DEV Community: Thilak Kumar

I Chose the VS1838B IR Receiver for My ESP32-Based Project

Thilak Kumar — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:28:14 +0000

Introduction

Infrared (IR) communication is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to control electronic devices over a short distance. It is widely used in TV remotes, air conditioners, and other consumer electronics.

In my ESP32-based project, I needed a dependable IR receiver to capture signals from remote controls. After evaluating different options, I chose the VS1838B IR Receiver because it is simple to use, reliable, and works seamlessly with microcontrollers like the ESP32.

What is the VS1838B IR Receiver?

The VS1838B is a compact 3-pin infrared receiver module that detects IR signals transmitted by remote controls. It is specifically designed for signals modulated at a 38 kHz carrier frequency, which is the standard for most IR communication systems.

Key Features

Supports both 3.3V and 5V systems
Optimized for 38 kHz IR signals
Built-in noise filtering
Provides clean digital output
Low power consumption

How It Works

When a button is pressed on a remote:

The remote transmits an infrared signal
The VS1838B receives the signal
Internal circuits filter and process the signal
A digital HIGH/LOW signal is sent to the ESP32

This built-in processing removes the need for complex signal handling in software.

Pin Configuration

The VS1838B has three pins:

Pin	Name	Purpose
1	OUT	Signal output
2	GND	Ground
3	VCC	Power supply

Connecting with ESP32

Connecting the VS1838B to ESP32 is straightforward:

VCC → 3.3V
GND → GND
OUT → Any GPIO pin (e.g., GPIO15)

Once connected, IR signals can be decoded using libraries such as IRremoteESP8266.

Why I Chose VS1838B

1. Easy Integration

The module provides a ready-to-use digital output, eliminating the need for external components such as amplifiers or filters.

2. ESP32 Compatibility

The output signal can be directly connected to ESP32 GPIO pins, making integration simple and efficient.

3. Reliable Signal Detection

The VS1838B includes built-in filtering to reduce noise from ambient light sources such as sunlight and indoor lighting, ensuring stable signal reception.

4. Cost and Availability

One of the key reasons for selecting the VS1838B is its affordability.

In the Indian market, the typical price range is:

₹40 – ₹60 for a pack of 5 modules
₹8 – ₹12 per unit (approx.)

This makes it a highly cost-effective solution for both prototyping and production.

5. Support for Standard IR Protocols

The VS1838B works with common IR communication protocols such as:

NEC – widely used in most TV remotes
Sony (SIRC) – used in Sony devices
RC5 – developed by Philips

These protocols define how data is encoded and transmitted using infrared signals, allowing the ESP32 to decode button presses accurately.

Advantages in My Project

Using the VS1838B enabled:

Accurate IR signal capture
Easy decoding of remote commands
Reduced hardware complexity
Faster development and testing

Limitations

Like all IR-based systems, the VS1838B has some limitations:

Requires line-of-sight communication
Limited operational range
Can be affected by strong sunlight

However, for indoor applications, these limitations are minimal.

Availability and Supplier

The VS1838B IR Receiver is widely available from various electronics suppliers.

For this project, components were sourced from Robu.in, which offers reliable quality and consistent availability for prototyping needs.

Conclusion

The VS1838B IR Receiver is a simple, reliable, and efficient solution for infrared signal reception. Its ease of use, compatibility with ESP32, and low cost make it an excellent choice for embedded system projects.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right component plays a crucial role in the success of any project. The VS1838B allowed me to build a stable and efficient IR system without unnecessary complexity.

Why I Chose the ESP32 Dev Module for My Project

Thilak Kumar — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:55:41 +0000

Introduction

Choosing the right microcontroller is one of the most important decisions in any embedded system project. For my project, I needed a controller that could handle real-time processing, multiple peripherals, and future scalability.

After evaluating different options, I chose the ESP32 Dev Module because it provides the perfect balance of performance, connectivity, and flexibility.

1. Powerful Dual-Core Processing

The ESP32 comes with a dual-core Xtensa LX6 processor running up to 240 MHz.

Why this matters:

One core handles UI / display
Another core handles background tasks

Benefits:

Smooth multitasking
No lag or freezing
Real-time performance

2. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

ESP32 has integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, unlike many microcontrollers.

Why this matters:

No external modules needed
Cleaner hardware design

Benefits:

Remote control capability
OTA (Over-The-Air) updates
IoT integration

3. Rich GPIO and Peripheral Support

ESP32 offers around 30+ GPIO pins and supports multiple protocols:

SPI
I2C
UART
PWM

Why this matters:

It allows connecting multiple components like:

Sensors
Displays
Communication modules

Benefits:

Flexible system design
Easy hardware integration

4. Hardware PWM for Accurate Signals

ESP32 includes a hardware PWM module (LEDC).

Why this matters:

Generates accurate frequencies
Stable signal output

Benefits:

Reliable communication
High precision control

5. High-Speed Communication (SPI)

ESP32 supports high-speed SPI, which is important for display and storage.

Why this matters:

Faster data transfer
Smooth graphics rendering

Benefits:

Responsive UI
Better user experience

6. Memory and Storage Capability

ESP32 provides:

~520 KB SRAM
External flash support

Why this matters:

Handles complex logic
Stores application data

Benefits:

Stable system performance
Efficient data handling

7. Power Efficiency

ESP32 supports different power modes like deep sleep.

Why this matters:

Suitable for battery-powered devices

Benefits:

Low power consumption
Longer battery life

8. Cost-Effective Solution

Despite its advanced features, ESP32 is very affordable.
The Price Range: 350 to 500

Why this matters:

Ideal for students and developers

Benefits:

High performance at low cost

Limitations

Some GPIO pins are boot-sensitive
Requires proper circuit design

These issues are manageable with proper configuration.

Final Conclusion

The ESP32 Dev Module is a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective microcontroller.

Key Reasons:

High processing power
Built-in connectivity
Flexible GPIO
Smooth UI support
Affordable price

Final Thoughts

ESP32 transforms a simple project into a scalable and future-ready embedded system.

Component Selection Analysis – ESP32 Multi Security Tool

Thilak Kumar — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:49:03 +0000

Designing a portable, multi-functional embedded system requires more than just assembling hardware—it demands careful component selection based on compatibility, real-world applicability, and software support.

This project presents an ESP32-based device capable of:

WiFi network scanning and basic security classification
Read RFID/NFC cards
Infrared (IR) signal capture and replay
Store and analyze data

The following analysis explains the rationale behind selecting each component, along with alternatives and limitations.

Understanding the Design Requirement

To build a multi-purpose tool, the system must support:

Feature	Required
IR communication	Capture and replay signals
NFC interaction	Read card UID
WiFi analysis	Scan and classify networks
Storage	Save card UID'S data
UI	Display and navigation

These requirements guided the selection of each module in the system.

IR System

Selected Components

VS1838B IR Receiver
38 kHz IR Transmitter Module

Rationale
Most consumer electronics operate using a 38 kHz carrier frequency, making it the industry standard for IR communication. Devices such as televisions, air conditioners, and media systems rely on this frequency.

Capabilities

Receive IR signals from remote controls
Decode protocols using standard libraries
Store and replay commands

Limitations

Limited transmission range (typically 1–3 meters)
Complex protocols may require tuning

Alternatives

TSOP1838 – improved stability
TSOP38238 – better noise rejection

Fallback Options

Any 38 kHz IR receiver
Basic IR LED with resistor circuit

NFC System

Selected Component

PN532 NFC Module

Rationale

The PN532 is a versatile NFC controller supporting:

ISO14443A (MIFARE cards)
NFC tag communication This makes it suitable for applications such as access control, identification, and card emulator.

The module supports multiple communication interfaces:

I2C (used in this design)
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter)

Capabilities

NFC cards Read UID
Card emulator
Read & Write

Limitations

Does not support full secure card emulation
Only UID-based simulation is possible

Alternatives

RC522 (MFRC522) – lower cost, limited features
PN7150 – advanced NFC capabilities

Fallback Option

RC522 module for basic RFID use

Microcontroller

Selected Component

ESP32 Dev Board

Rationale
The ESP32 serves as the central controller due to its integrated features:

Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
Dual-core processing capability
Multiple GPIO interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART)

Advantages

Handles multiple modules simultaneously
High performance at low cost
Strong ecosystem and library support

Alternatives

ESP8266 – lower cost, limited capabilities
Raspberry Pi Pico W – flexible but different ecosystem

Storage System

Selected Component

Micro SD Card Module

Rationale
External storage is required to manage:

NFC card data
IR signal logs
WiFi scan results

The SD card module provides:

Expandable storage capacity
File-based data management
Easy integration using SPI

Alternatives

EEPROM – limited capacity
SPI Flash – faster but less flexible

Fallback Option

Internal ESP32 flash (limited use cases)

Display System

Selected Component

TFT Display

Rationale
A display is essential for:

Menu navigation
Viewing scan results
Interacting with stored data
My custom fimware

Advantages

Real-time feedback
Improved usability
Improved usability

Conclusion
The component selection for this project is based on achieving an optimal balance between:

Compatibility with real-world devices
Ease of integration with ESP32
Cost efficiency
Availability of software support

By combining IR communication, NFC interaction, wireless scanning, and external storage, the system demonstrates how a compact and powerful embedded device can be built using accessible components.

Choosing the Right IR Module for an ESP32 Flipper-Style Project

Thilak Kumar — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:43:48 +0000

In many DIY cybersecurity and embedded electronics projects, the Flipper Zero is well known for its ability to capture and transmit infrared (IR) signals. But what if you want to build a low-cost, IR-capable device using an ESP32 instead?

This article explains how different IR modules work, what features are required for remote-style communication, and why choosing the correct module is essential when building a Flipper-style IR system.

Understanding IR Modules

Infrared (IR) modules are commonly used for three different purposes:

Receiving signals from remote controls
Transmitting IR commands to devices
Detecting nearby objects or surfaces

Although these modules all use infrared light, they are designed for very different tasks. Some are built for obstacle detection, while others are designed for data communication using modulated IR signals.

Why the HW-201 Cannot Replace a Flipper-Style IR Module

The HW-201 is a short-range obstacle detection sensor. Its operating principle is simple:

The IR LED emits infrared light.
The light reflects off a nearby object.
The receiver detects the reflection.
The module outputs a digital HIGH or LOW signal.

Key limitations

It cannot read IR remote control protocols.
It cannot transmit IR command signals.
It only detects whether an object is present.

Typical HW-201 range

2 cm to 30 cm

Because of this limited functionality and short range, the HW-201 is not suitable for IR communication projects.

Requirements of a Flipper-Style IR System

To replicate the IR capabilities of a Flipper-style device, the system must support the following:

Feature	Required
Receive IR signals	Yes
Transmit IR signals	Yes
Decode protocols	Yes
Store commands	Yes
Screen interface	Optional

These features enable the device to capture, analyze, store, and replay IR commands.

Correct DIY IR Using ESP32

A proper IR communication setup using an ESP32 typically includes the following components:

Core components:

ESP32 development board
IR receiver (38 kHz infrared receiver module)
IR transmitter (38 kHz infrared transmitter module)

Capabilities of this setup

Capture signals from remote controls
Decode IR protocols
Store commands in memory
Re-transmit stored commands to devices

This configuration provides the core functionality required for a Flipper-style IR system.

Recommended Single IR Module

If you prefer a single, plug-and-play module instead of separate components, a 38 kHz IR transmitter and receiver module is the most practical option.

Common names

IR Transceiver Module
IR Combo Module
38 kHz IR TX/RX Module
IR Infrared Transmitter Module + 38 kHz Receiver Module

Key features

Integrated IR receiver
Integrated IR transmitter
Direct GPIO control
Compatible with ESP32 and Arduino
Suitable for Flipper-style IR tools

Typical operating range

5–8 meters under normal conditions
10–12 meters with a driver circuit

This performance is comparable to a standard TV remote and similar to the IR capabilities of a Flipper Zero.

Typical Cost of a DIY Setup

Component	Approx. price
ESP32 board	₹400–₹600
IR combo module	₹110–₹200
OLED display	₹170–₹300
Total	₹680–₹1100

Final Recommendation

For a simple and effective Flipper-style IR project:

Recommended module:
38 kHz IR Transmitter and Receiver Module

Key advantages:

Low cost
Easy integration
Full IR communication support
Compatible with ESP32 platforms

Conclusion

When building a DIY IR system:

Avoid obstacle sensors like the HW-201 for communication tasks.
Use modules designed specifically for IR signal transmission and reception.
For simplicity, a 38 kHz IR combo module is the best choice.

With an ESP32 and the right module, you can create a powerful, low-cost IR device capable of capturing, storing, and transmitting remote control signals.

Product Links

Below are example product links for the components mentioned in this article. You can purchase them from local electronics stores or trusted online suppliers.

Note:
You can also find these components at local electronics markets (such as Ritchie Street in Chennai) at lower prices.
When buying locally, ask for:

ESP32 development board
38 kHz IR transmitter + receiver module
0.96" OLED display (I2C)

Microcontroller-Based Cybersecurity Tools: Flipper Zero and Similar Devices

Thilak Kumar — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:31:02 +0000

As cybersecurity evolves, the focus is no longer limited to software vulnerabilities and network attacks. With the rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT), wireless communication protocols, and embedded systems, hardware-level security testing has become a critical part of modern cybersecurity practices.
Microcontroller-based security tools allow researchers to interact directly with physical signals, wireless frequencies, and hardware interfaces. These devices are widely used in penetration testing, red teaming, IoT research, and embedded system security analysis.
This article provides a technical overview of Flipper Zero and other similar cybersecurity devices.

Flipper Zero: Portable Multi-Protocol Security Tool

Flipper Zero is a compact, microcontroller-based embedded security device designed to interact with various wireless and hardware communication protocols. It combines multiple interfaces into a single portable platform.

Core Technical Components

Sub-GHz RF communication
RFID (125 kHz)
NFC (13.56 MHz)
Infrared signals
GPIO hardware interface
Bluetooth Low Energy
Expandable via external modules

Typical Security Applications

RF signal capture and replay testing
RFID and NFC card emulation
Infrared remote signal cloning
GPIO-based hardware debugging
Basic IoT penetration testing

Hak5 WiFi Pineapple: Wireless Penetration Testing Platform

The WiFi Pineapple is a specialized wireless auditing platform designed for professional Wi-Fi penetration testing.

Technical Capabilities

Rogue access point deployment
Evil Twin attack simulation
Packet capture and traffic analysis
Credential harvesting modules
Web-based management interface

Primary Use Cases

Enterprise Wi-Fi security assessments
Wireless intrusion simulations
Red team operations

USB Rubber Ducky

USB Rubber Ducky is a Human Interface Device (HID) attack platform that emulates a USB keyboard.

Technical Features

HID keyboard emulation
Scripted payload execution
High-speed keystroke injection
Cross-platform compatibility

Security Testing Uses

Physical penetration testing
Social engineering attack simulations
Endpoint security assessments

Proxmark3: Advanced RFID and NFC Research Tool

The Proxmark3 is a professional-grade RFID and NFC analysis platform widely used in hardware security research.

Technical Capabilities

Support for 125 kHz LF and 13.56 MHz HF RFID systems
Tag sniffing and protocol decoding
Card emulation and cloning (in authorized environments)
Cryptographic protocol research features

Use Cases

Access control system auditing
Smart card security analysis
Contactless protocol research

Key Cybersecurity Domains for These Devices

Wireless Security

Wi-Fi network auditing
Bluetooth analysis
RFID and NFC testing
Sub-GHz IoT protocol research

Physical Penetration Testing

USB HID attack simulations
Access card cloning tests
Hardware interface exploitation

Embedded and IoT Security

UART, SPI, and I²C debugging
Firmware extraction
Hardware reverse engineering

Limitations and Drawbacks

Limited Processing Power

Most of these devices use low-power microcontrollers, making them unsuitable for heavy computational tasks like password cracking or large-scale data analysis.

Legal and Regulatory Constraints

Unauthorized use may violate:

Computer misuse laws
Wireless transmission regulations
Privacy protection laws

These tools must be used only in authorized testing environments.

Steep Learning Curve

Effective usage requires knowledge of:

RF communication
Embedded systems
Digital signal processing
Hardware debugging interfaces

Not Fully Automated

These devices are not plug-and-play hacking tools. They require:

Manual configuration
Protocol understanding
Custom scripts or firmware

Improved Modern Security Mechanisms

Modern systems implement:

Encrypted communication
Rolling code authentication
Intrusion detection systems

This reduces the effectiveness of simple replay or cloning attacks.

Conclusion

Microcontroller-based cybersecurity tools such as Flipper Zero, WiFi Pineapple, Proxmark3, and HackRF One play a crucial role in hardware and wireless security research. They provide direct interaction with physical communication layers, allowing security professionals to identify vulnerabilities in embedded systems and wireless protocols.

As IoT adoption continues to grow, expertise in hardware-level cybersecurity will become increasingly important for penetration testers, embedded engineers, and security researchers.

References

Tech Blog

Thilak Kumar — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:29:17 +0000

Welcome to my tech blog.
Here, I share daily updates on the projects I’m working on, along with notes, experiments, and progress in areas such as IoT, software development, and cybersecurity.

This space serves as a living journal to document learning, project improvements, technical insights, and observations while building and exploring new technologies.

DEV Community: Thilak Kumar

I Chose the VS1838B IR Receiver for My ESP32-Based Project

Introduction

What is the VS1838B IR Receiver?

Key Features

How It Works

Pin Configuration

Connecting with ESP32

Why I Chose VS1838B

1. Easy Integration

2. ESP32 Compatibility

3. Reliable Signal Detection

4. Cost and Availability

5. Support for Standard IR Protocols

Advantages in My Project

Limitations

Availability and Supplier

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

Why I Chose the ESP32 Dev Module for My Project

Introduction

1. Powerful Dual-Core Processing

Why this matters:

Benefits:

2. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Why this matters:

Benefits:

3. Rich GPIO and Peripheral Support

Why this matters:

Benefits:

4. Hardware PWM for Accurate Signals

Why this matters:

Benefits:

5. High-Speed Communication (SPI)

Why this matters:

Benefits:

6. Memory and Storage Capability

Why this matters:

Benefits:

7. Power Efficiency

Why this matters:

Benefits:

8. Cost-Effective Solution

Why this matters:

Benefits:

Limitations

Final Conclusion

Key Reasons:

Final Thoughts

Component Selection Analysis – ESP32 Multi Security Tool

Understanding the Design Requirement

IR System

NFC System

Microcontroller

Storage System

Display System

Choosing the Right IR Module for an ESP32 Flipper-Style Project

Understanding IR Modules

Why the HW-201 Cannot Replace a Flipper-Style IR Module

Key limitations

Typical HW-201 range

Requirements of a Flipper-Style IR System

Correct DIY IR Using ESP32

Capabilities of this setup

Recommended Single IR Module

Common names

Key features

Typical operating range

Typical Cost of a DIY Setup

Final Recommendation

Conclusion

Product Links

ESP32 Development Board

38 kHz IR Transmitter + Receiver Combo Module

OLED Display (0.96" I2C)

Microcontroller-Based Cybersecurity Tools: Flipper Zero and Similar Devices

Flipper Zero: Portable Multi-Protocol Security Tool

Hak5 WiFi Pineapple: Wireless Penetration Testing Platform

USB Rubber Ducky

Proxmark3: Advanced RFID and NFC Research Tool