WiFIRCard – Smart Home Automation with ESP32-S3, IR & Relays

Introduction

Most IoT projects require multiple modules – a relay board for appliances, an IR module for remote control, and a Wi-Fi MCU for connectivity. What if all of that could fit on a board smaller than a credit card?

That’s exactly what the WiFIRCarddoes! Powered by the ESP32-S3, it brings together:

• 2x Relays for appliance control
• IR transmitter/receiver for remote learning & emulation
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth for cloud and mobile connectivity
• MicroSD card support for logging and storage
• GPIO breakout for extra sensors & actuators

In this project, we’ll set up WiFIRCard with MicroPython, toggle appliances via relays, and emulate IR remotes.

Features Recap

• ESP32-S3 WROOM-1 dual-core processor
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth LE
• Dual opto-isolated relays (5A switching)
• Onboard IR transmitter & receiver
• MicroSD card support for logging
• Type-C interface for programming
• Multiple programming options: Arduino, MicroPython, CircuitPython, C/C++

Getting Started with MicroPython on WiFIRCard

Step 1: Install MicroPython on WiFIRCard

• Download the latest ESP32-S3 MicroPython firmware from micropython.org.
• Connect WiFIRCard to your PC using a USB Type-C cable.
• Use esptool.py to flash MicroPython:

esptool.py --chip esp32s3 erase_flash
esptool.py --chip esp32s3 --baud 460800 write_flash -z 0x0 micropython.bin

Step 2: Connect to WiFIRCard

• Open Thonny IDE or uPyCraft IDE.
• Select MicroPython (ESP32) as the interpreter.
• Connect to the COM port where WiFIRCard is attached

Step 3: Blink an LED (Hello World)

WiFIRCard has onboard LEDs you can control. Try this first:

from machine import Pin
import time

led = Pin(2, Pin.OUT)  # Replace with onboard LED pin

while True:
    led.value(1)
    time.sleep(0.5)
    led.value(0)
    time.sleep(0.5)

Step 4: Control Relay with MicroPython

from machine import Pin
import time

relay1 = Pin(15, Pin.OUT)  # Example GPIO, replace with actual pin
relay2 = Pin(16, Pin.OUT)

while True:
    relay1.value(1)
    relay2.value(0)
    time.sleep(2)
    relay1.value(0)
    relay2.value(1)
    time.sleep(2)

Step 5: IR Receiver Example (Learn Remote Signal)

from machine import Pin
import time

ir = Pin(17, Pin.IN)  # Replace with actual IR pin

while True:
    if ir.value() == 0:
        print("IR signal detected!")
    time.sleep(0.1)

Applications You Can Build Next

• Voice Control with Alexa/Google Home via MQTT/Home Assistant
• Smart TV Control by learning & emulating IR remotes
• Energy-efficient automation with PIR motion sensors
• IoT dashboards using Blynk or custom MQTT brokers

The WiFIRCardcombines multiple modules into one tiny powerhouse. With MicroPython support, getting started is simple and flexible – perfect for both beginners and advanced makers. Whether you’re building a DIY smart home system, experimenting with IoT dashboards, or teaching automation concepts, this board makes it accessible and fun.

👉 Project built using WiFIRCard, now live on kickstarter