD card. Then I discovered game launchers. Then somehow I was playing retro games.
At that point, the cybersecurity plan temporarily disappeared. My Cardputer had become a pocket-sized retro gaming console.
The Unexpected Music Player
One feature I didn’t expect to enjoy was audio. The Cardputer-Adv includes a DAC and speaker support. So naturally, I copied some MP3 files onto the SD card.
Now I had:
·Games
·Music
·Firmware tools
·Utilities
All inside a device smaller than most power banks. It feels less like a development board and more like carrying a tiny digital toolbox. Or a very compact music player built for hardware enthusiasts.
GPIO: Where Things Get Interesting
Most people will stop at games and firmware. Cybersecurity researchers won’t.
The real magic starts when you look at the GPIO expansion options. This is where the Cardputer stops being a gadget and starts becoming a platform.
You can connect:
·LoRa modules
·Sensors
·RFID hardware
·Wireless modules
·Custom peripherals
Which means the device you used to play retro games yesterday can become an RF experimentation platform tomorrow. That’s a very dangerous sentence for your wallet.
Bruce Firmware and the Security Community
If you’ve spent time in online cybersecurity communities recently, you’ve probably seen Bruce firmware. Bruce has become one of the biggest reasons researchers are interested in the Cardputer ecosystem.
What makes Bruce interesting isn’t that it turns the device into some magical hacking machine. It’s that it lowers the barrier to experimentation. People can learn. They can explore. They can understand how wireless technologies work. And perhaps most importantly, they can test things safely in a controlled lab environment and learn from the results.
I also published a separate review of Bruce firmware running on the StickC-Plus2.
Cardputer-Adv vs. M5StickC-Plus2
Since I already own an M5StickC-Plus2, comparison was unavoidable. The M5StickC-Plus2 feels like a compact multitool. The Cardputer-Adv feels like a tiny computer.
The keyboard alone changes how you interact with the device. Typing commands, navigating menus, launching tools, and experimenting with firmware simply feels more natural.
If I wanted maximum portability, I’d grab the M5StickC Plus2. If I wanted to build something more involved, I’d grab the Cardputer-Adv.
Final Verdict
The Cardputer-Adv isn’t trying to replace your laptop. It isn’t trying to replace your phone. And it definitely isn’t trying to be a dedicated gaming handheld. Yet somehow, it manages to be a little bit of all three.
For cybersecurity researchers, makers, tinkerers, and people who enjoy experimenting with unusual hardware, it’s one of the most interesting devices I’ve used in a long time.
I started by testing firmware. I ended up playing retro games, listening to music, and planning an off-grid communication system.
The important part isn’t just the specifications. It’s the ecosystem. ESP32 projects are everywhere, and the Cardputer-Adv benefits from that massive ecosystem.
More Than a Cyberdeck
The funny thing is that I initially planned to use this purely for cybersecurity experiments. That lasted about ten minutes.
I installed M5Launcher. Then I started loading different firmware binaries onto an SD card. Then I discovered game launchers. Then somehow I was playing retro games.
At that point, the cybersecurity plan temporarily disappeared. My Cardputer had become a pocket-sized retro gaming console.
The Unexpected Music Player
One feature I didn’t expect to enjoy was audio. The Cardputer-Adv includes a DAC and speaker support. So naturally, I copied some MP3 files onto the SD card.
Now I had:
·Games
·Music
·Firmware tools
·Utilities
All inside a device smaller than most power banks. It feels less like a development board and more like carrying a tiny digital toolbox. Or a very compact music player built for hardware enthusiasts.
GPIO: Where Things Get Interesting
Most people will stop at games and firmware. Cybersecurity researchers won’t.
The real magic starts when you look at the GPIO expansion options. This is where the Cardputer stops being a gadget and starts becoming a platform.
You can connect:
·LoRa modules
·Sensors
·RFID hardware
·Wireless modules
·Custom peripherals
Which means the device you used to play retro games yesterday can become an RF experimentation platform tomorrow. That’s a very dangerous sentence for your wallet.
Bruce Firmware and the Security Community
If you’ve spent time in online cybersecurity communities recently, you’ve probably seen Bruce firmware. Bruce has become one of the biggest reasons researchers are interested in the Cardputer ecosystem.
What makes Bruce interesting isn’t that it turns the device into some magical hacking machine. It’s that it lowers the barrier to experimentation. People can learn. They can explore. They can understand how wireless technologies work. And perhaps most importantly, they can test things safely in a controlled lab environment and learn from the results.
I also published a separate review of Bruce firmware running on the StickC-Plus2.
Cardputer-Adv vs. M5StickC-Plus2
Since I already own an M5StickC-Plus2, comparison was unavoidable. The M5StickC-Plus2 feels like a compact multitool. The Cardputer-Adv feels like a tiny computer.
The keyboard alone changes how you interact with the device. Typing commands, navigating menus, launching tools, and experimenting with firmware simply feels more natural.
If I wanted maximum portability, I’d grab the M5StickC Plus2. If I wanted to build something more involved, I’d grab the Cardputer-Adv.
Final Verdict
The Cardputer-Adv isn’t trying to replace your laptop. It isn’t trying to replace your phone. And it definitely isn’t trying to be a dedicated gaming handheld. Yet somehow, it manages to be a little bit of all three.
For cybersecurity researchers, makers, tinkerers, and people who enjoy experimenting with unusual hardware, it’s one of the most interesting devices I’ve used in a long time.
I started by testing firmware. I ended up playing retro games, listening to music, and planning an off-grid communication system.
Cardputer-Adv: A Pocket-Sized Platform for Making, Gaming, and Wireless Experimentation
Managing multiple air conditioners becomes difficult when centralized control and real-time environmental monitoring are needed. By combining infrared control, environmental sensors, Wi-Fi, MQTT, and a web interface, it is possible to build a flexible system that can monitor and control air conditioners from anywhere on the local network or through a remote MQTT service.
This project uses the M5StackAtomS3R and Unit ENV-III to create a wireless air conditioner control and monitoring system. Each AtomS3R acts as an independent control node, collecting temperature and humidity data, receiving commands over MQTT, and transmitting infrared signals to an air conditioner. A web client provides a centralized interface for monitoring room conditions and adjusting AC settings.
Project Overview
The AtomS3R features a built-in infrared transmitter that can control compatible air conditioners, including common functions such as:
·Power on and off
·Target temperature adjustment
·Fan speed selection
Connected to the AtomS3R through the Grove I2C interface, the Unit ENV-III measures the temperature and humidity near the air conditioner outlet. These readings allow users to observe local environmental conditions and see how they change after an AC command is sent.
Each AtomS3R collects the current AC settings, including power state, target temperature, and fan speed, together with the latest environmental measurements. It then publishes this information over Wi-Fi to an MQTT server.
A web interface subscribes to the relevant MQTT topics and displays the latest status of every AC node. Users can also change the power state, target temperature, and fan speed from the browser. The web application publishes these commands to the corresponding MQTT topics, and the appropriate AtomS3R receives the message and transmits the matching infrared command to the air conditioner.
By assigning a unique identifier and MQTT topic namespace to each node, the same architecture can be expanded to control multiple air conditioners from a single web interface.
The Unit ENV-III is a compact environmental sensor that integrates the SHT30 and QMP6988 sensors. It can measure temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and communicates with the controller over I2C through a Grove connector.
In this project, the Unit ENV-III provides real-time temperature and humidity measurements near the AC outlet.
The AtomS3R is a compact controller based on the ESP32-S3. It includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in antenna, an infrared transmitter, a color display, and a programmable button located beneath the screen.
Its integrated IR transmitter makes it well suited for controlling devices such as air conditioners and televisions without requiring an additional infrared module. The AtomS3R can be powered from a standard 5 V USB power supply.
In this project, each AtomS3R serves as an AC control node. It reads environmental data from a Unit ENV-III, communicates with the MQTT server over Wi-Fi, and sends infrared commands to the air conditioner.
System Architecture
The system consists of multiple sensing and control nodes, one MQTT server, and one web client.
Unit ENV-III Sensors
Multiple Unit ENV-III sensors can be deployed, typically with one sensor connected to each AtomS3R node.
Their main functions are:
·Measure the temperature near the AC outlet
·Measure relative humidity
·Provide environmental data to the connected AtomS3R over I2C
AtomS3R Control Nodes
Multiple AtomS3R devices can be deployed to control air conditioners in different rooms or zones.
Each node performs the following tasks:
·Reads temperature and humidity data from its connected Unit ENV-III
·Connects to the MQTT server over Wi-Fi
·Publishes environmental data and current AC status
·Subscribes to AC control topics
·Receives power, temperature, and fan speed commands
·Converts received commands into the corresponding infrared signals
·Transmits IR signals to the target air conditioner
MQTT Server
A single MQTT server acts as the communication layer between the AtomS3R nodes and the web client.
Its responsibilities include:
·Receiving telemetry and AC status messages from AtomS3R nodes
·Forwarding control commands from the web client
·Keeping device communication independent from the web interface
·Supporting multiple AC nodes through separate MQTT topic namespaces
Web Client
The web client provides a centralized control and monitoring interface.
Users can:
·Turn an air conditioner on or off
·Set the target temperature
·Select the fan speed
·View the latest measured temperature
·View the latest measured humidity
·Check the current status of each AC node
System Diagram
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how the AtomS3R can serve as a compact wireless control node for existing infrared air conditioners. With its integrated IR transmitter, Wi-Fi connectivity, display, and ESP32-S3 processor, only a Unit ENV-III sensor and a USB power supply are required to create each monitoring and control node.
MQTT provides a lightweight and scalable communication layer, while the web client offers a convenient way to manage multiple air conditioners from one interface. Additional AtomS3R nodes can be added for new rooms or zones without changing the overall system architecture.
Beyond manual remote control, this platform can also be extended with scheduled operation, temperature-based automation, historical data visualization, alerts, and integration with broader building management or smart home systems.
·Power on and off
·Target temperature adjustment
·Fan speed selection
Connected to the AtomS3R through the Grove I2C interface, the Unit ENV-III measures the temperature and humidity near the air conditioner outlet. These readings allow users to observe local environmental conditions and see how they change after an AC command is sent.
Each AtomS3R collects the current AC settings, including power state, target temperature, and fan speed, together with the latest environmental measurements. It then publishes this information over Wi-Fi to an MQTT server.
A web interface subscribes to the relevant MQTT topics and displays the latest status of every AC node. Users can also change the power state, target temperature, and fan speed from the browser. The web application publishes these commands to the corresponding MQTT topics, and the appropriate AtomS3R receives the message and transmits the matching infrared command to the air conditioner.
By assigning a unique identifier and MQTT topic namespace to each node, the same architecture can be expanded to control multiple air conditioners from a single web interface.
The Unit ENV-III is a compact environmental sensor that integrates the SHT30 and QMP6988 sensors. It can measure temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure, and communicates with the controller over I2C through a Grove connector.
In this project, the Unit ENV-III provides real-time temperature and humidity measurements near the AC outlet.
The AtomS3R is a compact controller based on the ESP32-S3. It includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in antenna, an infrared transmitter, a color display, and a programmable button located beneath the screen.
Its integrated IR transmitter makes it well suited for controlling devices such as air conditioners and televisions without requiring an additional infrared module. The AtomS3R can be powered from a standard 5 V USB power supply.
In this project, each AtomS3R serves as an AC control node. It reads environmental data from a Unit ENV-III, communicates with the MQTT server over Wi-Fi, and sends infrared commands to the air conditioner.
System Architecture
The system consists of multiple sensing and control nodes, one MQTT server, and one web client.
Unit ENV-III Sensors
Multiple Unit ENV-III sensors can be deployed, typically with one sensor connected to each AtomS3R node.
Their main functions are:
·Measure the temperature near the AC outlet
·Measure relative humidity
·Provide environmental data to the connected AtomS3R over I2C
AtomS3R Control Nodes
Multiple AtomS3R devices can be deployed to control air conditioners in different rooms or zones.
Each node performs the following tasks:
·Reads temperature and humidity data from its connected Unit ENV-III
·Connects to the MQTT server over Wi-Fi
·Publishes environmental data and current AC status
·Subscribes to AC control topics
·Receives power, temperature, and fan speed commands
·Converts received commands into the corresponding infrared signals
·Transmits IR signals to the target air conditioner
MQTT Server
A single MQTT server acts as the communication layer between the AtomS3R nodes and the web client.
Its responsibilities include:
·Receiving telemetry and AC status messages from AtomS3R nodes
·Forwarding control commands from the web client
·Keeping device communication independent from the web interface
·Supporting multiple AC nodes through separate MQTT topic namespaces
Web Client
The web client provides a centralized control and monitoring interface.
Users can:
·Turn an air conditioner on or off
·Set the target temperature
·Select the fan speed
·View the latest measured temperature
·View the latest measured humidity
·Check the current status of each AC node
System Diagram
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how the AtomS3R can serve as a compact wireless control node for existing infrared air conditioners. With its integrated IR transmitter, Wi-Fi connectivity, display, and ESP32-S3 processor, only a Unit ENV-III sensor and a USB power supply are required to create each monitoring and control node.
MQTT provides a lightweight and scalable communication layer, while the web client offers a convenient way to manage multiple air conditioners from one interface. Additional AtomS3R nodes can be added for new rooms or zones without changing the overall system architecture.
Beyond manual remote control, this platform can also be extended with scheduled operation, temperature-based automation, historical data visualization, alerts, and integration with broader building management or smart home systems.
-->
Build a Wireless Air Conditioner Control and Monitoring System with M5Stack
PaperMono sits between a mainstream e-reader and an E-Ink development board: it can be used for reading today and customized into a new reader project tomorrow.
The Short Answer
The short answer is that PaperMono is best for readers who want both a usable E-Ink device and the freedom to customize what comes next.
PaperMono is worth a look if you want:
A mini e-reader with a touch-enabled, front-lit E-Ink display for day and night reading
A compact, portable E-Ink reader form factor — the kind of size class people search for as a pocket e-reader
Support for open-source CrossPoint Reader firmware instead of being limited to a single vendor-controlled reading experience
An ESP32 e-ink device you can program, extend, or turn into a different project entirely
If you want a finished, ecosystem-heavy reading device with a built-in bookstore, PaperMono is not that. More on that below.
A Mini E-Ink Reader for Everyday Reading
With support for CrossPoint Reader firmware, PaperMono can provide an open, ready-to-use reading experience once the firmware is installed. As a compact E-Ink reader, its core reading hardware includes:
Integrated frontlight for low-light and nighttime reading
microSD card slot for local book storage
More Than a Reader: An Open and Programmable E-Ink Platform
What separates PaperMono from a typical mini e-reader is what's underneath the screen. It's built on the ESP32-S3R8, with 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM, a foundation for custom firmware, interfaces, and connected applications.
That means the reading firmware isn't the only thing you can run. With support for open-source CrossPoint Reader firmware, PaperMono can serve as a customizable e-reader platform for makers and developers, a meaningfully different starting point from a closed commercial device.
How Is PaperMono Different from a Regular E-Reader?
The difference isn't really about screen size — it's about what you're allowed to do with the device.
PaperMono
A typical mainstream e-reader
Firmware
Supports alternative reader firmware and custom ESP32-S3 development
Closed, vendor-controlled
Hardware
Integrated NFC, LoRa, IMU, microSD, and I/O expansion
From Reading to Building: What Else PaperMono Can Become
Because PaperMono is a full ESP32 e-ink development terminal, the same hardware that reads a book can become a different project entirely:
A low-power information dashboard
An NFC-based digital badge
A LoRa remote status display
Read more about the full hardware behind PaperMono in our product launch announcement.
Is PaperMono the Right Mini E-Reader for You?
Choose PaperMono if you:
1.Want a compact, front-lit, touch-enabled E-Ink reader
2.Like the idea of using and customizing open-source reader firmware
3.Might want to turn your reader into a different project later
4.Are comfortable with a maker-oriented device rather than a polished consumer product
Consider a mainstream e-reader instead if you:
1.Want a built-in bookstore and managed content ecosystem
2.Need commercial reading services, DRM, or cloud synchronization
3.Prefer a completely closed device that requires no customization
Explore What PaperMono Can Become
PaperMono isn't trying to out-spec a mainstream e-reader on screen size or ecosystem. Its case is narrower and more useful for the right person: a mini e-reader you can start reading on today, and an E-Ink reader platform built around open-source reader firmware that you can extend into something else tomorrow. For makers and developers who want to read, experiment, and build beyond the reading experience, PaperMono offers a more flexible place to start.
A mini e-reader with a touch-enabled, front-lit E-Ink display for day and night reading
A compact, portable E-Ink reader form factor — the kind of size class people search for as a pocket e-reader
Support for open-source CrossPoint Reader firmware instead of being limited to a single vendor-controlled reading experience
An ESP32 e-ink device you can program, extend, or turn into a different project entirely
If you want a finished, ecosystem-heavy reading device with a built-in bookstore, PaperMono is not that. More on that below.
A Mini E-Ink Reader for Everyday Reading
With support for CrossPoint Reader firmware, PaperMono can provide an open, ready-to-use reading experience once the firmware is installed. As a compact E-Ink reader, its core reading hardware includes:
Integrated frontlight for low-light and nighttime reading
microSD card slot for local book storage
More Than a Reader: An Open and Programmable E-Ink Platform
What separates PaperMono from a typical mini e-reader is what's underneath the screen. It's built on the ESP32-S3R8, with 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM, a foundation for custom firmware, interfaces, and connected applications.
That means the reading firmware isn't the only thing you can run. With support for open-source CrossPoint Reader firmware, PaperMono can serve as a customizable e-reader platform for makers and developers, a meaningfully different starting point from a closed commercial device.
How Is PaperMono Different from a Regular E-Reader?
The difference isn't really about screen size — it's about what you're allowed to do with the device.
PaperMono
A typical mainstream e-reader
Firmware
Supports alternative reader firmware and custom ESP32-S3 development
Closed, vendor-controlled
Hardware
Integrated NFC, LoRa, IMU, microSD, and I/O expansion
From Reading to Building: What Else PaperMono Can Become
Because PaperMono is a full ESP32 e-ink development terminal, the same hardware that reads a book can become a different project entirely:
A low-power information dashboard
An NFC-based digital badge
A LoRa remote status display
Read more about the full hardware behind PaperMono in our product launch announcement.
Is PaperMono the Right Mini E-Reader for You?
Choose PaperMono if you:
1.Want a compact, front-lit, touch-enabled E-Ink reader
2.Like the idea of using and customizing open-source reader firmware
3.Might want to turn your reader into a different project later
4.Are comfortable with a maker-oriented device rather than a polished consumer product
Consider a mainstream e-reader instead if you:
1.Want a built-in bookstore and managed content ecosystem
2.Need commercial reading services, DRM, or cloud synchronization
3.Prefer a completely closed device that requires no customization
Explore What PaperMono Can Become
PaperMono isn't trying to out-spec a mainstream e-reader on screen size or ecosystem. Its case is narrower and more useful for the right person: a mini e-reader you can start reading on today, and an E-Ink reader platform built around open-source reader firmware that you can extend into something else tomorrow. For makers and developers who want to read, experiment, and build beyond the reading experience, PaperMono offers a more flexible place to start.
This is a concept direction for a PaperMono-based desk information display. The final views would depend on the software implementation and would be built around PaperMono's Wi-Fi, RTC, touchscreen, and frontlight.
What This Concept Covers
Morning: a quick weather glance
At the desk: the day's schedule
Midday: a glanceable to-do list
Evening: a quiet, low-power status screen
Together, these capabilities provide a foundation for an ESP32-S3 E-Ink dashboard project.
Morning: A Weather Glance Without the Phone Pickup
You wake up, reach for PaperMono on the nightstand, and glance at the screen before you're even out of bed. Just a simple, front-lit E-Ink weather readout waiting for you. Behind the scenes, this is Wi-Fi and a low-power E-Ink display doing exactly what a low-power display is good at: information you can glance at, not scroll through.
At the Desk: A Low-Power Calendar and Schedule View
The screen shows today’s schedule: an online webinar from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, clearly visible at a glance. No need to open your calendar app or pick up your phone.
Midday: A Glanceable To-Do List
Somewhere between meetings, you glance over and see your E-Ink to-do list sitting quietly on the desk, no unread notifications in sight. An E-Ink to-do list does not need to manage your entire workflow. It only needs to keep the next important action visible.
Evening: A Quiet Ambient Display to Close the Day
The desk quiets down, and so does the screen: it shifts to a simple E-Ink status view, just enough to glance at without pulling you back into notifications.
It could show tomorrow's first meeting, a short reminder, or a simple end-of-day status.
No constant scrolling, no stream of new alerts, just a quiet display that stays useful until the day is done.
Morning to Night: A Day-in-the-Life Concept for PaperMono
Today we are going to show you how to integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant, focus on the features of the Habbit Desk PRO, and let you control Home Assistant from your desk.
Index
·Prerequisites
·ESPHome Configuration
·Customizing Habbit Desk PRO
oInterface walkthrough
oQuick device customization
oHome Assistant entities
oDevice control
oNotifications and alerts
oVoice assistant
Prerequisites
To integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant and build the Habbit Desk PRO, you’ll need:
·To have ESPHome installed in Home Assistant and a basic understanding of how it works.
·The M5Stack TAB5. The battery is optional, although in my case it will remain permanently connected via USB.
·A USB-C cable for power and data(a charge-only cable will not let you install the software).
·A stand (if you plan to place it on a stable surface) or an enclosure, together with this mount and some magnetic rings (if you want to be able to change the screen orientation).
ESPHome Configuration
To integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant and flash it with the Habbit Desk PRO code, follow these steps:
1.Connect the screen to your computer through the USB-C port.
2.In Home Assistant, open the ESPHome add-on from the sidebar and click “New device”. Click “Continue” and give it a name (for example, “Habbit Desk PRO”).
3.Click “Next” and then select “ESP32-S3” as the device type. You’ll see that a new device has been created in the background.
4.Click “Skip” and then click the “Edit” link for the device you just created. Copy that code and keep it, as we’ll reuse some parts of it.
5.Replace it with this code, making the following adjustments:
oSet name and friendly_name to whatever you want to call your assistant.
oAdd the information generated by the add-on in the api section (the encryption key). Do the same for the password field under ota, and for the ssid and password fields under wifi and ap.
oThat’s enough for now, since I’d rather you start customizing it after I explain how each section works.
6.Once you finish editing the code, click “Save” and then “Install”. Select “Manual download” and wait for the code to compile.
7.When it’s done, choose “Factory format” to download the corresponding .bin file.
8.Now go to the ESPHome page and click “Connect”. In the pop-up window, select your board and click “Connect.”
9.Click “Install” and select the .bin file you obtained in step 7. Then click “Install” again.
10.Go back to Home Assistant and open Settings > Devices & Services. Normally your device will have been discovered automatically and should appear at the top, waiting for you to click “Configure”. Otherwise, click “Add Integration”, search for ESPHome, and enter your board’s IP address in the Host field. As always, I recommend assigning it a static IP in your router to prevent future issues if the address changes.
11.Finally, go to Settings > Devices & Services > ESPHome. Click “Configure” for your device. In the pop-up window, check “Allow the device to perform Home Assistant actions” and click “Submit”. This will let us control our devices from the screen.
Customizing Habbit Desk PRO
Alright, now that you’ve finished integrating the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant, let me explain in detail how it works so you can customize it however you like.
🏷️Note
Use these instructions to replicate and adapt the template, or simply to see how we built certain blocks and create your own template.
Interface Walkthrough
The Habbit Desk PRO interface is as simple as it is powerful. Thanks to the device’s generously sized display, I was able to show a lot of useful information on the home screen.
On the left, you’ll find the current date and time, along with an icon representing the current weather condition. Below that is a small animation(which you can customize with whatever images you want) that doesn’t just serve an aesthetic purpose, but also alerts you when there’s an unread notification (I’ll explain how that works later). Below that, the environmental data for the room is shown (temperature, humidity, and CO2 level).
On the right, you’ll find icons indicating the connection status, speaker status, and battery level. Below that are 3 super useful widgets:
·The first one shows the next calendar event. If you have an event on the same day, the text appears in blue to catch your attention. Also, when an event is in progress, the widget turns into a progress bar so you can instantly see how much time is left.
·The second one controls a media entity, showing what you’re listening to and the current progress through the track, and it includes playback controls.
·The third one, under normal conditions, shows the progress percentage toward a goal you’ve set(in this case, subscribers to this YouTube channel). However, when there’s a task in progress (such as a robot vacuum cleaning run or a 3D print job), it shows the task’s progress instead, and the widget becomes a shortcut to the device’s expanded control screen.
Finally, below these widgets I included quick access to the devices I use most often, along with the Home Assistant icon, which takes us to another screen from which I can control all the devices.
Quick Device Customization
In the first lines of the code you’ll find several parameters you can easily customize by replacing their values:
·Name: The name the device will use within ESPHome (it cannot contain spaces, uppercase letters, or special characters).
·Friendly_name: The “friendly” name the device will appear as in Home Assistant.
·Background_color: The hex code for the screen background color, prefixed with 0x (for example, 0x000000).
·Text_color: The hex code for the main text and icons (clock, sensors, etc.).
·Text_color_secondary: The hex code for secondary text and icons (date, inactive devices, etc.).
·Iddle_time: The idle time after which the screen automatically turns off.
·Animation_active: URL of the image shown when the device is active.
·Animation_iddle: URL of the image shown briefly after a few seconds pass.
·Animation_alert: URL of the image shown when there is a pending notification.
·Icon_ha: URL of the image that opens the device menu.
·Image_3dprinter: URL of the image shown on the 3D printer control page.
·Image_vacuum: URL of the image shown on the robot vacuum control page.
Home Assistant Entities
The next part of the code shows how we import information from Home Assistant entities into our device. This is used either to display their status on screen or to control them from the display.
If you want to reuse the template, you only need to replace the example entities with the ones from your own installation. If you want to modify the interface, I suggest taking a look at how I use them:
·Entities with numeric values(such as temperature or humidity) are found under the sensor component in the code.
·Entities with textual values(such as “on” or “cleaning”) are found under the text_sensor component in the code.
Device Control
As mentioned earlier, if you tap the Home Assistant icon from the home screen, you’ll reach a page where you can display as many devices as you want. In fact, I designed it so you can create multiple pages and move between them using the icon in the top-right corner.
We’ve also created some expanded screens for specific devices, such as sliders for the room blinds, or a dedicated screen for my 3D printer.
Notifications and Alerts
Another feature I love about the Habbit Desk PRO is that it shows me notifications when something happens that I want to be aware of. For example, when someone rings the doorbell or when the washing machine finishes. It does this by changing the animation on the home screen and, if I tap on it, taking me to a screen that tells me what happened.
To achieve this, I simply created a text helper ( input_text.notificaciones_habbit_desk ) that I update from various automations. When this helper is updated, the notification is triggered.
Voice Assistant
Tab5 includes two microphones and a speaker which, together with its display, work wonderfully as a voice assistant device, turning it into a true all-in-one.
We’ve also managed to configure it with a response time of under 1 second, and configured the screen to show when it activates, and to display both the spoken command and the response.
To integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant and build the Habbit Desk PRO, you’ll need:
·To have ESPHome installed in Home Assistant and a basic understanding of how it works.
·The M5Stack TAB5. The battery is optional, although in my case it will remain permanently connected via USB.
·A USB-C cable for power and data(a charge-only cable will not let you install the software).
·A stand (if you plan to place it on a stable surface) or an enclosure, together with this mount and some magnetic rings (if you want to be able to change the screen orientation).
ESPHome Configuration
To integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant and flash it with the Habbit Desk PRO code, follow these steps:
1.Connect the screen to your computer through the USB-C port.
2.In Home Assistant, open the ESPHome add-on from the sidebar and click “New device”. Click “Continue” and give it a name (for example, “Habbit Desk PRO”).
3.Click “Next” and then select “ESP32-S3” as the device type. You’ll see that a new device has been created in the background.
4.Click “Skip” and then click the “Edit” link for the device you just created. Copy that code and keep it, as we’ll reuse some parts of it.
5.Replace it with this code, making the following adjustments:
oSet name and friendly_name to whatever you want to call your assistant.
oAdd the information generated by the add-on in the api section (the encryption key). Do the same for the password field under ota, and for the ssid and password fields under wifi and ap.
oThat’s enough for now, since I’d rather you start customizing it after I explain how each section works.
6.Once you finish editing the code, click “Save” and then “Install”. Select “Manual download” and wait for the code to compile.
7.When it’s done, choose “Factory format” to download the corresponding .bin file.
8.Now go to the ESPHome page and click “Connect”. In the pop-up window, select your board and click “Connect.”
9.Click “Install” and select the .bin file you obtained in step 7. Then click “Install” again.
10.Go back to Home Assistant and open Settings > Devices & Services. Normally your device will have been discovered automatically and should appear at the top, waiting for you to click “Configure”. Otherwise, click “Add Integration”, search for ESPHome, and enter your board’s IP address in the Host field. As always, I recommend assigning it a static IP in your router to prevent future issues if the address changes.
11.Finally, go to Settings > Devices & Services > ESPHome. Click “Configure” for your device. In the pop-up window, check “Allow the device to perform Home Assistant actions” and click “Submit”. This will let us control our devices from the screen.
Customizing Habbit Desk PRO
Alright, now that you’ve finished integrating the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant, let me explain in detail how it works so you can customize it however you like.
🏷️Note
Use these instructions to replicate and adapt the template, or simply to see how we built certain blocks and create your own template.
Interface Walkthrough
The Habbit Desk PRO interface is as simple as it is powerful. Thanks to the device’s generously sized display, I was able to show a lot of useful information on the home screen.
On the left, you’ll find the current date and time, along with an icon representing the current weather condition. Below that is a small animation(which you can customize with whatever images you want) that doesn’t just serve an aesthetic purpose, but also alerts you when there’s an unread notification (I’ll explain how that works later). Below that, the environmental data for the room is shown (temperature, humidity, and CO2 level).
On the right, you’ll find icons indicating the connection status, speaker status, and battery level. Below that are 3 super useful widgets:
·The first one shows the next calendar event. If you have an event on the same day, the text appears in blue to catch your attention. Also, when an event is in progress, the widget turns into a progress bar so you can instantly see how much time is left.
·The second one controls a media entity, showing what you’re listening to and the current progress through the track, and it includes playback controls.
·The third one, under normal conditions, shows the progress percentage toward a goal you’ve set(in this case, subscribers to this YouTube channel). However, when there’s a task in progress (such as a robot vacuum cleaning run or a 3D print job), it shows the task’s progress instead, and the widget becomes a shortcut to the device’s expanded control screen.
Finally, below these widgets I included quick access to the devices I use most often, along with the Home Assistant icon, which takes us to another screen from which I can control all the devices.
Quick Device Customization
In the first lines of the code you’ll find several parameters you can easily customize by replacing their values:
·Name: The name the device will use within ESPHome (it cannot contain spaces, uppercase letters, or special characters).
·Friendly_name: The “friendly” name the device will appear as in Home Assistant.
·Background_color: The hex code for the screen background color, prefixed with 0x (for example, 0x000000).
·Text_color: The hex code for the main text and icons (clock, sensors, etc.).
·Text_color_secondary: The hex code for secondary text and icons (date, inactive devices, etc.).
·Iddle_time: The idle time after which the screen automatically turns off.
·Animation_active: URL of the image shown when the device is active.
·Animation_iddle: URL of the image shown briefly after a few seconds pass.
·Animation_alert: URL of the image shown when there is a pending notification.
·Icon_ha: URL of the image that opens the device menu.
·Image_3dprinter: URL of the image shown on the 3D printer control page.
·Image_vacuum: URL of the image shown on the robot vacuum control page.
Home Assistant Entities
The next part of the code shows how we import information from Home Assistant entities into our device. This is used either to display their status on screen or to control them from the display.
If you want to reuse the template, you only need to replace the example entities with the ones from your own installation. If you want to modify the interface, I suggest taking a look at how I use them:
·Entities with numeric values(such as temperature or humidity) are found under the sensor component in the code.
·Entities with textual values(such as “on” or “cleaning”) are found under the text_sensor component in the code.
Device Control
As mentioned earlier, if you tap the Home Assistant icon from the home screen, you’ll reach a page where you can display as many devices as you want. In fact, I designed it so you can create multiple pages and move between them using the icon in the top-right corner.
We’ve also created some expanded screens for specific devices, such as sliders for the room blinds, or a dedicated screen for my 3D printer.
Notifications and Alerts
Another feature I love about the Habbit Desk PRO is that it shows me notifications when something happens that I want to be aware of. For example, when someone rings the doorbell or when the washing machine finishes. It does this by changing the animation on the home screen and, if I tap on it, taking me to a screen that tells me what happened.
To achieve this, I simply created a text helper ( input_text.notificaciones_habbit_desk ) that I update from various automations. When this helper is updated, the notification is triggered.
Voice Assistant
Tab5 includes two microphones and a speaker which, together with its display, work wonderfully as a voice assistant device, turning it into a true all-in-one.
We’ve also managed to configure it with a response time of under 1 second, and configured the screen to show when it activates, and to display both the spoken command and the response.
Building the Habbit Desk PRO with M5Stack TAB5 and ESPHome: Integrating the M5Stack TAB5 into Home Assistant (2.0)
Got a free weekend and a drawer full of half-finished maker ideas? StickC-Plus SE is small enough to fit in your pocket, but it still packs a color display, an IR transmitter, buttons, a mic, a buzzer, RTC, Wi-Fi, and a battery, all for about $19. It keeps the everyday essentials and gives you a low-cost, plug-and-play way to turn "cool idea" into "it actually works" before Monday.
Here are five small builds to get you started. None of them need more than a free afternoon.
1. A Programmable IR Remote
Tired of juggling three remotes for your AC, TV, and projector? StickC-Plus SE’s built-in IR transmitter can send infrared commands, so once you have the IR code you need, you can turn one tiny device into a programmable remote with a bit of UIFlow or Arduino code.
It is a simple project, but a satisfying one. Press a button, send a command, and suddenly your tiny IoT controller is doing something useful in the real world.
2. A One-Button Smart Home Scene Trigger
Sometimes you do not need another app. You just need a button.
Use the built-in button on StickC-Plus SE to trigger a Home Assistant scene, a webhook, or an MQTT message. “Movie night” can become one press away: lights dim, TV powers on, and your desk setup switches into evening mode. The buzzer can give you a quick confirmation beep, so you know the command went through.
This is the kind of tiny smart home project that feels small while you are building it, then becomes something you actually use.
3. A Desk Status Display
Working from home and tired of people knocking mid-call? Turn StickC-Plus SE into a tiny Wi-Fi status display.
Show “In a Meeting,” “Free to Chat,” today’s weather, a Pomodoro timer, or a simple server status message. The color display is easy to glance at, and since StickC-Plus SE has Wi-Fi, you can update the screen from a local script, dashboard, or simple cloud service.
4. A Classroom IoT Demo Kit
If you are teaching or learning the basics of IoT, StickC-Plus SE is a friendly “everything in one small device” starting point.
Students can press a button, see a response on the display, trigger the buzzer, read simple input, and send data over Wi-Fi without setting up five separate modules first. That makes it useful for STEM classes, robotics clubs, workshop demos, and beginner IoT lessons.
For learners, the magic is simple: press something, see something change, make something happen.
5. A Sensor Prototype with M5Stack Units
Want to prototype a small greenhouse monitor, a room temperature display, or a door-open alert? Plug in an M5Stack Unit and StickC-Plus SE can become a quick sensor prototype without a breadboard.
Because it works with the M5Stack Unit ecosystem, you are not limited to what is built in. Add a temperature and humidity Unit, a PIR sensor, a relay, or another module that matches your idea. The result is less “start from scratch” and more “plug in the part you need and start building.”
Start Small, Build Something Useful
None of these projects need to be perfect, or even finished by Sunday night. That is kind of the point. StickC-Plus SE is made for the “let’s just try it” kind of weekend.
Pick a project, plug in a Unit if you need one, open UIFlow or Arduino, and see what you end up building.
Explore the details of StickC-Plus SE now, or compare it with other models in the M5Stack Stick Series comparison guide to find the right tiny IoT controller for your next build.
5 Tiny IoT Projects You Can Build with StickC-Plus SE This Weekend
The SwitchC6 smart switch comes in a slightly different housing than what we are used to from this manufacturer. The plastic casing is "milky" and translucent, hiding more than it reveals. It is designed to be mounted on a DIN rail in a distribution board, though it can also be screwed down or simply left in a junction box as is. On the sides, there are two spring-loaded ("Wago-style") terminals, labeled L-In and L-Out, which can accept wire cross-sections from 0.5 to 4 mm². These are the only terminals through which any wires can be connected to this switch. But more on the connection later.
Opening the casing—not an easy task—we see that a relay capable of handling a maximum of 16 Amps at 250 Volts is used to break the phase (L - Live). The relay operates at five volts, provided by a tiny transformer located right next to it. On the top side of the PCB, there are several tall components, such as capacitors. One of these tall components is the ESP32-C6-MINI-A module, mounted sideways, which gives this switch its "gateway to the world." We have written about this MCU several times before, so we won't repeat ourselves. The ESP32-C6 comes pre-loaded with the appropriate firmware, though we’ll cover that later too. PTH pins for (re)programming are exposed if you wish to use the switch outside of M5Stack's intended ecosystem. A button on the side serves two purposes: it can toggle the relay or be used for broadcasting/transmitting signals or data. There are also two LEDs: Green, which indicates the relay status, and Blue, which indicates the capacitor charging status.
As mentioned, this smart switch does not use a classic power supply via mains voltage as we would expect (like the device in the following text). For example, in typical situations, we would have one connection for mains voltage (Live and Neutral) if mains regulation exists on the device, as is the case here. We would then have one input and one output—the line to the load (hereafter: the light bulb)—which we would break using the relay.
Here, we have only a Live input and an output to the load. So, how does this device work? How is the electronics powered? Where does it get its Neutral from? As we know, for energy to flow, the electrical circuit must be closed. And it is—through the light bulb. M5Stack has resorted to a very interesting trick. The Neutral is already connected to the bulb, and we provide the Live via the switch as needed. This means that the wire coming to the switch pulls the Neutral through the bulb, which is always present at the switch while it is off. Therefore, at the switch location, we always have the Live, but also the Neutral through the bulb, while it is off. When we close the contacts on the switch, we send the Live to the bulb, "closing" the circuit between Live and Neutral, which heats the filament and produces light. Okay, if the relay is off, we have Live at L-In and Neutral via the bulb at L-Out, so it's clear how the switch gets its power. It is worth stressing that even when the relay is off, the device should not be treated as fully de-energized; before any installation or maintenance work, the upstream main breaker should be switched off. But what happens when we activate the relay? At that point, the Live flows through the relay, through L-Out, and goes to the bulb. Where is the Neutral then?
To lift the veil on this topic, we need to shift our thinking from red and black wires to brown and blue—that is, from low/direct current to high/alternating current. If we connect one bulb to the switch, it will work at full power. However, with one switch, we can connect multiple bulbs in series and/or parallel. If we connect them in parallel, meaning each bulb has a direct connection to Neutral and a direct connection to Live via the switch, both will shine at full intensity because they have an identical power supply. If one burns out, the others will work without a problem. Only the contacts on the switch might suffer from a higher number of bulbs. If we connect the bulbs in series, the circuit behaves like a voltage divider. The voltage is divided between the bulbs as consumers, so they won't shine at full intensity; they will be partially dimmed, regardless of a stable mains supply. How much they dim depends directly on the number and wattage of the bulbs. If one bulb burns out, the circuit is broken, and the others won't light up either.
The series connection method is also used in this switch, but since the switch itself is an extremely low consumer, the voltage drop across the bulb will not even be noticeable. For this purpose, M5Stack used the BP8006, a single-phase, single-wire smart power panel IC. Unfortunately, the complete documentation for this integrated circuit is in Chinese, so we cannot tell you more about it. When the switch is first connected to the mains, it is necessary to wait a few minutes for the capacitors to charge, which we will know when the blue light turns off. The ESP32-C6 and the electronics on the PCB will draw power from the capacitors if, for example, the bulb has burned out. If we don't replace it for a long period, the capacitors will discharge; after replacement, the capacitors will begin their charging cycle again. Power to the switch can also be cut if we add a classic switch upstream that we turn off as needed. We are very interested in the schematic, but we haven't found it for this switch. Keep in mind that in the "off" state, the switch receives both Live and Neutral, but it does not send the Live through its transformer windings to the bulb.
The firmware on the switch uses an ESP-Now Mesh network. We haven't written about ESP-Now yet, and we owe you that. For now, we'll just say it's internal communication between two or more ESP devices, through which data is exchanged via a 2.4 GHz radio link. For pairing with the controller that will manage this switch, the MAC address printed under the DIN rail mount is used.
To control the switch with the factory firmware, M5Stack suggests using, for example, the CoreS3, which we already have. We use the existing firmware on the switch, and for the CoreS3, we add the M5SwitchC6-ESP-NOW library, which comes with two examples: Broadcast_Scan and Controller. The first example scans for available switches and ESP-Now transmissions in general, while the second is used to control the switch. Within the example, it is necessary to modify the local network data and the switch's MAC address. There is a template for how communication works, where the switch and controller send data to each other. The entire packet consists of MAC addresses, relay state, communication channel, and capacitor voltage. With certain additions to the example, we can add more of these switches and use the CoreS3 to send statuses to a server and synchronize with the server state. This would allow us to use a mobile phone to manage the switch.
The M5Stack SwitchC6 is a very interesting solution for situations where only one wire is available. We tested it with a classic bulb and an LED, and we had no problems; everything functioned perfectly. Finally, we should add that the wireless module comes with an unpopulated header through which we could use two additional IOs, isolated via a CA-IS3642HW digital isolator.
M5Stack SwitchC6 Single Live Wire Wi-Fi Smart Switch - Is one wire really enough?
As Anthropic continues expanding Claude’s hardware interaction capabilities, experiences that once lived only on a computer screen can now be brought to life through compact hardware devices. AI is starting to evolve from a “helper inside the screen” into a true “companion on your desk”.
Among today’s most talked-about Claude hardware interaction projects, M5Stack devices have emerged as one of the most popular platforms among developers, with official recommendations from Claude. More and more makers are using M5Stack hardware to build their own Claude Desktop Buddy devices—small companions that can display Claude’s status, notify users when authorization is needed, respond to interactions, and even act like a desktop pet while you work.
Within the M5Stack ecosystem, several representative Claude Buddy approaches have already emerged.
Claude’s Official Demo: Claude Desktop Buddy with StickC Plus
One of the first projects to spark widespread interest was Anthropic’s official public demo: Claude Desktop Buddy, built with ESP32 & Arduino on the M5Stack StickC Plus.
At its core, Claude Desktop Buddy is a desktop companion that connects to Claude Desktop via BLE. Once connected, the device reacts to Claude’s working state in real time:
·It stays calm while idle
·Wakes up when a conversation begins
·Shows an active working state while Claude is busy
·Alerts the user when authorization is required
·Allows approvals or rejections directly on the device
It is much more than a simple status indicator, for it behaves more like a desktop pet with personality. The project includes 18 built-in ASCII pet characters, each with multiple animation states. It also supports custom GIF character packs, making it easy for developers to create their own personalized Buddy. On top of that, it includes interactive behaviors such as:
·Shake detection
·Flip-to-sleep
·Automatic screen timeout
·LED alerts during authorization requests
Depending on Claude’s state, the Buddy can appear sleepy, idle, busy, waiting for attention, celebrating, dizzy, or even showing affection—making the interaction feel much more lively and expressive.
Getting started is also relatively straightforward. Developers can flash the firmware to the StickC Plus using PlatformIO, enable Developer Mode in Claude Desktop, open the Hardware Buddy window, and pair the device over Bluetooth. Once connected, the desktop app and hardware can automatically reconnect and continuously stay in sync.
It is no surprise that StickC Plus was chosen for Claude’s first official example. With its built-in screen, buttons, IMU, and BLE, it already covers nearly all the core requirements of a Claude Buddy without needing additional peripherals. Its compact form factor makes it easy to hold in your hand or place directly on your desk. It works well as a status display while also remaining convenient for quick interactions. If you want to quickly experience Claude Buddy, or build an eye-catching AI desk companion, StickC Plus is a highly recommended choice.
Recommended in Anthropic’s Developer Conference: Build with Claude on Cardputer-Adv
Besides the BLE-based desktop pet approach, another highly interesting direction comes from Anthropic’s developer conference, Build with Claude, where M5Stack Cardputer-Adv is used as the core device and has been well received by participating developers.
Compared with StickC Plus, which focuses more on desktop presence and status feedback, the Cardputer-Adv route emphasizes something different: letting Claude Code directly participate in the hardware creation process itself. In other words, Claude can help not only write applications, but also assist with flashing, deployment, and iteration.
Technically, this solution follows a UIFlow + MicroPython rapid development path, combined with Claude Code and related skills for setup and deployment. The project repository already includes scripts, Buddy app packages, and an extensible app directory. Developers can either run the existing project directly or continue adding their own .py applications to expand functionality over time. For anyone who wants to experience the idea of “AI helping me build hardware applications”, Cardputer-Adv is a very representative and exciting option.
Cardputer-Adv itself is also well suited to this role. With its built-in keyboard and screen, interaction feels more natural, whether for navigating menus, displaying Claude status, or running lightweight applications. Combined with the ESP32-S3’s connectivity and expandability, it naturally fits the concept of a portable AI mini terminal. It can become: a weather assistant, a pixel pet, a pocket utility tool, or simply your own personalized Claude Buddy.
One of the biggest advantages of this workflow is how direct it feels. You connect the Cardputer-Adv, open Claude Code, and enter “m5-onboard go”.
From there, the toolchain can automatically handle device detection, firmware flashing, app installation, rebooting, and startup. This makes it especially suitable for hackathons, workshops, and rapid prototyping sessions—bringing the vision of “build what you imagine” much closer to reality.
More M5Stack Devices Are Joining the Claude Desktop Buddy Ecosystem
Beyond these two examples, many other M5Stack host devices are also well suited to Claude Buddy-style projects. The community is already beginning to adapt related ideas to devices such as StickC Plus2, StickS3, Paper, and more.
A good Desktop Buddy needs to bring together display, interaction, connectivity, and local processing, and these are exactly the strengths shared by many M5Stack host devices. Whether it is from the Core, Stick, Atom, Cardputer, or E-Paper product lines, M5Stack offers a broad and mature hardware portfolio for developers to choose from.
For Claude Buddy-style applications, devices with a screen, buttons, or input methods, sensors, BLE, or Wi-Fi connectivity are naturally strong candidates.
M5Stack continues to be a go-to device for developers for several reasons:
·Ready to use out of the box — highly integrated and easy to develop with
·Low barrier to entry — support for multiple development platforms, including Arduino, UIFlow, ESP-IDF, MicroPython and more
·Great for visual presentation and demos — ideal for desktop setups, demos, workshops, exhibitions, and event showcases
·Complete hardware ecosystem — covering controllers, expansion modules, sensors, and accessories for fast prototyping and continuous expansion
·Large developer community — widely recognized by the global maker community, with abundant documentation and community resources
From Software Assistant to Physical Companion
The rise of Claude Buddy is just one example of how large-model AI is moving from the software world into the physical world. As more AI applications begin to leave the chat window and enter desktop devices, portable terminals, and real-world interaction scenarios, hardware is becoming an increasingly important bridge between AI and everyday life.
With its complete hardware ecosystem, highly integrated product design, and developer-friendly experience, M5Stack is becoming an important physical platform for developers around the world to connect large AI models with the real world. It is also opening up broader possibilities for AI desk companions, smart terminals, and innovative prototyping.
·It stays calm while idle
·Wakes up when a conversation begins
·Shows an active working state while Claude is busy
·Alerts the user when authorization is required
·Allows approvals or rejections directly on the device
It is much more than a simple status indicator, for it behaves more like a desktop pet with personality. The project includes 18 built-in ASCII pet characters, each with multiple animation states. It also supports custom GIF character packs, making it easy for developers to create their own personalized Buddy. On top of that, it includes interactive behaviors such as:
·Shake detection
·Flip-to-sleep
·Automatic screen timeout
·LED alerts during authorization requests
Depending on Claude’s state, the Buddy can appear sleepy, idle, busy, waiting for attention, celebrating, dizzy, or even showing affection—making the interaction feel much more lively and expressive.
Getting started is also relatively straightforward. Developers can flash the firmware to the StickC Plus using PlatformIO, enable Developer Mode in Claude Desktop, open the Hardware Buddy window, and pair the device over Bluetooth. Once connected, the desktop app and hardware can automatically reconnect and continuously stay in sync.
It is no surprise that StickC Plus was chosen for Claude’s first official example. With its built-in screen, buttons, IMU, and BLE, it already covers nearly all the core requirements of a Claude Buddy without needing additional peripherals. Its compact form factor makes it easy to hold in your hand or place directly on your desk. It works well as a status display while also remaining convenient for quick interactions. If you want to quickly experience Claude Buddy, or build an eye-catching AI desk companion, StickC Plus is a highly recommended choice.
Recommended in Anthropic’s Developer Conference: Build with Claude on Cardputer-Adv
Besides the BLE-based desktop pet approach, another highly interesting direction comes from Anthropic’s developer conference, Build with Claude, where M5Stack Cardputer-Adv is used as the core device and has been well received by participating developers.
Compared with StickC Plus, which focuses more on desktop presence and status feedback, the Cardputer-Adv route emphasizes something different: letting Claude Code directly participate in the hardware creation process itself. In other words, Claude can help not only write applications, but also assist with flashing, deployment, and iteration.
Technically, this solution follows a UIFlow + MicroPython rapid development path, combined with Claude Code and related skills for setup and deployment. The project repository already includes scripts, Buddy app packages, and an extensible app directory. Developers can either run the existing project directly or continue adding their own .py applications to expand functionality over time. For anyone who wants to experience the idea of “AI helping me build hardware applications”, Cardputer-Adv is a very representative and exciting option.
Cardputer-Adv itself is also well suited to this role. With its built-in keyboard and screen, interaction feels more natural, whether for navigating menus, displaying Claude status, or running lightweight applications. Combined with the ESP32-S3’s connectivity and expandability, it naturally fits the concept of a portable AI mini terminal. It can become: a weather assistant, a pixel pet, a pocket utility tool, or simply your own personalized Claude Buddy.
One of the biggest advantages of this workflow is how direct it feels. You connect the Cardputer-Adv, open Claude Code, and enter “m5-onboard go”.
From there, the toolchain can automatically handle device detection, firmware flashing, app installation, rebooting, and startup. This makes it especially suitable for hackathons, workshops, and rapid prototyping sessions—bringing the vision of “build what you imagine” much closer to reality.
More M5Stack Devices Are Joining the Claude Desktop Buddy Ecosystem
Beyond these two examples, many other M5Stack host devices are also well suited to Claude Buddy-style projects. The community is already beginning to adapt related ideas to devices such as StickC Plus2, StickS3, Paper, and more.
A good Desktop Buddy needs to bring together display, interaction, connectivity, and local processing, and these are exactly the strengths shared by many M5Stack host devices. Whether it is from the Core, Stick, Atom, Cardputer, or E-Paper product lines, M5Stack offers a broad and mature hardware portfolio for developers to choose from.
For Claude Buddy-style applications, devices with a screen, buttons, or input methods, sensors, BLE, or Wi-Fi connectivity are naturally strong candidates.
M5Stack continues to be a go-to device for developers for several reasons:
·Ready to use out of the box — highly integrated and easy to develop with
·Low barrier to entry — support for multiple development platforms, including Arduino, UIFlow, ESP-IDF, MicroPython and more
·Great for visual presentation and demos — ideal for desktop setups, demos, workshops, exhibitions, and event showcases
·Complete hardware ecosystem — covering controllers, expansion modules, sensors, and accessories for fast prototyping and continuous expansion
·Large developer community — widely recognized by the global maker community, with abundant documentation and community resources
From Software Assistant to Physical Companion
The rise of Claude Buddy is just one example of how large-model AI is moving from the software world into the physical world. As more AI applications begin to leave the chat window and enter desktop devices, portable terminals, and real-world interaction scenarios, hardware is becoming an increasingly important bridge between AI and everyday life.
With its complete hardware ecosystem, highly integrated product design, and developer-friendly experience, M5Stack is becoming an important physical platform for developers around the world to connect large AI models with the real world. It is also opening up broader possibilities for AI desk companions, smart terminals, and innovative prototyping.
-->
Bring Claude to Your Desk: Exploring Claude Desktop Buddy Projects with M5Stack
In the demanding landscape of industrial automation, reliability and adaptability are the benchmarks of success. The StamPLC, anchored by the high-performance Stamp-S3A module, is a specialized IoT controller engineered to bridge the divide between professional-grade logic control and the flexibility of the smart home. By bringing the StamPLC into your Home Assistant ecosystem via ESPHome, you gain access to an enterprise-level automation suite for everything from remote telemetry to high-voltage AC management. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the deployment process, from initial flashing to the configuration of specialized PoE and AC expansion modules.
oInstall and enable the ESPHome Builder add-on in Home Assistant
🏷️Tip
In this tutorial the kit is compiled and uploaded with ESPHome 2025.10.3. If you encounter build/upload issues, consider switching ESPHome to that version.
Open ESPHome Builder in Home Assistant and create an empty configuration file:
oClick the NEW DEVICE button at the bottom right
oIn the dialog click CONTINUE
oSelect Empty Configuration
o(Optional) Give the file a name
oClick EDIT on the newly created configuration file
oThen copy the contents of configuration.yaml from the example repository into your config file:
Modify network or API information as needed. For example, create an API Encryption Key for authentication:
api:
encryption:
key: "Your_Encryption_Key"
🏷️Tip
If you need a key, generate one via the native api (under encryption).
You can also change the timezone setting, for example:
StamPLC AC is an AC relay expansion module compatible with the StamPLC host. The module integrates AC load control and entire system power supply functions, effectively simplifying power wiring during application development. It features a contact-type relay (single-pole single-throw - normally open), supporting up to AC 240V@10A line switching. It also includes a built-in AC-DC isolated conversion circuit supporting AC 100 ~ 240V input, capable of simultaneously powering the relay load and providing a stepped-down DC 12V output for the main system. A programmable tri-color RGB LED is available for working status indication.
Configure the StamPLC AC
In addition to previous StamPLC configurations, several components are required
oAdd a new IO Expander
pi4ioe5v6408:
- id: pi4ioe5v6408_1
address: 0x43
# Configuration of i2c GPIO Expander 2
# on the StamPLC AC expansion
- id: pi4ioe5v6408_2
address: 0x44
StamPLC PoE is an Ethernet control module designed for the StamPLC host. It supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology, enabling both data transmission and power supply through a single Ethernet cable. The module integrates a W5500 embedded Ethernet controller with a built-in TCP/IP protocol stack, providing 8 independent hardware sockets, a 10/100M Ethernet data link layer (MAC), and physical layer (PHY). It supports mainstream network communication methods such as UDP and TCP.
Configure StamPLC PoE
🏷️Compatibility Warning
Since the PoE (W5500 Ethernet) component exclusively occupies SPI hardware resources, the LCD Display and PoE will utilize the same set of SPI pins. Simultaneously defining both will cause conflicts. Therefore, on the hardware level, only one of the PoE or Display functions can be enabled at a time. Within the network components, the wifi and ethernet components are mutually exclusive options; only one can be selected.
To enable PoE functionality, disable the wifi, display, and spi components (remove their declarations/definitions from the configuration file). Then add the following to the original configuration file:
Save and install, then upload the firmware. Use a PoE switch or router to power the device while providing network connectivity.
Ready for Deployment
With the firmware flashed and your expansion modules configured, your StamPLC is no longer just a piece of hardware—it is now a sophisticated gateway for your automation needs. The beauty of this setup lies in its modularity; whether you are scaling up with StamPLC PoE for high-reliability data or utilizing StamPLC AC relays for heavy-duty switching, the combination with Home Assistant provides a unified, professional interface for it all.
Now that your foundation is built, you can move beyond basic setup and start creating the complex logic, schedules, and automations that make your industrial or home environment truly intelligent.
oA Home Assistant host
oInstall and enable the ESPHome Builder add-on in Home Assistant
🏷️Tip
In this tutorial the kit is compiled and uploaded with ESPHome 2025.10.3. If you encounter build/upload issues, consider switching ESPHome to that version.
Open ESPHome Builder in Home Assistant and create an empty configuration file:
oClick the NEW DEVICE button at the bottom right
oIn the dialog click CONTINUE
oSelect Empty Configuration
o(Optional) Give the file a name
oClick EDIT on the newly created configuration file
oThen copy the contents of configuration.yaml from the example repository into your config file:
Modify network or API information as needed. For example, create an API Encryption Key for authentication:
api:
encryption:
key: "Your_Encryption_Key"
🏷️Tip
If you need a key, generate one via the native api (under encryption).
You can also change the timezone setting, for example:
StamPLC AC is an AC relay expansion module compatible with the StamPLC host. The module integrates AC load control and entire system power supply functions, effectively simplifying power wiring during application development. It features a contact-type relay (single-pole single-throw - normally open), supporting up to AC 240V@10A line switching. It also includes a built-in AC-DC isolated conversion circuit supporting AC 100 ~ 240V input, capable of simultaneously powering the relay load and providing a stepped-down DC 12V output for the main system. A programmable tri-color RGB LED is available for working status indication.
Configure the StamPLC AC
In addition to previous StamPLC configurations, several components are required
oAdd a new IO Expander
pi4ioe5v6408:
- id: pi4ioe5v6408_1
address: 0x43
# Configuration of i2c GPIO Expander 2
# on the StamPLC AC expansion
- id: pi4ioe5v6408_2
address: 0x44
StamPLC PoE is an Ethernet control module designed for the StamPLC host. It supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology, enabling both data transmission and power supply through a single Ethernet cable. The module integrates a W5500 embedded Ethernet controller with a built-in TCP/IP protocol stack, providing 8 independent hardware sockets, a 10/100M Ethernet data link layer (MAC), and physical layer (PHY). It supports mainstream network communication methods such as UDP and TCP.
Configure StamPLC PoE
🏷️Compatibility Warning
Since the PoE (W5500 Ethernet) component exclusively occupies SPI hardware resources, the LCD Display and PoE will utilize the same set of SPI pins. Simultaneously defining both will cause conflicts. Therefore, on the hardware level, only one of the PoE or Display functions can be enabled at a time. Within the network components, the wifi and ethernet components are mutually exclusive options; only one can be selected.
To enable PoE functionality, disable the wifi, display, and spi components (remove their declarations/definitions from the configuration file). Then add the following to the original configuration file:
Save and install, then upload the firmware. Use a PoE switch or router to power the device while providing network connectivity.
Ready for Deployment
With the firmware flashed and your expansion modules configured, your StamPLC is no longer just a piece of hardware—it is now a sophisticated gateway for your automation needs. The beauty of this setup lies in its modularity; whether you are scaling up with StamPLC PoE for high-reliability data or utilizing StamPLC AC relays for heavy-duty switching, the combination with Home Assistant provides a unified, professional interface for it all.
Now that your foundation is built, you can move beyond basic setup and start creating the complex logic, schedules, and automations that make your industrial or home environment truly intelligent.
-->
Industrial Automation at Your Fingertips: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deploying StamPLC within Home Assistant
The Chain DualKey is a programmable dual-button input development board. Its factory firmware allows you to configure button functions and RGB LED colors, as well as other Chain series devices connected via the Chain Bus.
Ready to unleash its full potential? This guide will walk you through everything from firmware flashing via M5Burner to advanced Web-based configuration. Master the core essentials in minutes and make your desktop setup smarter and more efficient.
🏷️Firmware Update
A new firmware version has been released, adding support for more key-mapping features. It is recommended to use M5Burner for one-click updating. Refer to the product page for instructions on entering Download Mode and connecting the device to your computer. After that, download M5Burner. In the left panel, select the device type Chain DualKey. On the right, you will see Chain DualKey User Demo — click Download - Burn to update the firmware. Once the update is complete, power-cycle the device to apply the new firmware.
Steps
1. Button Numbering
In the factory firmware, the two buttons on Chain DualKey are named Key1 (Left Key) and Key2 (Right Key):
2. Switch Positions
OFF USB: When the switch is in the middle position, Chain DualKey is turned off when not connected to an external power source, and operates in USB wired mode when connected (will also enable BLE and Wi-Fi).
BLE / Wi-Fi: When the switch is toggled to the left or right, both modes function identically in this firmware, enabling BLE and Wi-Fi.
🏷️About Battery Charging
Whenever an external power source is connected, the battery will charge regardless of the switch position.
3. Connecting to Host as Keyboard
Wired Connection: Use a USB-C cable to connect the Chain DualKey to a computer, smartphone, or other host device.
Bluetooth Connection: Power the Chain DualKey via an external power source or toggle the switch to left / right side. On your computer, smartphone, or other host device, connect to the Bluetooth device named DualKey-XXXX (XXXX is a four-character alphanumeric code used to distinguish different devices). When a pairing code dialog appears, simply confirm it. This firmware supports pairing and connecting to only one Bluetooth host at a time. To connect to another host, unpair it from the currently paired device first.
Chain DualKey can connect to two devices simultaneously — one via a wired connection and the other via Bluetooth.
🏷️Notes for Each Operating System
macOS: When connecting for the first time, a Keyboard Setup Assistant will appear—click Quit to skip it. This does not affect normal use. iOS: When an external keyboard is connected, the on-screen keyboard may be disabled in some cases, allowing input only from Chain DualKey. Windows / Android: No specific issues have been observed; behavior may vary depending on system version and settings.
4. Configuration Web Page
Power the Chain DualKey via an external power source or toggle the switch to left / right side. On your computer or smartphone, connect to the Wi-Fi access point (SSID: DualKey_XXXX (XXXX is a four-character alphanumeric code used to distinguish different devices), Password: 12345678), then open a browser and visit 192.168.4.1 to access the configuration web page:
The language of the page (Chinese / English) can be switched in the upper-right corner, where you can also check the Wi-Fi AP connection status and the latest update time.
In the middle-left Basic Information section, you can configure the LED colors of the two buttons and check button states (when pressed, the ring becomes darker, as shown below), switch position, and battery status. If you set both button colors to pure black (0, 0, 0), the LEDs will not turn off — instead, they will display a rainbow 🌈 color cycle!
In the middle HID Device Status section, you can set button functions, enable or disable USB wired mapping and BLE wireless mapping, and check USB and Bluetooth connection status:
Copy Paste: Simulates Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V shortcuts for copy and paste on Windows.
Copy Paste: Simulates Cmd+C / Cmd+V shortcuts for copy and paste on macOS.
Undo Redo: Simulates Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y shortcuts for undo and redo in certain Windows applications.
Undo Redo: Simulates Cmd+Z / Cmd+Y shortcuts for undo and redo in certain macOS applications.
Undo Redo: Simulates Cmd+Z / Cmd+Shift+Z shortcuts for undo and redo in certain macOS applications.
Tab Switch: Simulates Ctrl+Tab / Ctrl+Shift+Tab shortcuts for switching tabs in applications (such as Chrome) on both Windows and macOS.
Window Switch: Two keys simulate Alt and Tab. Holding Alt and pressing Tab repeatedly switches windows on Windows.
Window Switch: Two keys simulate Cmd and Tab. Holding Cmd and pressing Tab repeatedly switches applications on macOS.
Zoom: Simulates Ctrl+Minus / Ctrl+Plus shortcuts for zooming out and in on Windows.
Zoom: Simulates Cmd+Minus / Cmd+Plus shortcuts for zooming out and in on macOS.
Page: Simulates PgUp / PgDn page navigation keys for scrolling up and down on Windows and macOS.
Volume Control: Simulates Volume Up / Volume Down keys on Windows and macOS.
Media Control: Simulates Previous Track / Next Track media control keys on Windows and macOS.
Media Control: Simulates PlayPause / Stop media control keys on Windows and macOS.
Home Key: Simulates Home / End keys.
Arrow Keys: Simulates Up / Down arrow keys.
Arrow Keys: Simulates Left / Right arrow keys. Some of the above options also support Android and iOS; actual availability may vary by application and system.
In the middle-right Wi-Fi section, you can configure the Wi-Fi network for Chain DualKey to connect to. Enter the SSID, password, and static IP address, then click Apply. Chain DualKey will disable AP mode and connect to the specified network. You can then access the configuration page from the assigned IP address via computer or smartphone.
🏷️Resetting Wi-Fi
To reset Wi-Fi settings: press and hold both buttons for 5 seconds until the Key1 LED turns off and the Key2 LED turns on, then release both buttons. The two LEDs will flash red 3 times, then alternately flash white 3 times. Wi-Fi settings will be reset — the device will forget connected networks and re-enable AP mode.
5. Chain Bus
Chain DualKey can connect to other Chain series devices—such as Chain Key and Chain Joystick—through the Chain Bus on either side. (More Chain series devices will be released soon.)
Devices in the Chain series can be connected via Chain Bridge or Chain Return. When connecting, pay attention to the direction: the triangle arrow at the bottom of each device should point outward from the Chain DualKey (the main controller), as shown below:
At the bottom of the configuration web page, you can view and configure the functions of all devices connected to the Chain Bus:
Click a device in the top topology diagram to quickly jump to its corresponding section in the detailed device list below.
Each device's detail card shows the latest triggered events and collected data values, and allows you to adjust the indicator LED color.
Click HID Function Config to assign functions to various trigger events. Note that some trigger events may conflict with each other (especially Press, Release, and other button events). Be careful when assigning functions.
When a device generates a trigger event or data update, its detail card will flash.
Bus RGB refers to the indicator LED color for all devices on that Chain Bus (one side of the Chain DualKey).
Conclusion
With yourChain DualKey now fully configured, you are ready to enjoy a more intuitive and efficient desktop experience. From custom macros to vibrant RGB setups, this compact device is designed to evolve alongside your workflow. Stay tuned for more Chain series modules to further expand your creative setup!
Elevate Your Workflow: Configuring Your Chain DualKey with the Latest Firmware
·Powered by an ESP32-P4 SoC, with 16MB of flash memory and 32MB of PSRAM. This makes it the device with the most memory we have integrated into Home Assistant to date.
·It features a generous 5″ TFT touchscreen(1280×720), compatible with LVGL.
·Includes a front-facing 2 MP SC2356 camera(1600×1200) for capturing images and video.
·Equipped with one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a Micro SD card slot (card not included).
·It has two expansion ports for external sensors(GROVE and M5BUS) and a connector for a LoRa antenna.
·Features two microphones, a speaker, and a 3.5mm jack, meaning you can also use it to control Assist.
·If you chose the "TAB5 Kit," it comes with a Li-ion battery that you can easily replace (allowing you to have a spare one charged and ready).
In short, these characteristics make it the perfect candidate for a portable, autonomous control device with great tactile feedback. Additionally, as it is based on an ESP32-P4, the M5Stack TAB5 can be integrated into HA via ESPHome.
Prerequisites
To integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into HA, you will first need:
·A USB-C DATA cable to power the board (you will not be able to install the software with a charge-only cable).
Configuration in ESPHome
Follow these steps to integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into HA:
1.In Home Assistant, go to your ESPHome add-on and click on New device > Continue > New Device Setup.
2.Give your device a name (for example, “M5stack Tab5”) and click “Next.”
3.For the device type, select “ESP32-C6.” You will notice in the background that a new block has been created for your device.
4.Click “Skip” and then click “Edit” on your device's block. Copy the code that appears and save it, as you will need parts of it later.
5.Copy the following code and use it to replace the previous code in ESPHome.
substitutions:
# Device customization
# Personalización del dispositivo
name: m5stack-tab5
friendly_name: M5stack Tab5
####################################
esphome:
name: ${name}
friendly_name: ${friendly_name}
esp32:
board: esp32-p4-evboard
flash_size: 16MB
framework:
type: esp-idf
advanced:
enable_idf_experimental_features: true
esp32_hosted:
variant: esp32c6
active_high: true
clk_pin: GPIO12
cmd_pin: GPIO13
d0_pin: GPIO11
d1_pin: GPIO10
d2_pin: GPIO9
d3_pin: GPIO8
reset_pin: GPIO15
slot: 1
logger:
hardware_uart: USB_SERIAL_JTAG
psram:
mode: hex
speed: 200MHz
api:
encryption:
key: "F8WsdfddfKt1XvQV9pU32443dsfdsf"
ota:
- platform: esphome
password: "sdffds23b12747edfq43543"
wifi:
ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
password: !secret wifi_password
ap:
ssid: "M5Stack-Tab5 Fallback Hotspot"
password: "sdfdMtQR34rfww"
# Sensors configuration
# Configuración de sensores
binary_sensor:
- platform: gpio
id: charging
name: "Charging Status"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 6
mode: INPUT_PULLDOWN
- platform: gpio
id: headphone_detect
name: "Headphone Detect"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 7
i2c:
- id: bsp_bus
sda: GPIO31
scl: GPIO32
frequency: 400kHz
pi4ioe5v6408:
- id: pi4ioe1
address: 0x43
# 0: O - wifi_antenna_int_ext
# 1: O - speaker_enable
# 2: O - external_5v_power
# 3: NC
# 4: O - lcd reset
# 5: O - touch panel reset
# 6: O - camera reset
# 7: I - headphone detect
- id: pi4ioe2
address: 0x44
# 0: O - wifi_power
# 1: NC
# 2: NC
# 3: O - usb_5v_power
# 4: O - poweroff pulse
# 5: O - quick charge enable (inverted)
# 6: I - charging status
# 7: O - charge enable
select:
- platform: template
id: wifi_antenna_select
name: "WiFi Antenna"
options:
- "Internal"
- "External"
optimistic: true
on_value:
- if:
condition:
lambda: return i == 0;
then:
- switch.turn_off: wifi_antenna_int_ext
else:
- switch.turn_on: wifi_antenna_int_ext
# The DAC Output select needs to be manually (or with an automation) changed to `LINE1` for the onboard speaker
- platform: es8388
dac_output:
name: DAC Output
adc_input_mic:
name: ADC Input Mic
sensor:
- platform: ina226
address: 0x41
adc_averaging: 16
max_current: 8.192A
shunt_resistance: 0.005ohm
bus_voltage:
name: Battery Voltage
current:
name: Battery Current
# Positive means discharging
# Negative means charging
switch:
- platform: gpio
id: wifi_power
name: "WiFi Power"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 0
restore_mode: ALWAYS_ON
- platform: gpio
id: usb_5v_power
name: "USB Power"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 3
- platform: gpio
id: quick_charge
name: "Quick Charge"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 5
inverted: true
- platform: gpio
id: charge_enable
name: "Charge Enable"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 7
- platform: gpio
id: wifi_antenna_int_ext
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 0
- platform: gpio
id: speaker_enable
name: "Speaker Enable"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 1
restore_mode: ALWAYS_ON
- platform: gpio
id: external_5v_power
name: "External 5V Power"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 2
# Display configuration
# Configuración de la pantalla
esp_ldo:
- voltage: 2.5V
channel: 3
font:
- file: "gfonts://Kanit"
id: font_title
size: 100
light:
- platform: monochromatic
output: backlight_pwm
name: "Display Backlight"
id: backlight
restore_mode: RESTORE_DEFAULT_ON
default_transition_length: 250ms
output:
- platform: ledc
pin: GPIO22
id: backlight_pwm
frequency: 1000Hz
touchscreen:
- platform: gt911
interrupt_pin: GPIO23
update_interval: never
reset_pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 5
calibration:
x_min: 0
x_max: 720
y_min: 0
y_max: 1280
id: touch
display:
- platform: mipi_dsi
dimensions:
height: 1280
width: 720
model: M5Stack-Tab5
reset_pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 4
show_test_card: true
rotation: 90
lvgl:
touchscreens: touch
buffer_size: 100%
style_definitions:
- id: style_title
align: CENTER
text_font: font_title
widgets:
- label:
styles: style_title
text: 'Hola Aguacater@s!!'
# Media configuration and voice assistant
# Configuración multimedia y asistente de voz
audio_dac:
- platform: es8388
id: es8388_dac
audio_adc:
- platform: es7210
id: es7210_adc
bits_per_sample: 16bit
sample_rate: 16000
i2s_audio:
- id: mic_bus
i2s_lrclk_pin: GPIO29
i2s_bclk_pin: GPIO27
i2s_mclk_pin: GPIO30
media_player:
- platform: speaker
name: None
id: speaker_player
announcement_pipeline:
speaker: tab5_speaker
format: FLAC
sample_rate: 48000
num_channels: 1
on_announcement:
# Stop the wake word (mWW or VA) if the mic is capturing
- if:
condition:
- microphone.is_capturing:
then:
- micro_wake_word.stop:
on_idle:
# Since VA isn't running, this is the end of user-intiated media playback. Restart the wake word.
- if:
condition:
not:
voice_assistant.is_running:
then:
- micro_wake_word.start:
micro_wake_word:
id: mww
models:
- okay_nabu
- hey_mycroft
- hey_jarvis
on_wake_word_detected:
- voice_assistant.start:
wake_word: !lambda return wake_word;
microphone:
- platform: i2s_audio
id: tab5_microphone
i2s_din_pin: GPIO28
sample_rate: 16000
bits_per_sample: 16bit
adc_type: external
# Commented out to avoid duplicates (see above)
# Comentado para evitar duplicidades (ver arriba)
#select:
# The DAC Output select needs to be manually (or with an automation) changed to `LINE1` for the onboard speaker
# - platform: es8388
# dac_output:
# name: DAC Output
# adc_input_mic:
# name: ADC Input Mic
speaker:
- platform: i2s_audio
id: tab5_speaker
i2s_dout_pin: GPIO26
audio_dac: es8388_dac
dac_type: external
channel: mono
buffer_duration: 100ms
bits_per_sample: 16bit
sample_rate: 48000
voice_assistant:
id: va
microphone: tab5_microphone
media_player: speaker_player
micro_wake_word: mww
on_end:
# Wait a short amount of time to see if an announcement starts
- wait_until:
condition:
- media_player.is_announcing:
timeout: 0.5s
# Announcement is finished and the I2S bus is free
- wait_until:
- and:
- not:
media_player.is_announcing:
- not:
speaker.is_playing:
- micro_wake_word.start:
on_client_connected:
- micro_wake_word.start:
on_client_disconnected:
- micro_wake_word.stop:
6.Important note: This code does not include the credentials required for the device to connect to your WiFi and your Home Assistant instance, so you must add them manually. Specifically, I am referring to the following lines from the code you copied in step 4.
# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
encryption:
key: "bg6hash6sjdjsdjk02hh0qnQeYVwm123vdfKE8BP5"
ota:
- platform: esphome
password: "asddasda27aab65a48484502b332f"
wifi:
ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
password: !secret wifi_password
# Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
ap:
ssid: "Assist Fallback Hotspot"
password: "ZsasdasdHGP2234"
7.What you need to do is find the corresponding lines in the code (at the beginning) and add the relevant information.
8.Now, click "Save" and "Install." Select "Manual download" and wait for the code to compile.
9.Once finished, select the "Modern format" option to download the corresponding '.bin' file.
10.Connect the M5Stack TAB5 to your computer using the USB-C data cable via the side port.
11.Now go to the ESPHome Web page and click "Connect." In the pop-up window, select your board and click "Connect."
12.Now click "Install" and select the '.bin' file obtained in step 9. Click "Install" once more.
13.Return to Home Assistant and go to Settings > Devices & Services. Your device should normally be discovered and appear at the top, simply waiting for you to click the "Configure" button. Otherwise, click the "Add Integration" button, search for "ESPHome," and enter your board's IP address in the "Host" field. As always, I recommend that you assign a static IP in your router to avoid future issues if it changes.
14.Finally, go to Settings > Devices & Services > ESPHome. Click the "Configure" link for your device. In the pop-up window, check the box "Allow the device to perform Home Assistant actions" and click "Submit." This will allow us to control our devices directly from the screen.
If everything went well, you should see the following on your screen:
Additionally, with this code, you will be able to:
·Control and monitor the device's sensors in Home Assistant (such as battery percentage, activating the speaker, turning on the screen…).
·Use the screen to create your control dashboard and manage your devices.
·Expose your M5Stack Tab5 as a media player entity, allowing you to use it to play audio notifications or the radio.
·Use it as a voice assistant if you have already configured Assist.
🏷️Tips:
Each part in the code has been labeled, so any sections you are not interested in can be removed.
From here on, the way you use the panel depends on your imagination!
·Powered by an ESP32-P4 SoC, with 16MB of flash memory and 32MB of PSRAM. This makes it the device with the most memory we have integrated into Home Assistant to date.
·It features a generous 5″ TFT touchscreen(1280×720), compatible with LVGL.
·Includes a front-facing 2 MP SC2356 camera(1600×1200) for capturing images and video.
·Equipped with one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a Micro SD card slot (card not included).
·It has two expansion ports for external sensors(GROVE and M5BUS) and a connector for a LoRa antenna.
·Features two microphones, a speaker, and a 3.5mm jack, meaning you can also use it to control Assist.
·If you chose the "TAB5 Kit," it comes with a Li-ion battery that you can easily replace (allowing you to have a spare one charged and ready).
In short, these characteristics make it the perfect candidate for a portable, autonomous control device with great tactile feedback. Additionally, as it is based on an ESP32-P4, the M5Stack TAB5 can be integrated into HA via ESPHome.
Prerequisites
To integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into HA, you will first need:
·A USB-C DATA cable to power the board (you will not be able to install the software with a charge-only cable).
Configuration in ESPHome
Follow these steps to integrate the M5Stack TAB5 into HA:
1.In Home Assistant, go to your ESPHome add-on and click on New device > Continue > New Device Setup.
2.Give your device a name (for example, “M5stack Tab5”) and click “Next.”
3.For the device type, select “ESP32-C6.” You will notice in the background that a new block has been created for your device.
4.Click “Skip” and then click “Edit” on your device's block. Copy the code that appears and save it, as you will need parts of it later.
5.Copy the following code and use it to replace the previous code in ESPHome.
substitutions:
# Device customization
# Personalización del dispositivo
name: m5stack-tab5
friendly_name: M5stack Tab5
####################################
esphome:
name: ${name}
friendly_name: ${friendly_name}
esp32:
board: esp32-p4-evboard
flash_size: 16MB
framework:
type: esp-idf
advanced:
enable_idf_experimental_features: true
esp32_hosted:
variant: esp32c6
active_high: true
clk_pin: GPIO12
cmd_pin: GPIO13
d0_pin: GPIO11
d1_pin: GPIO10
d2_pin: GPIO9
d3_pin: GPIO8
reset_pin: GPIO15
slot: 1
logger:
hardware_uart: USB_SERIAL_JTAG
psram:
mode: hex
speed: 200MHz
api:
encryption:
key: "F8WsdfddfKt1XvQV9pU32443dsfdsf"
ota:
- platform: esphome
password: "sdffds23b12747edfq43543"
wifi:
ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
password: !secret wifi_password
ap:
ssid: "M5Stack-Tab5 Fallback Hotspot"
password: "sdfdMtQR34rfww"
# Sensors configuration
# Configuración de sensores
binary_sensor:
- platform: gpio
id: charging
name: "Charging Status"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 6
mode: INPUT_PULLDOWN
- platform: gpio
id: headphone_detect
name: "Headphone Detect"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 7
i2c:
- id: bsp_bus
sda: GPIO31
scl: GPIO32
frequency: 400kHz
pi4ioe5v6408:
- id: pi4ioe1
address: 0x43
# 0: O - wifi_antenna_int_ext
# 1: O - speaker_enable
# 2: O - external_5v_power
# 3: NC
# 4: O - lcd reset
# 5: O - touch panel reset
# 6: O - camera reset
# 7: I - headphone detect
- id: pi4ioe2
address: 0x44
# 0: O - wifi_power
# 1: NC
# 2: NC
# 3: O - usb_5v_power
# 4: O - poweroff pulse
# 5: O - quick charge enable (inverted)
# 6: I - charging status
# 7: O - charge enable
select:
- platform: template
id: wifi_antenna_select
name: "WiFi Antenna"
options:
- "Internal"
- "External"
optimistic: true
on_value:
- if:
condition:
lambda: return i == 0;
then:
- switch.turn_off: wifi_antenna_int_ext
else:
- switch.turn_on: wifi_antenna_int_ext
# The DAC Output select needs to be manually (or with an automation) changed to `LINE1` for the onboard speaker
- platform: es8388
dac_output:
name: DAC Output
adc_input_mic:
name: ADC Input Mic
sensor:
- platform: ina226
address: 0x41
adc_averaging: 16
max_current: 8.192A
shunt_resistance: 0.005ohm
bus_voltage:
name: Battery Voltage
current:
name: Battery Current
# Positive means discharging
# Negative means charging
switch:
- platform: gpio
id: wifi_power
name: "WiFi Power"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 0
restore_mode: ALWAYS_ON
- platform: gpio
id: usb_5v_power
name: "USB Power"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 3
- platform: gpio
id: quick_charge
name: "Quick Charge"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 5
inverted: true
- platform: gpio
id: charge_enable
name: "Charge Enable"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe2
number: 7
- platform: gpio
id: wifi_antenna_int_ext
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 0
- platform: gpio
id: speaker_enable
name: "Speaker Enable"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 1
restore_mode: ALWAYS_ON
- platform: gpio
id: external_5v_power
name: "External 5V Power"
pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 2
# Display configuration
# Configuración de la pantalla
esp_ldo:
- voltage: 2.5V
channel: 3
font:
- file: "gfonts://Kanit"
id: font_title
size: 100
light:
- platform: monochromatic
output: backlight_pwm
name: "Display Backlight"
id: backlight
restore_mode: RESTORE_DEFAULT_ON
default_transition_length: 250ms
output:
- platform: ledc
pin: GPIO22
id: backlight_pwm
frequency: 1000Hz
touchscreen:
- platform: gt911
interrupt_pin: GPIO23
update_interval: never
reset_pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 5
calibration:
x_min: 0
x_max: 720
y_min: 0
y_max: 1280
id: touch
display:
- platform: mipi_dsi
dimensions:
height: 1280
width: 720
model: M5Stack-Tab5
reset_pin:
pi4ioe5v6408: pi4ioe1
number: 4
show_test_card: true
rotation: 90
lvgl:
touchscreens: touch
buffer_size: 100%
style_definitions:
- id: style_title
align: CENTER
text_font: font_title
widgets:
- label:
styles: style_title
text: 'Hola Aguacater@s!!'
# Media configuration and voice assistant
# Configuración multimedia y asistente de voz
audio_dac:
- platform: es8388
id: es8388_dac
audio_adc:
- platform: es7210
id: es7210_adc
bits_per_sample: 16bit
sample_rate: 16000
i2s_audio:
- id: mic_bus
i2s_lrclk_pin: GPIO29
i2s_bclk_pin: GPIO27
i2s_mclk_pin: GPIO30
media_player:
- platform: speaker
name: None
id: speaker_player
announcement_pipeline:
speaker: tab5_speaker
format: FLAC
sample_rate: 48000
num_channels: 1
on_announcement:
# Stop the wake word (mWW or VA) if the mic is capturing
- if:
condition:
- microphone.is_capturing:
then:
- micro_wake_word.stop:
on_idle:
# Since VA isn't running, this is the end of user-intiated media playback. Restart the wake word.
- if:
condition:
not:
voice_assistant.is_running:
then:
- micro_wake_word.start:
micro_wake_word:
id: mww
models:
- okay_nabu
- hey_mycroft
- hey_jarvis
on_wake_word_detected:
- voice_assistant.start:
wake_word: !lambda return wake_word;
microphone:
- platform: i2s_audio
id: tab5_microphone
i2s_din_pin: GPIO28
sample_rate: 16000
bits_per_sample: 16bit
adc_type: external
# Commented out to avoid duplicates (see above)
# Comentado para evitar duplicidades (ver arriba)
#select:
# The DAC Output select needs to be manually (or with an automation) changed to `LINE1` for the onboard speaker
# - platform: es8388
# dac_output:
# name: DAC Output
# adc_input_mic:
# name: ADC Input Mic
speaker:
- platform: i2s_audio
id: tab5_speaker
i2s_dout_pin: GPIO26
audio_dac: es8388_dac
dac_type: external
channel: mono
buffer_duration: 100ms
bits_per_sample: 16bit
sample_rate: 48000
voice_assistant:
id: va
microphone: tab5_microphone
media_player: speaker_player
micro_wake_word: mww
on_end:
# Wait a short amount of time to see if an announcement starts
- wait_until:
condition:
- media_player.is_announcing:
timeout: 0.5s
# Announcement is finished and the I2S bus is free
- wait_until:
- and:
- not:
media_player.is_announcing:
- not:
speaker.is_playing:
- micro_wake_word.start:
on_client_connected:
- micro_wake_word.start:
on_client_disconnected:
- micro_wake_word.stop:
6.Important note: This code does not include the credentials required for the device to connect to your WiFi and your Home Assistant instance, so you must add them manually. Specifically, I am referring to the following lines from the code you copied in step 4.
# Enable Home Assistant API
api:
encryption:
key: "bg6hash6sjdjsdjk02hh0qnQeYVwm123vdfKE8BP5"
ota:
- platform: esphome
password: "asddasda27aab65a48484502b332f"
wifi:
ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
password: !secret wifi_password
# Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
ap:
ssid: "Assist Fallback Hotspot"
password: "ZsasdasdHGP2234"
7.What you need to do is find the corresponding lines in the code (at the beginning) and add the relevant information.
8.Now, click "Save" and "Install." Select "Manual download" and wait for the code to compile.
9.Once finished, select the "Modern format" option to download the corresponding '.bin' file.
10.Connect the M5Stack TAB5 to your computer using the USB-C data cable via the side port.
11.Now go to the ESPHome Web page and click "Connect." In the pop-up window, select your board and click "Connect."
12.Now click "Install" and select the '.bin' file obtained in step 9. Click "Install" once more.
13.Return to Home Assistant and go to Settings > Devices & Services. Your device should normally be discovered and appear at the top, simply waiting for you to click the "Configure" button. Otherwise, click the "Add Integration" button, search for "ESPHome," and enter your board's IP address in the "Host" field. As always, I recommend that you assign a static IP in your router to avoid future issues if it changes.
14.Finally, go to Settings > Devices & Services > ESPHome. Click the "Configure" link for your device. In the pop-up window, check the box "Allow the device to perform Home Assistant actions" and click "Submit." This will allow us to control our devices directly from the screen.
If everything went well, you should see the following on your screen:
Additionally, with this code, you will be able to:
·Control and monitor the device's sensors in Home Assistant (such as battery percentage, activating the speaker, turning on the screen…).
·Use the screen to create your control dashboard and manage your devices.
·Expose your M5Stack Tab5 as a media player entity, allowing you to use it to play audio notifications or the radio.
·Use it as a voice assistant if you have already configured Assist.
🏷️Tips:
Each part in the code has been labeled, so any sections you are not interested in can be removed.
From here on, the way you use the panel depends on your imagination!
Turn M5Stack Tab5 into a Portable Home Assistant Control Panel
Hardware and Design
The Cardputer-Adv is an enhanced iteration of the small-form-factor computer powered by the Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller. In essence, the Cardputer-Adv is a slightly redesigned version of the original. Side-by-side, they differ visually only in color—the new model is white, while the previous was light gray. The shape, design, and general purpose remain identical. The "brain" of the system is still a Stamp series development board, but upgraded to the Stamp-S3A. Compared to the Stamp-S3 found in the predecessor, the "A" revision features a redesigned 3D antenna for improved connectivity and a "softer," more responsive Reset button. Note that this button is covered by a sticker, making it somewhat awkward to press. Other changes include internal LED wiring and lower power consumption. The core remains the ESP32-S3FN8 microcontroller with 8MB of Flash and 23 GPIO pins. As we have covered the ESP32-S3 extensively in previous articles, we will not repeat those technical details here. The USB-C port is used for programming the Stamp, power delivery, and charging the integrated battery.
Display, Keyboard, and Audio
The Stamp-S3A connects to the motherboard via two header rows and interfaces with the display via an FPC connector. The screen is the same color IPS LCD used previously (ST7789V2, 240×135 resolution, 1.14 inches). A defining feature of this computer is its 4×14 (56 keys) QWERTY keyboard. The keys are significantly improved with a different tactile feel (260gf vs. 160gf actuation force). Many keys serve dual purposes via 'Fn', 'Aa', 'Ctrl', 'Opt', and 'Alt' modifiers. Keyboard scanning is now handled by the TCA8418 integrated circuit.
The audio subsystem has undergone significant changes. The ES8311 codec replaces the previous NS4168 and SPM1423 combination, resulting in superior microphone noise reduction. Combined with the NS4150B amplifier and a 1W speaker (located standardly beneath the Stamp), the output quality is markedly better. Furthermore, the Cardputer-Adv now includes a 3.5mm audio jack on the side for headphone connectivity.
Power and Connectivity
The Cardputer-Advcan be powered via USB-C or the internal battery. This version replaces the two smaller cells of the original with a single, larger 1750mAh battery, managed by the TP4057 charging IC. Like its predecessor, the Cardputer-Adv features a GROVE port (supporting I2C and 5V). A small adjacent switch allows the user to toggle the 5V line direction: the Cardputer can either power an external sensor or be powered by an external source.
While the original Cardputer relied solely on the GROVE port for expansion, the Cardputer-Advintroduces an additional 2×7-pin header (UART, I2C, SPI) on the rear for connecting peripheral devices. M5Stack continues to use the GROVE connector for its extensive ecosystem of "Unit" expansion modules.
Sensors and Modules
New features include the BMI270 six-axis motion sensor (IMU). The device retains the physical power switch, 'Boot' and 'Reset' buttons, an infrared (IR) LED, and a Micro-SD slot. Examining the PCB reveals a layout largely identical to the original; it even retains an unpopulated JST connector for a smaller battery. Interestingly, there is an unconnected FPC connector near the 3.5mm jack for which we found no official documentation. The Cardputer-Adv maintains its Lego-compatible mounting holes (though there is one row fewer on the back) and internal magnets, allowing it to be mounted on metal surfaces like a refrigerator door.
Along with the Cardputer-Adv, we received the CAP LoRa868 (now the updated version is Cap LoRa-1262) expansion module, designed to interface via the 2×7-pin header. The CAP module features a matching plastic enclosure and contains two primary components: an 868MHz LoRa module (based on the SX1262 chip) with an SMA connector for an external antenna, and an AT6668-based GNSS module supporting GPS, Beidou (BD2/BD3), GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS.
Software and Programming
The Cardputer-Adv can be programmed using Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, PlatformIO, or the manufacturer-recommended UiFlow2. UiFlow2 is a block-based visual programming environment, making it an excellent educational tool for introducing children to microcontrollers and electronics. The interface offers "Blocks," "Split," and "Python" views. In "Split" mode, users can see how dragging blocks generates real-time Python code—a bridge that helps beginners transition to text-based programming. To use this online tool, the UiFlow2 firmware must first be flashed onto the device using the M5Burnerutility.
Several pre-configured examples are available via M5Burner, including community-driven projects. One highlight is Meshtastic for Cardputer-Adv, which integrates seamlessly with the Meshtastic mobile app for LoRa-based mesh networking and precise GPS mapping. The firmware provides a comprehensive menu for managing hardware segments like LoRa, GPS, and system time.
Conclusion
Additional examples include M5Launcher, which allows users to execute BIN files directly from the Micro-SD card. The factory demo provides a comprehensive hardware test. For those using the Arduino environment, extensive support is available via M5Stack libraries.
The Cardputer-Adv is exactly what its name suggests: a sophisticated, credit-card-sized computer with meaningful upgrades over the original. The CAP expansion module (e.g.,Cap LoRa-1262) is a powerful addition, and the new 2×7-pin header opens endless possibilities for hardware hackers.
