G'day,

Welcome to my humble site, where I'll be sharing some of the craziness i've seen coming out of China lately in terms of technology at silly prices. To be clear and up front, I am not endorsed by or affiliated with any seller linked from this page, or with AliExpress, nor do I ever plan to be. I have no brand allegiance and will provide my reviews with no external bias, simply my own experiences, interpretations and opinions.

Right now this site is very much a shopping catalogue, but that will change over time, with the site continuing to grow with code examples, usage photos & videos, linked datasheets and specs, user comments / forums and more.

If you'd like to suggest anything to be shared or reviewed, please contact me by email.

 

 New! See my AliExpress Wish List for the latest deals as I find them!

 

New WiFi Modules

WIFI module ESP8266 PRO Light version of NodeMCU board 8M flash memory.jpg 640x640.jpg

WIFI module ESP8266-PRO, Light version of NodeMCU board, 8M flash memory


$2.70
Free shipping
966 in stock


I'll start with a more regular ESP8266 module, this time with double the Flash storage, and half the FCC certification! Take it or leave it..

CPU: Tensilica LX106 @ 160MHz
RAM: 36KB available to user
Flash: 8MB
WiFi: 802.11n up to 65Mbps
GPIO: Up to 17
I2C: 1
SPI: 2
PWM: 4
UART: 2
ADC: 1x 0-1V ~1MSPS converter
ESP 32 WiFi Bluetooth module Dual core CPU Ethernet port MCU Low power Bluetooth ESP 3212.jpg 640x640.jpg

ESP-32 WiFi Bluetooth module Dual-core CPU Ethernet port MCU Low-power Bluetooth ESP-3212


$4.75
Free shipping
99577 in stock


The chip we've been waiting for, the ESP32 is here! Not just a faster processor but two of them, plus Bluetooth, a funky Ultra-Low-Power processor which can operate with only 20uA consumption, an on-die magnetometer and programmable analog amplifier, and a ton more random toys.

CPU: Dual Core Tensilica LX6 @ 240MHz
RAM: 520KB
Flash: 16MB
WiFi: 802.11n up to 150Mbps
Bluetooth: BT4.0 + BLE
GPIO: 32
I2C: 2
SPI: 3
PWM: 32
UART: 3
ADC: 12 channel 12-bit 2MSPS ADC
RTL8710 Wireless WiFi Transceiver Module AR3 CM3 RTL 00 UART.jpg 640x640.jpg

RTL8710 Wireless WiFi Transceiver Module AR3-CM3 RTL-00 UART


$2.90
Free shipping
997 in stock


Now for the shiny new Realtek offering. If it wasn't for the ESP32 just arriving, this module might have been a big hit. Heck, it still may, what do I know - but for now it seems stuck to the sidelines.

CPU: Cortex M3 @ 166MHz
RAM: 48KB available to user
Flash: 1MB
WiFi: 802.11n up to 150Mbps
GPIO: Up to 21
I2C: 3
SPI: 2
PWM: 4
UART: 3
ADC: 0 (has a 10-bit ADC, but used internally for the radio)
RTL8710 WiFi Transceiver Module Test Development Board Wireless Transmitter Receiver for Arduino.jpg 640x640.jpg

RTL8710 WiFi Transceiver Module Test Development Board Wireless Transmitter Receiver for Arduino


$9.92
+ $1.56 shipping
56 in stock


A breadboard compatible RTL8710 module, essentially a replacement for the NodeMCU, at least in theory ;) We'll see how the software support matures.

Clocks, Caps, and... Printers?

Random Bits

Smart Electronics ESP 12E WeMos D1 WiFi uno based ESP8266 shield for arduino Compatible.jpg

Smart Electronics ESP-12E WeMos D1 WiFi uno based ESP8266 shield for arduino Compatible


$4.32
Free shipping
996 in stock


The venerable ESP8266, in an Arduino form factor. I've linked these before but they're getting cheaper and cheaper, and are massively handy. If you aren't `in the know`, these things are like an arduino, work with arduino shields, even with the arduino software, but are 10x faster, 32-bit instead of 8-bit, have 4MB of flash storage, and native WiFi internet capabilities! Definitely the modern replacement and a great way to get started.
Free Shipping STM32F103C8T6 ARM STM32 Minimum System Development Board Module For arduino.jpg

Free Shipping STM32F103C8T6 ARM STM32 Minimum System Development Board Module For arduino


$1.73
Free shipping
9990 in stock


The STM32 is another handy microcontroller. Running at 72MHz with 32-bits of processing power, it provides far better Analog to Digital and interface capabilities, but lacks the native WiFi networking. Again can be used with the Arduino IDE, or another great use is http://tomeko.net/miniscope_v2c/ - an entry level USB oscilloscope (2 channel x 460kSPS) for under $2.
6 Pieces 4 Way 2 54mm Pitch 150V 2A PCB Mount Type Spring Terminal Block.jpg

6 Pieces 4-Way 2.54mm Pitch 150V 2A PCB Mount Type Spring Terminal Block


$4.78
Free shipping
999 in stock


These connectors will fit directly into breadboards, and provide an easy way to attach random bare wires. It's worth noting here that most breadboards can only handle around 1A of current, so be careful about connecting stuff up to your board, unless you want things to get... melty.
Electronic Cigarette lighter Windproof ultra thin Metal pulse USB Rechargeable Flameless Electric Arc Cigar Cigarette Lighter.jpg

Electronic Cigarette lighter Windproof ultra-thin Metal pulse USB Rechargeable Flameless Electric Arc Cigar Cigarette Lighter


$6.93
Free shipping
95144 in stock


Ok ok, smoking is bad for you. But for those of us still with the habit, why not light your cigarettes with high voltage? :D Contains a simple high voltage supply, lithium battery, and USB charging port.
DC 250W 10A Step up Boost Power Converter Constant Current Power Supply Module Led Driver.jpg

DC 250W 10A Step-up Boost Power Converter Constant Current Power Supply Module Led Driver


$5.05
Free shipping
99 in stock


Finally a good way to run those 100W LED chips from a 12V power supply. Just plug & play. Also a generally useful constant current step up power supply.
V3 Engraver 3D Printer CNC Shield Expansion Board A4988 Driver For Arduino Brand New.jpg

V3 Engraver 3D Printer CNC Shield Expansion Board A4988 Driver For Arduino Brand New


$1.30
Free shipping
99784 in stock


This thing found its way into my shopping list as a way to use the left over stepper driver modules from my 3D printer, after upgrading them. A cheap little arduino shield that can be used to create a 4 axis engraver or printer.
Magnifying Glass LED Light 3 5X 12X Magnifier Repair Tools Loupe Magnifying Tool Alligator Clip Soldering.jpg

Magnifying Glass LED Light 3.5X 12X Magnifier Repair Tools Loupe Magnifying Tool Alligator Clip Soldering Solder Iron Stand


$9.10
Free shipping
14 in stock


A simple set of helping hands, illuminated inspection loupe, and soldering iron holder. Rather basic but often considered essential tool on the bench, it can prove invaluable for holding boards and getting a better view while soldering.

D1 Mini Madness

Free shipping D1 mini Mini NodeMcu 4M bytes Lua WIFI Internet of Things development board based.jpg

Free shipping D1 mini - Mini NodeMcu 4M bytes Lua WIFI Internet of Things development board based ESP8266


$2.56
Free shipping
994 in stock


Stackable modules! Just like Arduino sheilds, these are smaller, faster, more powerful, and have native wifi! Here's a collection of modules you can stack above/below them
ProtoBoard Shield for WeMos D1 mini double sided perf board Compatible.jpg

ProtoBoard Shield for WeMos D1 mini double sided perf board Compatible


$0.80
Free shipping
829 in stock


A handy generic little board to build your own custom circuits on, then attach them as a shield to a D1 Mini.
Battery Shield For WeMos D1 mini single lithium battery charging boost.jpg

Battery Shield For WeMos D1 mini single lithium battery charging & boost


$2.50
Free shipping
947 in stock


Reuse an old lithium battery from a phone or toy for your WiFi projects! Please note that lithium batteries can be dangerous if handled incorrectly, you should take extreme care to not short the battery wires, and never use a lithium battery once it starts to `puff up`.
DHT Pro Shield for WeMos D1 mini DHT22 Single bus digital temperature and humidity sensor module.jpg

DHT Pro Shield for WeMos D1 mini DHT22 Single-bus digital temperature and humidity sensor module sensor


$3.42
Free shipping
9196 in stock


High precision digital temperature & humidity sensor
BMP180 Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Board Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Module For D1 MINI.jpg

BMP180 Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Board Digital Barometric Pressure Sensor Module For D1 MINI


$2.45
Free shipping
10000 in stock


Barometric Pressure & Temperature sensor. Commonly used for relative altitude measurements.
DS18B20 module For D1 MINI DS18B20 temperature measurement sensor module For d1 mini.jpg

DS18B20 module For D1 MINI DS18B20 temperature measurement sensor module For d1 mini


$2.20
Free shipping
10000 in stock


High precision digital temperature sensor
Dual Base for WeMos D1 mini Compatible WiFi Wireless Controller PCB DIY.jpg

Dual Base for WeMos D1 mini Compatible WiFi Wireless Controller PCB DIY


$1.15
Free shipping
950 in stock


Too many shields in the stack? Split it! This board just copies the connections for each pin, so you can run shields connected to the same board, side by side (screen + controls? :D)
Motor Shield For WeMos D1 mini I2C Dual Motor Driver TB6612FNG 1A V1 0 0.jpg

Motor Shield For WeMos D1 mini I2C Dual Motor Driver TB6612FNG (1A) V1.0.0


$3.00
Free shipping
1820 in stock


15V, 1.2A continuous, 3.2A burst dual H-bridge shield. Drive two motors with up to 15V, with full direction and speed control. Can also be used as 4x 1.2A single ended outputs for driving solenoids or such.
Micro SD Card Shield IoT Wireless Control for D1 Mini ESP8266 WiFi WeMos Module.jpg

Micro SD Card Shield IoT Wireless Control for D1 Mini ESP8266 WiFi WeMos Module


$1.99
Free shipping
993 in stock


MicroSD cards are surprisingly easy to work with, and the ESP8266 even supports the ability to boot directly from code on an SD card. Add a ton of extra storage space easily to your project with this module
Relay Module For D1 MINI 5V hight level trigger One 1 Channel Relay Module interface Board.jpg

Relay Module For D1 MINI 5V hight level trigger One 1 Channel Relay Module interface Board Shield For D1 MINI


$1.36
Free shipping
9987 in stock


Switch audio, video, power, and even mains with your D1 mini. While the relay and board should theoretically handle mains voltages, i'd strongly suggest using a solid state relay or sealed and opto-isolated module instead for switching mains power. For low voltage purposes, these are great.
OLED Shield for WeMos D1 mini 0 66 inch 64X48 IIC I2C Compatible.jpg

OLED Shield for WeMos D1 mini 0.66` inch 64X48 IIC I2C Compatible


$4.85
Free shipping
950 in stock


While I think I prefer the slightly larger 128x64 OLED displays you can find all over aliexpress for a few dollars, this screen as a D1 mini shield was just too cute to pass up.
MAX7219 dot matrix module microcontroller module display module finished goods.jpg

MAX7219 dot matrix module microcontroller module display module finished goods


$1.18
Free shipping
902 in stock


Not technically a D1 Mini shield at all, but should work well as one :D
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