Popular DIY Projects

Choose a project that matches your skill level and goals. From beginner-friendly builds to advanced AI-powered systems.

Pwnagotchi

Most Popular

An AI-powered Raspberry Pi wardriving companion that learns from its environment. Uses bettercap to capture WPA handshakes and PMKID hashes while displaying an adorable face on an e-ink screen.

  • AI learns optimal channel hopping
  • Automatic WPA handshake capture
  • PMKID hash collection
  • Cute e-ink display with moods
  • Plugin ecosystem
  • GPS support for mapping
Estimated Cost
$80-150
Difficulty

Pi Kismet Rig

Versatile

A portable Kismet setup running on Raspberry Pi. Full-featured wireless detection with web UI accessible from your phone. Great for dedicated, always-on wardriving.

  • Full Kismet functionality
  • Web UI on any device
  • Multiple adapter support
  • PCAP capture capable
  • Bluetooth detection
  • WiGLE export ready
Estimated Cost
$100-200
Difficulty

ESP32 Wardriver

Budget Friendly

Ultra-compact and cheap WiFi scanner using ESP32 microcontroller. Perfect for a first DIY project or creating multiple distributed sensors.

  • Under $30 total cost
  • Low power consumption
  • SD card logging
  • GPS integration
  • Arduino/PlatformIO
  • Tiny form factor
Estimated Cost
$20-40
Difficulty

M5Stack Wardriver

Plug & Play

Pre-built ESP32 development kit with screen and battery. Just flash the firmware and go. Great balance of ease and capability.

  • Built-in color display
  • Integrated battery
  • No soldering required
  • USB-C charging
  • Modular accessories
  • GPS module available
Estimated Cost
$50-100
Difficulty

Pwnagotchi Build Guide

The most popular homebrew wardriving project. Here's everything you need to build your own AI-powered wardriving companion.

Parts List

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W $15-20
Waveshare 2.13" e-ink HAT $15-25
32GB microSD Card $8-12
USB OTG Adapter $5-8
UPS HAT / Battery Pack $15-30
3D Printed Case (optional) $10-20
GPS Module (optional) $15-25
External WiFi Adapter (optional) $30-50

Flash the Image

Download the latest Pwnagotchi image and flash it to your microSD card using Balena Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager. The image includes all necessary software pre-configured.

Configure Settings

Edit the config.toml file on the boot partition. Set your name, whitelist your home network, configure plugins, and set up GPS if you have one. The config file is well-documented.

Assemble Hardware

Attach the e-ink display HAT to the Pi's GPIO pins. Connect the UPS HAT for portable power. If using a case, install everything securely. No soldering required for basic builds.

First Boot

Insert the SD card, connect power, and wait. First boot takes 5-10 minutes as the AI initializes. You'll see the face appear on the e-ink display when ready.

Connect & Configure

Connect via USB (RNDIS/SSH) or Bluetooth to access the web UI. Fine-tune settings, install plugins, and start your wardriving adventures. The web UI shows real-time stats.

Example config.toml

# /etc/pwnagotchi/config.toml

main.name = "YourPwny"
main.lang = "en"
main.whitelist = [
    "YourHomeNetwork",
    "FriendsNetwork"
]

main.plugins.grid.enabled = true
main.plugins.grid.report = true
main.plugins.grid.exclude = [
    "YourHomeNetwork"
]

# GPS Plugin (if you have GPS module)
main.plugins.gps.enabled = true
main.plugins.gps.speed = 19200
main.plugins.gps.device = "/dev/ttyUSB0"

# Web UI
ui.web.enabled = true
ui.web.address = "0.0.0.0"
ui.web.port = 8080
ui.web.username = "changeme"
ui.web.password = "changeme"

# Display settings
ui.display.enabled = true
ui.display.type = "waveshare_2"
ui.display.color = "black"

ESP32 Wardriver Build

Build an ultra-compact, battery-powered WiFi scanner for under $30. Perfect for a weekend project.

Parts List

ESP32 Dev Board $5-10
GPS Module (NEO-6M) $8-12
microSD Card Module $2-5
18650 Battery + Holder $5-10
TP4056 Charger Module $1-3
Jumper Wires $2-5

Wiring Diagram

ESP32 -> GPS (TX/RX), SD Card (SPI), Battery (5V/GND)

Basic WiFi Scanner Code

Simple Arduino sketch to scan WiFi networks and log to SD card:

// ESP32 WiFi Scanner - Basic Example
#include "WiFi.h"
#include "SD.h"
#include "TinyGPS++.h"

TinyGPSPlus gps;
File logFile;

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    Serial2.begin(9600);  // GPS on Serial2

    WiFi.mode(WIFI_STA);
    WiFi.disconnect();

    if (!SD.begin(5)) {  // CS pin 5
        Serial.println("SD Card failed!");
        return;
    }

    logFile = SD.open("/wigle.csv", FILE_APPEND);
    if (logFile) {
        logFile.println("MAC,SSID,AuthMode,Channel,RSSI,Lat,Lon");
        logFile.close();
    }
}

void loop() {
    // Update GPS
    while (Serial2.available() > 0) {
        gps.encode(Serial2.read());
    }

    int n = WiFi.scanNetworks();
    logFile = SD.open("/wigle.csv", FILE_APPEND);

    for (int i = 0; i < n; i++) {
        String line = WiFi.BSSIDstr(i) + ",";
        line += WiFi.SSID(i) + ",";
        line += getEncryption(WiFi.encryptionType(i)) + ",";
        line += String(WiFi.channel(i)) + ",";
        line += String(WiFi.RSSI(i)) + ",";
        line += String(gps.location.lat(), 6) + ",";
        line += String(gps.location.lng(), 6);

        logFile.println(line);
    }

    logFile.close();
    delay(5000);  // Scan every 5 seconds
}

Build Tips

Power Solutions

  • Use quality 18650 cells (Samsung, LG, Panasonic)
  • Consider USB power banks for simplicity
  • Pi Zero uses ~120mA, plan battery accordingly
  • UPS HATs provide graceful shutdown
  • Solar charging for extended deployments

Enclosures

  • 3D print custom cases (Thingiverse has many)
  • Waterproof project boxes for outdoor use
  • Altoids tins for stealth builds
  • Leave room for heat dissipation
  • Consider antenna placement in design

GPS Tips

  • Place antenna with clear sky view
  • First fix can take 1-5 minutes
  • Active antennas improve sensitivity
  • u-blox modules (NEO-6M, NEO-8M) are reliable
  • Enable SBAS for better accuracy

WiFi Adapters

  • Internal Pi WiFi works but limited
  • Alfa adapters add range and power
  • Check Linux driver compatibility first
  • Monitor mode required for Pwnagotchi
  • External antennas improve range

Resources & Communities

Where to Buy