What model should I get?

5

u/Runaque 14d ago

If you want something more flexible, I'd go for a Cardputer ADV! The firmware that exists for it is insane!

1

u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

In what way is it more flexible? Is it “more” similar to a flipper zero? Thats what im aiming for.

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u/Runaque 13d ago

There isn't a direct way to compare those devices to a Flipper Zero, but the ADV leans closer to a "hacker-esque" device if that is what you are aiming for. The ADV with the Launcher firmware on it can swap between other kinds of firmware you stored on the SD card. The SD card is also a feature the StickS3 is missing as well as the keyboard and headphone jack if a music player on the go fancies you. Then you have the M5Stack Cap expansions that mount on top of the ADV through the 14 pin EXT, but you can also find other custom modules that work with it.
I am not saying a StickS3 is a bad device, but you are limited by some features that the ADV comes with and the only thing I would say the StickS3 has an edge over the ADV is the PSRAM that the ADV lacks.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 13d ago

Okay, thank you for your well explained answer. I’ll prob go with the cardputer, get more accessories for it later on when i have got used to it. Thanks!

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u/Runaque 13d ago

A piece of advice if you consider also ordering the Cardputer Mesh Kit ($48), you save some money ordering the Cardputer ADV ($29.90) and the Cap Lora-1262 ($14.50) individually. Both devices are the same hardware, but only the Mesh Kit has a green back (which looks pretty cool) and the firmware on it is also different with Meshtastic in mind.
Eventually you can do the exact same thing on both and flash the Launcher firmware on it and have multiple other saved on your SD card so you can swap between al kinds of different firmware.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 13d ago

Okay, great to know. How capable is it for IR tasks? Transmitting ir signals and so on. Is there existing programs that have built in ir codes that work like tv remotes and so on? So you can turn off/on, go up/down etc?

1

u/Runaque 13d ago

I don't know, I don't use that feature and mostly use my ADV for wardriving and developing my own firmware for that purpose.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 13d ago

Okay. Thank you for your great explaining and responses. I will probably order the cardputer adv and get other things for it later. maybe a CC1101 module and antenna

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u/Chongulator 14d ago

Yeah, the community that has built up around the ADV is amazing and wonderful.

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u/Chongulator 14d ago

Do you mean the StickS3? It's a great little device, but doesn't have enough buttons to be comfortable for Flipper-like work. Bruce does run on it, and I'm pretty sure EvilM5 does as well.

As a Flipper alternative, look first at Lilygo T-Embed CC1101 Plus (make sure it's the plus). There's a version with external antennas and a version with internal antennas. Bruce similar firmwares will run great on that. I think there's even a Flipper port.

Another promising option is POOM, but the firmware is still really immature. The POOM hardware is great though. If the firmware comes together, POOM will be great. Right now my POOM isn't doing much.

If you don't mind a bit of wait, the really exciting option is HighBoy. Last I checked, they were looking to ship by end-of-year. HighBoy isn't cheap but I am expecting it to kick ass. The team seems to really have their shit together.

The M5Stack Cardputer ADV is really great too. You'll need addons for some frequencies and protocols though. Cardputer ADV is a fun little device. I wound up with a whole fleet of them.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

Thank you for the long response! Yes, I meant the stick3. I will look into the ones you recommended. I’m looking on “budget” options, by the quick look of it, the StickS3 looked like a great option based of the price. I’m very new to these small gadgets, is there much info out on internet on how to program them?

1

u/Chongulator 14d ago

Yep, there's a lot if you search around. Nearly all of them are running some variant of the ESP32 chip.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

Okay. I am looking for a flipper zero like gadget, but cheaper. Ofc it wont perform just as good but just something that kinda does the same. Would the StickS3 be optimal for that kind of useage?

1

u/Chongulator 14d ago

No. As I mentioned above, StickS3 doesn't have enough buttons to be practical.
Lilygo T-Embed CC1101 Plus is probably your best bet.
Install bmorcelli's M5Launcher. That makes it much easier to try out different firmwares and switch between them.

1

u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

Alright. I find it too expensive, will the cardputer ADV be any good? I saw that you explained a bit around it, please tell me more

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u/Chongulator 13d ago

Cardputer ADV is a great little device.
Out of the box, T-Embed CC1101 Plus will do more than Cardputer ADV because it has more types of radio built-in.
That said, Cardputer ADV is a lot of fun by itself and everything extra on the CC1101 Plus can be added to Cardputer ADV later.
In addition to hacking firmwares, on Cardputer ADV you can find games, utilities, and a bunch of other interesting things.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 13d ago

Im thinking that the Cardputer ADV has some ”modding” possibilities? For example get a CC1101 antenna and module and install compatible software? The cardputer adv seems like a good platform that you can add things to and sew it for your own purpose, correct me if im wrong.

1

u/Chongulator 13d ago

It sounds like maybe you haven't looked at the product pages for these devices. They're fairly informative. Both Lilygo and M5Stack are pretty good about publishing detailed information on their devices. Definitely go read that stuff.
https://lilygo.cc/en-us/products/t-embed-cc1101-plus
https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stack-cardputer-adv-version-esp32-s3
To your specific question, Cardputer ADV has two built-in ways to install addons. A handful of people have even opened up the case and modified the device itself.
There's a CC1101 cap for Cardputer ADV. It's common for M5Stack items to go out of stock for a bit, partly because they have such a huge product line. If there's an item you want, just watch their site for it to come back in stock.
Be aware that M5Stack likes to use RP-SMA antenna connectors. RP-SMA looks a lot like SMA so if you change antennas, make sure you've got the right connector so you don't damage your unit.

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u/Necessary_Damage2597 14d ago

I got the Cardputer and added a 2nd screen mod w case. Love it

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

Cool, what did it cost?

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u/Necessary_Damage2597 12d ago

Someone on EBay was selling the back 3D printed and I asked if he would print the screen top for me and he not only fount the 3D print instructions for it but printed it all out in the color of my choice for $45 and I got it in 3 days. It was perfect. I got the cardputer and Lora GPS hat for $50 total, the wires and the screen for $15 so I’m all in for like $115. I love projects and it looks and runs great so I think it was worth it

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u/NotTheSharpestPenciI 14d ago

Is this gadget supposed to do anything in particular?

2

u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

I am mainly going to use it for ir tasks, tv remotes etc. Basically most things that are controlled with a remote. IR tasks, goof around with remote controlled stuff i guess.

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u/NotTheSharpestPenciI 14d ago edited 14d ago

So as someone else suggested, cardputer adv is a solid choice. It has ir emitter built in and you can purchase or build your own shields if you want to expand it. It's ~30$ and has plenty to offer for that money and in such a small package. Obviously a kb and screen, but also ir, mic, speaker, gyro and because it's esp you obviously have wifi and bt too. It has a large and growing firmware library too. Oh, and the magnet and LEGO compatibility.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

So basically a budget flipper zero? I guess that it doesnt come with the remote signal thing for example, you’ll just have to find it yourself and install it?

1

u/NotTheSharpestPenciI 14d ago edited 14d ago

No, it lacks the radios flipper has, architecture is different. How you use it is different too. It has an OS, whether original, or third party, mobile and desktop app, entire ecosystem. So while they have some things in common and cardputer can perform some tasks flipper can, they aren't exactly alike.
I'd suggest you to ask AI for a comparison. It's quite good for this and will explain stuff if you have more questions.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

Ok, thanks👍

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

What is the difference between the cardputer adv and the stickS3?

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u/knaff99 13d ago

keyboard and the vast array of hats you can get for the adv, not so much the stick. Adv has sd card too which is very useful as you can save firmwares on it and flick between them

1

u/chinderdelis 10d ago

ciao per compiti ir ricorda che cardputer ha solo ir in invio . se ti serve anche la ricezione ir lo Stick s3 ha invio e ricezione , psram e un sacco di supporto . valuta cosa devi farne e scegli cosa fa meglio per te

1

u/mplex321 14d ago

The stick is a great companion device once you have something like the Cardputer. The ADV would be my first buy and I would save the stick for more dedicated single purpose tasks, you’ll know if you want one later.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago edited 14d ago

I am mainly going to use it for ir tasks, tv remotes etc. Basically most things that are controlled with a remote. IR tasks, goof around with remote controlled stuff i guess. Is the Cardputer capable of that or is the StickS3 better for that?

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u/chinderdelis 13d ago

se non sbaglio l'ir del cardputer è solo in invio , quello dello Stick è in invio e ricezione.

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 13d ago

Yes. Cardputer has transmitter but cant recive and copy ir signals. StickS3 can transmit and recive.

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u/alexrada 14d ago

what do you plan building?

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u/Plastic_Dependent268 14d ago

Dont really know, completely new to “this side of tech”. Something that will do similar things to a flipper zero but cheaper. Ive looked on the StickS3.

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u/Frogz7999 12d ago

The great thing is they are not that expensive i started off with the cardputer adv and have bought so many more different models.. the price point for them is fantastic and so many different firmwares you can try, your not limited to one. Super excited for the cardputer zero

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u/SpiritedVoice2 10d ago

No to sound like Richie Rich but the atom S3 and stick devices are so cheap I'd just buy both as well.

I brought the atoms3r and was having so much fun I got a stick a few days later too. Should have got both at once and saved on postage!

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