Beginners Guide for an easy to build Access Point (aka spaghetti AP)
The "Spaghetti AP" is frequently discussed in our Discord channel. This Wiki entry helps beginners build an AP easily. The Spaghetti AP simply consists of two ESP boards (1x ESP32-S3 and 1x ESP32-C6) connected via a handful of Dupont cables.
You need relatively little material to build the AP, which can be obtained from your trusted electronics retailer. (Note: The articles linked below go to AliExpress as examples, they are not affiliate links):
- ESP32-S3 N16R8: AliExpress Link
- ESP32-C6: AliExpress Link
- Dupont cables (female-to-female): AliExpress Link
To solder the pins, you also need a soldering iron, solder (e.g., 1mm cross-section), and preferably a breadboard. Alternative: You can buy ESPs that already come with pre-soldered header pins from the factory. In that case, you don't need any soldering equipment at all.
Tip
I opted for an ESP32-S3 with an integrated display. The advantage is that the display can show OpenEPaperLink status information, or you can use it as a tag. Of course, you can also use a standard ESP32-S3 without a display.
To solder the pins straight and easily, plug the pins into the breadboard first, and then place the ESP on top to solder them.
(If you are a beginner, there are many simple soldering tutorials available on YouTube).
Next, you have to connect the cables between the two boards. There are 8 connections in total. Make sure that the cables are plugged in properly and do not wobble.
The designations refer to the two ESPs linked above. The pin-out corresponds to the Yellow AP hardware design (see details here).
Or as a simplified graphical representation:
- Connect the ESP32-S3 to your computer via USB.
- Go to the web flasher: install.openepaperlink.de
- IMPORTANT: Please select "Yellow AP" from the drop-down menu.
- The installation process is self-explanatory. After finishing, it will show you the default IP address.
- Connect to the newly created WiFi SSID
OpenEpaperLink. - Open your browser and navigate to the displayed IP: http://192.168.4.1/setup.
- In the setup interface, connect the ESP32-S3 to your local home WiFi network. You can also assign a static IP address (which is highly recommended).
After installing OpenEPaperLink, the ESP32-C6 still needs to be flashed. This is done via the AP's web interface. Find your AP's new IP address in your router's DHCP leases (or look at the S3's display if you bought the display version!).
There are three ways to flash the C6:
- Go to the Settings (cogwheel symbol) -> Update section.
- Change the Repo to
OpenEPaperLink/OpenEPaperLink. Click "Change" and confirm it. - Afterwards, click on the "Update ESP32-C6" button at the bottom.
- Download the 4 firmware files manually from the ESP32-C6 GitHub folder.
- Go to the Settings (cogwheel symbol) in your AP interface and open the integrated file browser.
- Upload all 4 files manually.
- Then go back to Update and click "Update ESP32-C6".
- Plug the USB cable directly into the ESP32-C6 and connect it to your PC.
- Visit install.openepaperlink.de again.
- Select Yellow AP and flash it directly.
If you own a 3D printer, there is a custom case designed specifically for the Spaghetti AP:
Spaghetti AP Case Files
See Yellow-AP-with-EByte-CC1101-module and SubGHz Connections For C6 Based APs for information on adding a CC1101 module to the AP to provide support for SubGHz tags.
Voila! You have your first Spaghetti AP up and running. Have fun with it!