Digital Tag with M5Stack Core 2 and Stick C

In a world where identity is increasingly digital, I wanted to create a wearable badge that blends embedded tech with sleek design. This project transforms the M5Stack Core2 and M5Stack Stick C into a programmable, dynamic ID tag—perfect for conferences, labs, or showcasing your maker identity.

The badge displays your name, role, and QR code, while offering real-time status indicators and optional connectivity. It’s housed in a custom-designed 3D case, professionally manufactured by Justway, my official fabrication partner.

🔩 Hardware Components

• M5Stack Core2-Main display unit for ID content
• M5Stack Stick C-Secondary module for status or beacon
• Custom 3D Case-Holds both devices in badge format
• USB-C Cable-Charging and programming

💻 Software Platform: UIFlow

Both devices are programmed using UIFlow, M5Stack’s visual coding environment. It allows rapid prototyping with drag-and-drop blocks and supports MQTT, HTTP, and sensor integration.

🖥️ Core2 Features

• Displays name, role, and animated status bar
• Generates and shows QR code (e.g., GitHub, LinkedIn)
• Optional: scrolling text, avatar image, or time display

📶 Stick C Features

• Shows battery level or signal strength
• Can act as BLE beacon or LED notifier
• Optional: sensor-based personalization (e.g., temperature, motion)

🧰 Step-by-Step Build Guide

1️⃣ Design the Enclosure

I used Fusion 360 to model a layered case that securely holds both devices. Key design features include:

• Cutouts for screen visibility and USB access
• Mounting options for lanyards
• Optional ventilation slots for sensor integration

Once the STL file was finalized, I partnered with Justway to fabricate the enclosure.

🏭 About Justway – My Manufacturing Partner

Justway is more than a 3D printing service—they’re a full-spectrum manufacturing partner based in China, offering:

• 🖨️ High-resolution 3D printing in multiple materials
• ⚙️ CNC machining for metal and plastic parts
• 🧩 Injection molding for scalable production
• 🛠️ Sheet metal fabrication for enclosures and brackets
• 🧪 Urethane casting for low-volume, high-finish parts

Their instant quoting system, wide material selection, and fast turnaround made them the ideal partner for this project.

Justway helped me turn a digital concept into a field-ready, wearable prototype with professional finish and reliability.

2️⃣ Flash & Code the Devices

Before you can program the Core2 or Stick C with UIFlow, you need to flash the UIFlow firmware using M5Burner. This step ensures the devices are ready to accept visual programming blocks and connect to the UIFlow IDE.

🔥 Step 1: Flash UIFlow Firmware with M5Burner

• Download M5Burner from M5Stack Docs

• Connect your Core2 or Stick C via USB-C
• Select the correct device and choose the latest UIFlow firmware
• Configure Wi-Fi credentials (for cloud mode)

• Click Burn and wait for completion
• Note the device name and API key displayed after flashing

🌐 Step 2: Program with UIFlow

• Visit UIFlow IDE and select your device
• Enter the API key to connect

• Core2: QR code block, label blocks, and LED Flash

from m5stack import *
from m5stack_ui import *
from uiflow import *

import random

R = None
G = None
B = None
i = None

screen = M5Screen()
screen.clean_screen()
screen.set_screen_bg_color(0xffffff)

image0 = M5Img("res/bing_generated_qrcode.png", x=86, y=23, parent=None)
Name = M5Label('Pradeep Sellamuthu', x=27, y=180, color=0x000, font=FONT_MONT_26, parent=None)

while True:
  R = random.randint(0, 255)
  G = random.randint(0, 255)
  B = random.randint(0, 255)
  for i in range(0, 256, 10):
    rgb.setColorFrom(6, 10, (R << 16) | (G << 8) | B)
    rgb.setColorFrom(1, 5, (G << 16) | (R << 8) | B)
    rgb.setBrightness(i)
  for i in range(255, -1, -10):
    rgb.setColorFrom(6, 10, (R << 16) | (G << 8) | B)
    rgb.setColorFrom(1, 5, (G << 16) | (R << 8) | B)
    rgb.setBrightness(i)
  wait_ms(100)

• Test and iterate directly from the browser

This two-step process—flash first, then flow—ensures reliable communication and seamless programming for your digital ID badge.

3️⃣ Assemble the Badge

• Insert Core2 and Stick C into the printed case

• Connect USB-C for power or use internal battery
• Mount using lanyard, clip, or magnetic holder

• Test display and interactivity

🎨 Personalization Ideas

• Add your photo or avatar
• Use color-coded themes for departments or roles
• Display project links or GitHub QR
• Include playful animations or scrolling text

🧵 Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Badge

This digital ID tag isn’t just a wearable—it’s a statement. It reflects the power of modular design, the elegance of embedded systems, and the joy of turning ideas into tangible, field-ready tools. Whether you're showcasing your maker identity at a tech event or streamlining lab access with smart credentials, this project proves that even small devices can carry big impact.

Partnering with Justway elevated this build from prototype to polished product. Their precision manufacturing and fast turnaround made it easy to iterate, test, and deploy with confidence.