Build a Desktop Flight Tracker with an ESP32 and Zero Soldering

For many makers and hardware hackers, collecting data is half the fun of their projects. They don't just want to know what's happening in the wider world — they want a better understanding of what's happening in their own backyards. That curiosity has inspired countless DIY weather stations, air quality monitors, and custom sensor projects that measure everything from temperature and humidity to airborne particles and noise levels.

For Anthony Sturdy, it’s airplanes that are of interest. He wants to know where they are, where they came from, and where they are going. To make that possible, he created a device that is simply called Micro Radar. It is a tiny, open source flight tracker built for desktop use. You can build your own with a single development board, and you won’t even need to solder any wires.

The project is centered around a 1.28-inch ESP32-C3 display module with a built-in 240 x 240 pixel round IPS screen. Sturdy designed the device so that nearly everything can be assembled from this off-the-shelf part and a handful of 3D-printed components. The enclosure consists of a main body, front plate, bezel, and two spacers, all of which can be printed at home using PLA filament.

Assembly is straightforward and can typically be completed in an hour or two, excluding print time. The only specialized task involves installing heat-set threaded inserts with a soldering iron. Builders can also add an optional 32.5mm mineral glass lens to protect the display and give the finished device a more polished appearance. A USB-C ribbon extension routes power to the rear of the enclosure, helping maintain the clean look.

Once assembled, the device connects to Wi-Fi and retrieves live aircraft data from OpenSky Network. While the service can be used without an account, Sturdy recommends creating a free OpenSky account to increase the available API request quota from 400 to 4,000 requests per day. The higher limit allows the radar display to update more frequently and provide a more accurate view of nearby air traffic.

Configuration is handled through a built-in web interface. During the first boot, the unit creates its own Wi-Fi access point, allowing users to complete setup from a phone or laptop. The device can be configured through a browser, where users can specify their latitude and longitude, adjust the radar coverage area, customize display options, and enter OpenSky API credentials.

The end result is a dedicated flight tracker that sits on a desk and continuously displays all aircraft flying overhead in real time. It’s a simple project, but one that scratches a very specific itch. For aviation enthusiasts, plane spotters, and anyone curious about the traffic passing through the skies above their home, Micro Radar provides a nice way to keep watch. Further details are available in the project’s GitHub repository.