🎧 What is it?

This is a fully working Internet Radio based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, designed with a physical control interface using a rotary encoder and push button.

It allows you to stream thousands of Internet radio stations from around the world — with no subscription fees, no licenses, and often fewer ads than traditional FM stations.

The device is battery-powered, portable, and includes:

• Color display

• Rotary encoder for navigation & volume

• Built-in DAC and 3W Amplifier

• 5W Speaker

You can browse stations and adjust the volume using the rotary encoder (turn to scroll, press to select), or remotely using the built-in web-based radio manager from a PC, Mac, or mobile phone.

Stations are accessed via online URLs. The radio can store up to 1000 favorites, and there are many free websites listing these URLs (see documentation).

🔧 Versions Available

Fully Assembled Bluetooth Version

Ready to use out of the box. Includes Bluetooth Transmitter for connecting to Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or earbuds. Just add a battery or power via USB-C, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this project! The whole process was smooth and impressively fast. Uploading my design files was straightforward, and PCBWay’s instant quoting system made it easy to fine-tune specs without any confusion.

I’m genuinely impressed by the quality — the boards turned out exactly as I envisioned, with crisp silkscreen, precise drill alignment, and professional finish.

Kit Version

Includes all components for self-assembly. Requires a soldering iron, basic soldering skills, and a hot glue gun. Perfect as a fun and educational activity to build with children. Build it add a battery or power via USB-C, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy

💡 What Makes It Special?

Rotary Encoder Control – Smooth and precise navigation. Turn to scroll through stations, press to select, hold for additional functions.

Color Display – Clear and readable station information, volume level, and system status.

Web-Based Management System – Manage stations and features from any device on the same network.

User-Friendly Interface – Simple and responsive UI optimized for encoder-based control.

ESP32-S3 Microcontroller – Reliable and Wi-Fi enabled, powers the system.

Compact Design – Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or blend into any room.

📦 What's Included (Kit & Assembled Versions)

Microcontroller + Display: 1x LilyGo T-Display S3 (non-touch version)

Amplifier + DAC: 1x MAX98357A I2S 3W Class D Module

Speaker: 1x 5W 4Ω 40mm

Rotary Encoder: 1x EC11 rotary encoder with push switch

On/Off Push Button: 1x 12mm push button (PBW-12BPW-W)

Wi-Fi Antenna: U.FL (IPEX/IPX) connector antenna

3D-Printed Enclosure: Offered in various colors

Set of Wires: For battery, speaker, encoder, and switch connections

⚠️ Important Notes

• Battery not included (due to shipping rules). The radio can also operate using only the USB-C charging port, without a battery installed.

• Soldering iron and hot glue gun are required for assembling the kit (not included).

• This is a DIY product intended for users comfortable with soldering and electronics assembly.

• Firmware Compatibility: Only works with LilyGo T-Display S3 (non-touch version). Firmware is provided as a BIN file (source code not shared).

• Character Support: English only.

• Photos may vary: PCB colors or module brands may differ slightly.

• Streaming Info: Supports up to 320Kbit/s streams. HLS/DASH/FLAC formats not supported (e.g., BBC streams).

• Requires a strong Wi-Fi signal for smooth playback.