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URL: https://dev.to/thilak_kumar/irutesam-v10-a-cost-effective-iot-based-multi-testing-device-using-esp32-2f1o

⇱ IRUTESAM V1.0 – A Cost-Effective IoT-Based Multi-Testing Device Using ESP32 - DEV Community

Introduction

Modern embedded development and wireless testing often require multiple specialized tools for analyzing Wi-Fi networks, testing NFC cards, and capturing infrared signals. Commercial devices such as Flipper Zero, Proxmark3, and Wi-Fi Pineapple provide these capabilities but are often expensive and difficult for students and beginner developers to access.

To address this challenge, we developed IRUTESAM V1.0, a cost-effective IoT-based multi-testing device built around the ESP32 microcontroller. The device integrates Wi-Fi analysis, NFC testing, infrared signal capture and replay, touchscreen navigation, and SD card storage into a single portable platform.

The goal of this project is to provide an affordable and multifunctional embedded testing solution for students, researchers, IoT developers, and technology enthusiasts.

Project Overview

IRUTESAM V1.0 combines multiple communication technologies into a single handheld device. Instead of carrying separate tools for wireless diagnostics, infrared testing, and NFC analysis, users can perform all these operations using one compact system.

The system is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller and includes:

  • Wi-Fi Analysis Module
  • NFC Read and Emulation Module
  • Infrared Capture and Replay Module
  • TFT Touchscreen User Interface
  • SD Card Data Storage
  • Custom PCB Design

The device is designed to operate as a standalone platform without requiring a laptop or companion application.

Hardware Components

The project uses the following hardware components:

ESP32 Development Board

Acts as the central controller and manages all system operations.

PN532 NFC Module V3

Provides NFC card reading and card emulation functionality.

VS1838B IR Receiver

Captures infrared signals from remote controls.

IR LED Transmitter

Replays captured infrared signals.

2.8-inch TFT Touchscreen Display

Provides an interactive graphical user interface.

Micro SD Card Module

Stores captured IR signals, NFC records, and device data.

Key Features

1. Wi-Fi Analysis Module

The Wi-Fi module scans nearby wireless networks and displays information such as:

  • SSID
  • Signal Strength (RSSI)
  • Security Type
  • Channel Information

The system can also perform basic port analysis on commonly used network ports, helping users understand network configurations and accessibility.

Benefits:

  • Wireless network discovery
  • Signal strength analysis
  • Security assessment support
  • Portable wireless diagnostics

2. Infrared Signal Capture and Replay

One of the most useful features of IRUTESAM is its ability to learn infrared commands.

The IR module can:

  • Capture raw infrared signals
  • Decode supported protocols
  • Store captured signals on SD card
  • Replay signals using the IR transmitter

This functionality allows users to test remote-controlled devices and create reusable IR signal libraries.

Applications:

  • Remote control testing
  • Home automation experiments
  • Embedded systems research
  • IR protocol learning

3. NFC Read and Emulation

The NFC subsystem is implemented using the PN532 module.

Supported features include:

  • NFC card detection
  • UID reading
  • Card information storage
  • NFC card emulation

This module can be used for authentication testing, access-control experiments, and educational NFC projects.

Applications:

  • NFC learning and experimentation
  • Access-control testing
  • Embedded security research
  • Smart card analysis

4. Touchscreen-Based User Interface

IRUTESAM features a custom graphical user interface developed specifically for embedded touchscreen interaction.

The interface provides:

  • Menu-based navigation
  • Touchscreen controls
  • Status monitoring
  • Module management
  • Real-time user feedback

The graphical design improves usability and allows the entire device to operate independently.

5. SD Card Storage System

Captured information is stored locally on a Micro SD card.

Stored data includes:

  • Saved IR signals
  • NFC records
  • User configurations
  • Future expandable logs

The storage system enables data persistence and simplifies repeated testing operations.

Software Development

The firmware was developed using:

  • Arduino IDE
  • Embedded C++
  • ESP32 Board Support Package

Major libraries used:

  • IRremoteESP8266
  • PN532 NFC Library
  • TFT_eSPI
  • XPT2046 Touchscreen Library
  • SD Library

The firmware architecture follows a modular design, making future expansion easier and improving maintainability.

Open Source Repository

IRUTESAM V1.0 is an open-source embedded systems project. The complete source code, firmware modules, PCB design files, and project documentation are publicly available on GitHub.

🔗 GitHub Repository:
https://github.com/Thilakkumar0308/IRUTESAM-Dark-Venom

The repository includes firmware for the ESP32, NFC and IR communication modules, touchscreen user interface implementation, SD card storage management, and hardware design resources.

Contributions, feedback, and feature suggestions are welcome.

Why We Built IRUTESAM

Many professional testing tools available today provide advanced functionality but are often beyond the budget of students and beginner developers.

Common challenges include:

  • High purchase cost
  • Import expenses
  • Limited local availability
  • Multiple devices required for different tasks

IRUTESAM was created to provide a practical alternative that combines essential testing features into a single affordable platform.

Advantages

The major advantages of IRUTESAM include:

  • Cost-effective design
  • Portable architecture
  • Touchscreen-based operation
  • Wi-Fi analysis support
  • NFC read and emulation
  • IR capture and replay
  • SD card storage
  • Easy hardware availability
  • Future scalability

Future Enhancements

The modular architecture allows future expansion.

Planned improvements include:

  • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanning
  • Sub-GHz RF analysis
  • Additional wireless diagnostics
  • Enhanced protocol support
  • Advanced data logging
  • Improved UI features

These enhancements will transform IRUTESAM into a more comprehensive embedded testing platform.

Conclusion

IRUTESAM V1.0 demonstrates how a low-cost ESP32-based platform can successfully integrate Wi-Fi analysis, infrared testing, and NFC functionality into a single portable device. By combining multiple testing capabilities into one standalone solution, the system reduces cost, improves accessibility, and provides a valuable learning tool for students, embedded developers, and IoT enthusiasts.

The project proves that multifunctional testing devices can be developed using readily available components while maintaining flexibility, usability, and future scalability. IRUTESAM V1.0 serves as a strong foundation for future wireless and embedded technology research.