HellzGate ESP-NOW Cluster Firmware · Open-Source BetaExplore the beta
Open-source release · October 2, 2026 · v0.1.0-beta.1

HellzGate ESP-NOW Cluster Firmware — Open-Source Beta

Master + scanner/node firmware for ESP32-C5.

Our ESP-NOW Cluster Firmware beta is now open source under MIT. Explore the code, fork it, adapt it to your hardware, and help move it forward. From the HellzGate Project by Hellz (Sean Clossey).

Fork it. Build it. Share what you learn.

Source, build instructions and tests for an ESP32-C5 master and scanner nodes collecting passive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE observations. XIAO ESP32-C5 boards and custom builds are welcome; the FullGate PCB is not required for the ESP-NOW transport. Check the hardware adaptation guide before using other pin layouts.

Browse & fork the source

Experimental. Not a final release.

The supplied builds are configured for up to 20 scanners. Earlier firmware demonstrated 20-scanner operation; this beta still needs its own 20-scanner field validation. Limited master/one-scanner bench testing predates later source changes. The October 5 source update added scan-mode controls and reliability improvements; host checks passed, while current-source hardware validation remains pending.

This is a source-only ESP-NOW beta, separate from the production firmware and app integration. Read the known limitations and share test results or issues on GitHub.

Beta download & release notes

Some people spoon, we fork. Have fun and be safe! — Hellz

For education, research and authorized testing. Provided as-is under MIT. Please credit the HellzGate Project by Hellz (Sean Clossey) and link back when you build on it.

Setup & Troubleshooting

Hotspot on demand. One button.

Can't see the HellzGate Wi-Fi network? The hotspot is off after startup in the tested firmware. While the master is running, hold M1's BOOT button for about one second, then release to enable it. Repeat to disable it.

Connect to the dashboard

  • Wi-Fi network / SSID: hellzgate
  • Default password: hellzgate
  • Open http://192.168.4.1 in your browser
  • No internet is expected. Stay connected to use the local dashboard.

Toggle without resetting

  • Use the master's BOOT button, not a scanner's.
  • Do not press RESET or hold BOOT during power-up for this action. BOOT at reset is used for flashing.
  • Hotspot off disconnects the dashboard; scanning and SD logging continue.
  • A restart returns the hotspot to off in the tested builds.

If the SSID is missing, let the master finish booting, hold and release BOOT once, then refresh your Wi-Fi list. Each hold toggles the state; repeated holds can turn it back off. Disabling the hotspot does not disable ESP-NOW or make the device radio-silent. Use Stop on the dashboard to close a logging session before powering down.