DSTIKE ESP32 Walkie-Talkie — ESP-NOW Communicator

Open-Source ESP-NOW Voice Communicator for Makers

The DSTIKE ESP32 Walkie-Talkie is a fully assembled, open-source push-to-talk voice communication device built around the ESP32-WROOM-DA module.

Instead of using a conventional walkie-talkie radio system, it transmits digital voice data directly between compatible DSTIKE devices using ESP-NOW. No Wi-Fi router, internet connection, SIM card or mobile service is required.

It can be used as a working portable communicator or as a development platform for learning about ESP-NOW, digital audio, displays, battery-powered hardware and embedded user interfaces.

Key Features

• ESP32-WROOM-DA main controller

• Direct ESP-NOW digital voice communication

• No Wi-Fi router or internet connection required

• Half-duplex push-to-talk operation

• Communication range up to approximately 150 meters in suitable open conditions

• 10 preset communication channels

• 1.3-inch information display

• Large red PTT button

• Three channel and volume controls

• RGB operating-status indicator

• Built-in 2500mAh rechargeable 18650 battery

• Four-LED battery-level indicator

• Charging input up to 5V/1.5A

• Integrated microphone and speaker

• Transparent acrylic front panel

• 3D-printed enclosure and switches

• Open-source firmware and schematic

• Fully assembled and ready to use

How ESP-NOW Communication Works

ESP-NOW allows compatible ESP32 devices to exchange data directly over the 2.4 GHz radio band without first connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

When the PTT button is pressed, the device captures your voice and transmits the digital audio data to compatible units using the same preset channel. Receiving units play the audio through their integrated speakers.

Because the system is half-duplex, only one user should transmit at a time. Release the PTT button when you have finished speaking so another user can respond.

Communication Range

Under open, low-interference and line-of-sight conditions, the communication range can reach approximately 150 meters.

Actual range can be shorter and depends on:

• Walls, floors and buildings

• Antenna orientation

• Nearby Wi-Fi networks

• Other 2.4 GHz devices

• Electrical interference

• Battery level

• Device placement

• Local environmental conditions

The 150-meter figure is an approximate test result under favorable conditions, not a guaranteed operating distance.

10 Preset Channels

The device includes 10 preset communication channels.

Compatible devices must be set to the same channel before they can communicate. The channel system makes it easier to separate different groups of devices operating in the same area.

The three brown control buttons are used for channel and volume adjustment:

• Short press: Change the selected channel

• Long press: Adjust the speaker volume

The selected channel and operating information are shown on the display.

These preset channels are part of the DSTIKE ESP-NOW firmware and are not conventional FRS, GMRS, PMR446 or analog radio channels.

Push-to-Talk Operation

To transmit:

1. Confirm that the communicating devices are using the same channel.

2. Press and hold the large red PTT button.

3. Speak toward the microphone.

4. Release the button when you have finished.

The device returns to standby after the PTT button is released.

For clearer audio, hold the device a short distance from your mouth and speak at a normal volume. Speaking directly against the microphone or covering its opening may cause distortion.

RGB Operating Indicator

The onboard RGB LED shows the current communication state:

• Green: Standby and ready

• Red: PTT pressed and voice transmitting

• Blue: Voice signal received and playing

The status colors and behavior can be changed through custom firmware.

1.3-Inch Display

The built-in display provides operating information without requiring a phone or computer.

It can show information such as:

• Selected communication channel

• Speaker volume

• Device status

• Battery information

• Custom firmware interfaces

Displayed information may vary depending on the installed firmware version.

Rechargeable Battery

Each walkie-talkie contains a built-in 2500mAh rechargeable 18650 battery.

Power features include:

• Built-in rechargeable battery

• USB charging

• Charging input up to 5V/1.5A

• Four battery-level indicator LEDs

• Portable operation without a continuous external power connection

The four LEDs provide an approximate battery level and should not be treated as a precision capacity measurement.

Actual operating time depends on transmission frequency, receiving time, speaker volume, display activity, battery condition and surrounding wireless activity.

Choose Your Version

Walkie-Talkie ×1

Includes one complete ESP32 Walkie-Talkie with a built-in rechargeable battery.

Choose this option if you already own another compatible DSTIKE unit or want a single device for firmware development.

One unit alone cannot provide two-way voice communication.

Walkie-Talkie ×2

Includes two complete ESP32 Walkie-Talkies, each with its own built-in rechargeable battery.

Choose this option if you want a complete two-way push-to-talk set.

Both devices must be set to the same preset channel.

Walkie-Talkie ×1 + Receive-Only Speaker ×1

Includes:

• One ESP32 Walkie-Talkie with a built-in rechargeable battery

• One compatible USB-powered receive-only speaker

The receive-only speaker can play audio transmitted by the walkie-talkie but cannot transmit a reply. This option is suitable for announcements, demonstrations and one-way audio reception.

It is not a two-transceiver set.

Hardware Specifications

• Main controller: ESP32-WROOM-DA

• Communication method: ESP-NOW

• Wireless band: 2.4 GHz

• Communication mode: Half-duplex

• Tested range: Up to approximately 150 meters in favorable open conditions

• Preset channels: 10

• Display: 1.3-inch

• Controls: Three channel/volume buttons

• PTT control: Large red push-to-talk button

• Audio input: Integrated microphone

• Audio output: Integrated speaker

• Status indicator: RGB LED

• Battery: Built-in 2500mAh rechargeable 18650 cell

• Battery indication: Four LEDs

• Charging input: Up to 5V/1.5A

• Front panel: Transparent acrylic

• Enclosure: 3D-printed

• Firmware: Open source

• Schematic: Open source

• Assembly: Fully assembled

Open-Source Development Platform

The schematic and firmware source code are available here:

DSTIKE ESP32 Walkie-Talkie source files

The project can be used to study:

• ESP-NOW data transmission

• Half-duplex voice communication

• Digital audio capture and playback

• Push-to-talk control logic

• Displays and menu systems

• RGB status indicators

• Rechargeable battery management

• Embedded user-interface design

Experienced developers can modify the firmware to explore different channel systems, new interfaces, wireless notifications, remote controls or Wi-Fi-based intercom projects.

Uploading custom firmware will overwrite the factory program. Back up the original files and confirm the correct board and pin configuration before programming.

Compatibility Notice

This product communicates only with compatible DSTIKE ESP-NOW voice devices using matching firmware and channel settings.

It is not compatible with:

• Conventional analog walkie-talkies

• FRS radios

• GMRS radios

• PMR446 radios

• CB radios

• DMR radios

• Amateur radio transceivers

• Cellular push-to-talk services

• Standard Bluetooth headsets

It does not require or connect through a public Wi-Fi network during normal ESP-NOW communication.

Important Usage Notes

• At least two compatible transceiver units are required for two-way conversation.

• A receive-only speaker cannot transmit a reply.

• This product should not be used for emergency, medical or safety-critical communication.

• Wireless performance can be affected by interference and obstacles.

• Do not assume that voice transmissions are private or encrypted unless you have verified the installed firmware configuration.

• Follow all regulations applicable to 2.4 GHz wireless devices in your location.

• Firmware functions may change between versions.

• The ESP32-WROOM-DA module has reached End of Life, so future availability of this exact hardware version may be limited.

Battery and Handling Safety

• Use a stable 5V USB charging source.

• Do not charge the device unattended.

• Keep the product away from water, conductive objects and high temperatures.

• Stop using it if the battery becomes swollen, damaged or unusually hot.

• Do not puncture, crush or modify the built-in battery.

• Do not use the device while the enclosure or internal wiring is damaged.

• Battery replacement should only be performed by someone familiar with lithium-ion battery safety.

A Finished Device You Can Rebuild in Software

The DSTIKE ESP32 Walkie-Talkie combines a practical push-to-talk communicator with an accessible open-source ESP32 development platform.

Use it for maker demonstrations, ESP-NOW education and wireless audio experiments—or study the source code and turn it into your own communication project.