DSTIKE HackHeld32C5 — ESP32-C5 Dual-Band Handheld

Dual-Band ESP32-C5 Handheld Development and Assessment Tool

The DSTIKE HackHeld32C5 is a compact handheld development platform designed for makers, firmware developers, wireless technology education, and authorized network assessment.

Powered by an ESP32-C5 N16R8 microcontroller, it supports compatible 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks and provides Wi-Fi 6 capability. A 1.54-inch ST7789 color display, eight application buttons, a dedicated reset control, WS2812B RGB LED, built-in 1000mAh battery, and USB-C connectivity make it suitable for both ready-to-use operation and custom firmware development.

What Is It?

The HackHeld32C5 is a portable ESP32-C5 development device with an integrated display, physical controls, battery, charging circuit, and protective enclosure.

Its handheld control layout includes directional buttons, A and B buttons, and two menu buttons. This gives developers more direct input options than a compact three-way switch and makes the device suitable for menu-based applications, diagnostic interfaces, interactive projects, and custom ESP32-C5 firmware.

The supplied Deauther32 firmware provides an interface for wireless scanning, signal monitoring, and controlled assessment on compatible networks. Developers can also replace or modify the firmware for their own educational and experimental projects.

Why Did We Make It?

Compact wireless devices are convenient, but limited controls can make complex menus and custom applications more difficult to use.

The HackHeld32C5 was designed to provide a more complete handheld interface with:

• A directional control layout

• Dedicated A and B buttons

• Separate menu controls

• A larger built-in battery

• A clear color display

• Programmable RGB status feedback

• USB-C charging and firmware access

• A compact protective enclosure

This makes it a flexible platform for users who need more physical controls than a watch-style device while maintaining a portable form factor.

What Makes It Special?

• ESP32-C5 N16R8 Platform: Provides a modern RISC-V development environment with expanded memory for compatible firmware and applications.

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Supports compatible 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks.

• Wi-Fi 6 Capability: Suitable for studying and developing applications for modern wireless environments.

• 1.54-Inch Color Display: The ST7789 display provides a clear interface for menus, scan results, RSSI data, settings, and custom graphics.

• Eight Application Buttons: Directional, A/B, and menu controls provide an intuitive handheld interface.

• Dedicated Reset Control: Quickly restart the device during firmware development and testing.

• Built-In 1000mAh Battery: Provides portable operation without requiring an external battery holder.

• Integrated Charging: Charge the internal battery through the USB-C connection.

• Clear Charging Indicator: The charging light changes from red to green when charging is complete.

• WS2812B RGB LED: Provides programmable visual feedback for device status or custom applications.

• Protective Enclosure: A transparent shell and acrylic panel protect the electronics while keeping the internal hardware visible.

• Developer-Friendly Design: Use the supplied firmware or build custom ESP32-C5 applications with the integrated display and controls.

Key Features

• Espressif ESP32-C5 N16R8 microcontroller

• 32-bit RISC-V architecture

• Dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support

• Wi-Fi 6 capability

• Wireless network scanning and analysis

• Controlled packet testing on compatible networks

• RSSI signal-strength monitoring

• 1.54-inch ST7789 color display

• Eight application buttons

• Dedicated reset control

• WS2812B addressable RGB LED

• Built-in 1000mAh lithium battery

• Integrated USB-C charging

• Red and green charging-status indication

• Transparent protective enclosure

• Preloaded Deauther32 firmware

• Compact 67 × 60 × 20 mm form factor

• Suitable for portable and desktop development

Handheld Control Layout

Button functions may be reassigned in custom firmware.

HackHeld32C5 or Watch MINI?

Choose the HackHeld32C5 if you need more physical controls, a larger battery, or a handheld platform for custom firmware development.

Choose the Watch MINI if wearable size and simplified operation are your priorities.

Power and Charging

The HackHeld32C5 includes a built-in 1000mAh rechargeable lithium battery.

Connect a suitable USB power source using the USB-C interface:

• Red charging indicator: Battery is charging

• Green charging indicator: Charging is complete

Actual operating time depends on screen brightness, wireless activity, RGB LED use, firmware settings, and button interaction.

Do not charge the device unattended. Stop using it if the enclosure or battery becomes damaged, swollen, unusually hot, or produces an unusual smell.

Technical Specifications

Development Possibilities

The integrated display, buttons, RGB LED, battery, and ESP32-C5 platform make the HackHeld32C5 suitable for projects such as:

• Wireless network diagnostic interfaces

• RSSI and signal-monitoring tools

• Menu-driven IoT controllers

• Portable sensor displays

• Educational wireless demonstrations

• Button-controlled applications

• Small handheld games

• ESP32-C5 and RISC-V learning

• Custom firmware and user-interface development

What’s in the Box?

• 1 × Fully assembled DSTIKE HackHeld32C5

• 1 × Installed 1000mAh rechargeable battery

• 1 × Installed transparent enclosure and acrylic panel

• 1 × USB-C cable

Firmware and Network Compatibility

Available functions depend on the installed firmware version.

Controlled packet-testing functions may be affected by the selected Wi-Fi channel, network hardware, regional settings, and network security configuration. Networks using Protected Management Frames, including 802.11w/PMF, may limit or prevent certain assessment functions.

The device does not bypass PMF protection.

Important Note About “5G”

“5G” in older product titles refers to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band. It does not mean that the HackHeld32C5 supports 5G cellular connectivity, mobile data, or a SIM card.

Responsible Use and Legal Notice

This device is intended for education, open-source development, wireless signal monitoring, network diagnostics, and authorized security testing only.

Use it exclusively on networks and equipment that you own or for which you have received explicit permission to test. Unauthorized disruption of wireless communications may be illegal and could cause service interruptions.

Regulations governing 5 GHz channels, transmission behavior, and DFS frequencies vary by country or region. The user is responsible for complying with all applicable local radio and telecommunications regulations.

The ESP32-C5 is a relatively new development platform, and firmware functionality may continue to evolve. This product is best suited to makers, developers, educators, and wireless technology researchers who understand the experimental nature of open-source hardware.