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Nezha For ESP32 Board

Nezha For ESP32 Board

Overview​

The Nezha For ESP32 Board is a core controller designed for K–12 coding education, robotics competitions, and AIoT projects.

Its modular controller-and-sensor design works with building-block systems. Students can use it for introductory coding, sensor projects, robot control, smart environmental monitoring, and creative construction. A fully enclosed housing protects the electronics, while keyed RJ11 ports and a color-coded port system help students connect sensors and expansion modules quickly in classrooms, clubs, and competitions.

The Nezha For ESP32 Board supports block-based programming with MicroBlocks, as well as MicroPython and Python. It can also connect to the Smart IoT platform for data visualization and project expansion.

SKU: EF03480


Features​

Nezha For ESP32 Board feature overview

Fully Enclosed Protective Housing​

The fully enclosed housing helps reduce the risk of hardware damage caused by drops and impacts during classroom activities, model building, and competition testing.

Drop-resistance demonstration


Keyed RJ11 Ports​

Keyed RJ11 ports help prevent reversed or incorrect connections and reduce connector wear. This design is well suited to large classes and younger learners.

Connecting and disconnecting an RJ11 cable


Color-Coded Port System​

Different colors identify different port types. This helps students find the correct connection quickly and reduces classroom troubleshooting time.

Port ColorPort TypeDescription
YellowAnalog / digitalConnects compatible analog or digital modules
OrangeDigitalConnects digital modules
BlueIICConnects modules that use IIC communication
RedMotorConnects motors or supported actuators

Color-coded port system


Block-Based Programming with MicroBlocks​

The board supports block-based programming with MicroBlocks for K–12 coding lessons and hands-on classroom projects. Students can build programs with visual blocks and develop projects that use the controller and connected sensors.

MicroBlocks programming demonstration


Wired and Bluetooth Programming​

The board supports both wired and Bluetooth programming. Users can choose the most suitable connection for classroom activities or robotics competitions, reducing the need to reconnect cables during testing.

Wired and Bluetooth connection options


Built-In Input and Output Components​

The Nezha For ESP32 Board includes essential input and output components, enabling students to complete beginner projects without external modules.

Onboard ComponentTypical Uses
2.4-inch color displayDisplays program interfaces, sensor readings, prompts, and project status
Three programmable buttonsProvides program input, menu navigation, and interactive control
Three RGB LEDsProvides status indications, program feedback, and lighting effects
Ambient light sensorMeasures ambient light for projects such as automatic lighting, light logging, and sunshade alerts
Dual noise-reducing microphone arrayDetects sound for noise monitoring, voice interaction, and AIoT projects
GyroscopeDetects orientation and movement for tilt sensing, motion control, and robotics projects
SpeakerProvides audio feedback and notification tones

Custom functions for the onboard buttons


Smart IoT Platform Support​

The board can connect to the Smart IoT platform. Users can create project-specific dashboards to display and record data in real time.

Smart IoT dashboard demonstration


Support for Modular Building Systems​

The board is designed to work with commonly available studded building blocks and modular beam-and-connector structural components. These parts can be used to build robots, environmental monitoring systems, smart devices, and other creative projects.


Specifications​

ItemSpecification
Product NameNezha For ESP32 Board
SKUEF03480
Main ControllerESP32-S3, dual-core, 240 MHz
Dimensions80 × 60 × 36 mm
Net Weight140 g
Charging PortUSB Type-C
Recommended Charging Input5 V / 3 A
Charging TimeApproximately 60 minutes
BatteryBuilt-in 7.4 V / 900 mAh lithium battery
Display2.4-inch, 240 × 320 color display
Onboard InputsThree programmable buttons, ambient light sensor, dual noise-reducing microphone array, and gyroscope
Onboard OutputsThree RGB LEDs, speaker, and display
Programming Languages and EnvironmentsMicroBlocks, MicroPython
Programming ConnectionsWired and Bluetooth
IoT SupportSmart IoT platform
Building-System SupportDesigned to work with commonly available studded building blocks and modular beam-and-connector structural components

Power Indicator​

The power indicator shows power-on, power-off, battery-level, and charging states.

StatusIndicator Behavior
Powering onFlashes green once
Powering offFlashes red once
Powered offOff
Battery > 50%Solid green
20% < battery ≤ 50%Solid yellow
10% < battery ≤ 20%Solid red
Battery ≤ 9%Rapid red flashing
Charging while powered onSlowly flashes in the current battery-level color
Charging while powered offSlowly flashes red
Fully chargedSolid green

User Interface​


Button Functions​

The current development firmware and the planned production release use different menu controls. In user programs, all three buttons can also be assigned custom functions.

VersionA ButtonB ButtonC Button
Current development versionBackConfirmNext option
Production versionBackSwitch optionConfirm

Main Screens​

Home Screen​

The default screen displayed at startup.

User interface home screen

Run and Load Programs​

From the Home screen, press button A once to open this page in the current development version.

Run and load programs screen

Module Selection​

From the Home screen, press button C once to open this page in the current development version.

Module selection screen

Quick Start​

Open MicroBlocks​

Development and testing access:

https://www.smartiot.space/microblocks/

Development note: The Smart IoT branch of MicroBlocks is intended for early-stage development, testing, and evaluation. It will be closed after the product is officially launched.

Production access after launch: https://microblocksfun.cn/run/microblocks.html


Connect the Board​

Choose a connection method

  • Wired connection: Connect the Nezha For ESP32 Board to your computer with a USB Type-C data cable.
Wired connection
  • Wireless connection: Connect the Nezha For ESP32 Board to your computer via Bluetooth.
Bluetooth connection

Update the Firmware (Optional)​

Follow these steps to update the firmware on the Nezha For ESP32 Board.

  1. In MicroBlocks, select the option to update firmware from a URL.

Select the firmware update from URL option

  1. Use the following URL to download the firmware file:

    Firmware version: V0.9.3
    Firmware update date: 26/08/28

    https://www.smartiot.space/static_resource/NEZHA-ESP32-S3_all.bin

Enter the firmware URL

  1. After the firmware file has downloaded, press and hold the power button to turn on the Nezha For ESP32 Board. Connect the board to a computer with a USB-C data cable.

Connect the board to a computer

  1. Select the corresponding serial port to begin the firmware update.

Select the serial port

  1. When the update-complete message appears, disconnect the USB-C cable and restart the Nezha For ESP32 Board.

Firmware update complete


Add the Nezha ESP32 Extension Library​

Add the dedicated extension library to use the blocks for the Nezha For ESP32 Board.

Current library path: Libraries → Elecfreaks → Nezha ESP32 → Board

Add the Nezha ESP32 extension library


Programming Block Categories​

CategoryDescription
Basic ControlRead device information, initialize the board, and set its operating state
DisplayShow text, values, icons, or pages on the color display
Button InputRead the state of buttons A, B, and C
RGB LEDsSet the color of one or all RGB LEDs
Onboard Light SensorRead ambient light data
Onboard MicrophoneRead sound or noise data
Onboard GyroscopeRead orientation, tilt, or motion data
External SensorsRead data from sensors connected through RJ11 ports
MotionControl motor speed, direction, stop commands, and motion states
IoT PlatformUpload data to the Smart IoT platform

Example Programs​

Example 1: Light-Activated Music Alarm​

This example reads the onboard ambient light sensor. When the light level reaches or exceeds 3,000 lux, the board plays music.


Example 2: Read Microphone Data and Control the RGB LEDs​

This example reads data from the onboard microphone. The display continuously shows the current sound level in decibels (dB). When the sound exceeds a defined threshold, the RGB LEDs change color to provide a visual alert.


Run a Program on the Board​

  1. Connect the board to your computer with a USB Type-C data cable or via Bluetooth.
  2. Select the corresponding device in MicroBlocks.
  3. After the connection is established, run the program or transfer it to the board.
  4. Confirm that the program runs correctly before disconnecting the board.
  5. To keep the program on the device, use the board's program storage function.

Note:

Short-press the power button to reset the program when powered on.

To save the current program, manually click "Save As" in the Program Management page of the UI.

Run and stop a program


Expected Result​

After a program is transferred or started, the board can read data from onboard or external sensors according to the program logic. It can provide feedback through the display, RGB LEDs, speaker, motors, or the IoT platform.


FAQ​

The computer does not recognize the board.​

Make sure the USB Type-C cable supports data transfer. Try another USB port, reconnect the device, or restart the board.

MicroBlocks cannot connect to the board.​

Check the browser permissions, device connection status, and USB data cable. If the problem continues, refresh the MicroBlocks page or try another cable.

A sensor is not returning data.​

Make sure the RJ11 cable is fully inserted, the port color matches the module type, and the sensor is connected to the correct port.

A motor does not run.​

Check the motor port, battery level, and program settings. Charge the board before continuing if the battery level is low.