The ESP32 IoT Device I’m Building to Collect Sensor Data — For Beginners and Arduino Users

--- Learning a technology means reclaiming the choices in your own life --- You may have connected an ESP32 development board and sensors before, but the process of developing a jumper-wire experiment into a complete device can feel daunting. There is a great deal of information online about circuit design, PCB fabrication, sensor control, and BLE and Wi-Fi communication. However, connecting this scattered information and completing a board that actually works requires a great deal of trial and error. In this course, you will design and build an ESP32-based sensor board yourself. You will configure the power and firmware download circuits, connect temperature and humidity and light sensors, design a PCB with KiCad, and order it for fabrication. Once the board is complete, you will upload firmware to it and transmit sensor data externally via BLE and Wi-Fi. By the end of the course, you will be able to go beyond simply assembling development boards and sensor modules: you will understand and be able to modify circuits and PCBs to suit your own purposes. The project completed in the course can be reused as a starting point for new projects such as environmental monitoring devices, smart home devices, educational kits, and IoT prototypes. Even in an era when generative AI can rapidly create digital content, physical information such as temperature, humidity, light, and movement in the real world can only be obtained through sensors and hardware. The ability to collect data with a device you built yourself and connect it to a network gives you the power to turn ideas into real-world systems. This course will be helpful for: * Those who have used Arduino or ESP32 development boards but are new to PCB design * Those who want to turn a sensor project made with jumper wires into a single complete board * Those who want to learn KiCad by following an actual ESP32 project * Those who want to build a device that collects sensor data and transmits it via BLE and Wi-Fi * Makers and educators developing environmental monitoring, smart home, or educational hardware * Aspiring entrepreneurs preparing their own IoT products or prototypes * Developers and content creators who want to analyze or process data collected from the real world or use it with AI models Move from being someone who uses development boards to someone who designs their own boards. This course does not merely teach you how to use sensors. It is a course where you experience the entire process of turning an idea into a circuit, turning the circuit into a PCB, and connecting the completed hardware to a network.

(5.0) 9 reviews

77 learners

Level Basic

Course period Unlimited

Big Data
Big Data
IoT
IoT
Embedded
Embedded
hardware
hardware
esp32
esp32
Big Data
Big Data
IoT
IoT
Embedded
Embedded
hardware
hardware
esp32
esp32

Reviews from Early Learners

5.0

5.0

제미나이

54% enrolled

I started with absolutely zero prior knowledge of electronic circuits or Arduino. Here are my thoughts after taking the course: 1. This is a condensed course that allows you to quickly build an MVP model with Arduino. I highly recommend it to those who want to create something with Arduino fast. 2. I once sent an email with an inquiry, and the instructor's feedback was both fast and detailed. 3. The lecture uses KiCAD 9.0, but downloading KiCAD now gives you version 10.0. This doesn't cause any major issues during development. 4. The overall audio quality of the videos is a bit low. 5. Even if you have zero prior knowledge of electronic circuits, it is perfectly fine to take the course while looking up unfamiliar concepts using GPT. 6. When accessing the Discord community URL via the "News" section, it says the invitation is invalid. 7. You can check the instructor's GitHub to see exactly what you will be learning before watching the lectures. Overall, this was a huge help. Thank you! Please make the next course soon!!

5.0

silmang

100% enrolled

I had been following others' ESP8266 projects, but I wanted to create a professional single PCB layout from a breadboard circuit just like they do. So, I was studying bits and pieces from foreign websites and YouTube. Right around that time, this course was uploaded to Inflearn, and since it perfectly matched my goals, I decided to take it. Before taking the class, I wanted to learn the following: 1. Basic setup for drawing schematics 2. How to design circuits 3. How to use KiCad 4. How to use BLE and WiFi on the ESP32 While points 1, 2, and 3 are available on YouTube, the information was often fragmented. I felt this course would help me build a solid foundation in a condensed manner. Regarding point 4, I wanted to learn it because I had failed in the past after blindly installing various libraries for BLE and WiFi without understanding the basics. The advantages I felt after taking the course are as follows: 1. It's in Korean. This is a huge advantage. 2. I gained the confidence to try making a PCB myself. 3. The flow of learning is natural as it connects everything from circuit design to firmware. 4. Using EEPROM to store/change WiFi SSIDs was a fresh idea I hadn't considered before. 5. It was not difficult to follow along. On the other hand, here are some points I found slightly lacking: 1. There was a part about connecting three diodes for ESD protection, but I was curious about why three were used and why they were only connected in one direction; however, there was no explanation for that. 2. This is a minor point, but the title bars of program windows or sub-windows were not visible, which felt a bit stifling at times. 3. I wish there was a highlight on the mouse cursor when clicking. I don't think there were any major drawbacks. However, I think someone with absolutely no foundation and only curiosity might need to watch it several times to fully grasp the content. In conclusion, I believe there is no other course as convenient and easy to follow as this one, provided you have the will. I look forward to follow-up lectures. Thank you.

5.0

오렌지

100% enrolled

While studying MCU, I was always curious about how to manufacture PCBs, so I decided to take this course. You explained everything in an easy-to-understand way, which made my studies very comfortable.

What you will gain after the course

  • The ability to graduate from breadboards and make PCBs yourself

  • Save time and money by following proven projects instead of relying on trial and error.

  • The design skills to create my own PCB from being a development board user.

  • Specific methods for ordering, manufacturing, shipping, and so on through the hardware manufacturer’s website

  • How to create schematics and design PCBs using the open-source circuit editing tool KiCad

My Own Sensor Board Made with KiCad: From an ESP32 Development Board to a Custom PCB

Photos of the actual board you will make in this course


Are you familiar with connecting an ESP32 development board and sensor modules with jumper wires, but feel overwhelmed about where to start when trying to make your own PCB?

Or, if you’re familiar with Arduino but want to use a higher-performance microprocessor and wireless communication capabilities?

The internet is full of information about ESP32 circuits, how to use KiCad, and how to order PCBs. However, it is difficult to find the entire process in one place—from designing the power and USB communication circuits, connecting sensors, and routing the PCB to completing the actual manufacturing files and firmware.

In this course, you will follow a completed ESP32 sensor board project and experience the following processes firsthand.

  • Understanding the Basic ESP32 Circuit and Key Pins

  • USB-C power and 5V→3.3V power circuit design

  • Configuring a firmware download circuit using the CH340

  • Connecting temperature/humidity and light sensors, buttons, and LEDs

  • Creating KiCad schematics and managing component libraries

  • 4-layer PCB component placement and routing

  • DRC inspection and manufacturing file generation

  • Ordering from a PCB Manufacturer

  • Writing firmware to operate the completed board

  • External communication using BLE and Wi-Fi

After completing the course, you will go beyond simply using an ESP32 development board and be able to understand and modify PCBs with the sensors and features you want.

Additionally, the KiCad projects and step-by-step firmware provided in the course can later be reused as a starting point for creating environmental sensors, smart home devices, educational boards, robots, and IoT prototypes.

The purpose of this course is not simply to impart knowledge to you, but to give you the confidence that “I am someone who can bring my ideas to life; I am someone who can build products.”


Recommended for people like these

  • Those who have used Arduino and ESP32 development boards but are new to PCB design.

  • Those who want to consolidate a jumper-wire project into a single board

  • Those who want to learn KiCad through a real-world ESP32 project

  • Makers who want to develop sensor-based products or educational kits

  • Software developers who want to understand hardware and firmware together

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create their own IoT prototypes

It may not be suitable for those whoWe need translate only. Korean sentence means "This may not be suitable for those who..." Given surrounding before/after lists, natural heading: "This may not be suitable for:" But original "이런 분에게는 적합하지 않을 수 있습니다" singular/plural. Output only. Could be "It may not be suitable for people who..." Since followed list. Use "It may not be suitable for those who". Must perhaps preserve incomplete due surrounding. Translation only.

  • Those who only want to learn ESP32 coding without circuit and PCB design

  • Those who only want to develop cloud servers or Android apps

  • Experienced hardware engineers looking for high-speed digital circuits or industrial-scale production designs

Results You Will Achieve Through the Course

When the course ends, you will have more than just a record of having watched the videos.

You’ll come away with an editable KiCad project, a manufacturable PCB design, component libraries, step-by-step firmware, and ESP32 circuit design experience that you can reuse in future projects.

Move from using development boards to designing your own boards.

(Left: A system with an Arduino and sensors connected by various wires; right: a neat custom PCB integrating the sensors and ESP32)


The starting point where sensor data generated on your board connects to the cloud and AI

In an age flooded with digital content created by generative AI,
what is your competitive advantage?

AI writes code, text, and generates images.
However, it still cannot generate data from the physical world on its own.

Bridging this gap is precisely
the technology that connects AI and the real world: the Internet of Things (IoT).

Data collected through sensors
is not merely information; it becomes
a distinct competitive advantage that only you can possess.

This course helps you
become a creator who generates data, not a user who falls behind in the
AI era.


🔧 Course Introduction

This course is a hands-on, practice-oriented course where you design and build your own custom development board using the ESP32, a leading IoT microcontroller.

  • We’ve kept the course fee affordable so that even beginners can learn easily. Invest just 6 hours.


  • Arduino users can transition directly to ESP32 development without feeling out of place. (Using the Arduino development environment)

Beyond simply using ESP32 hardware,
you will experience the entire process, from circuit design using KiCad to PCB fabrication, firmware development, and hands-on practice,
developing the ability to understand hardware and software holistically..

The course covers the following core technologies:

  • Building an Embedded System

  • Digital input and output through buttons and LEDs (GPIO)

  • Analog Input and Sensor Data Processing

  • PWM control (analog output)

  • EEPROM Data Storage (Non-Volatile Memory)

  • I2C communication (sensor operation)

  • BLE communication (communication with a mobile phone)

  • WiFi communication (Internet connection, Internet of Things)

This course is not simply a course about learning ESP32.

This is the starting point for your transition
from “someone who uses AI”
to “someone who supplies data to AI.”


🔥 Closing Remarks

Become someone who creates real-world data that AI cannot imitate
rather than someone who consumes content created by AI.

💡What students will take away after completing this course

  • How to create schematics for an ESP32 development board using KiCad and route traces using the PCB Editor

  • How to place a custom order using KiCad's output files, and the self-made development board (the same board as the one pictured above; production costs are paid separately by each student)

  • How to install the component library and operate the board by writing and downloading firmware

  • How to collect sensor data to create big data

Note: The board manufacturing cost is not included in the tuition for this course. (Paid by the student)

Manufacturing is handled through the overseas manufacturer JLCPCB (https://jlcpcb.com), and once the boards are made, they are delivered to students after shipping and customs clearance.

Example production cost: As of August 2026, the exchange rate is 1,394 won per dollar, and the minimum production cost for the boards in this course (2 units) is as follows.

Production Cost and Timeline:

Producing 5 PCBs (the minimum order quantity) costs $7, and producing 2 devices with the components soldered onto 2 of the PCBs costs approximately $88.

The total cost, including PCB fabrication and component assembly, is approximately $110, and production takes about 8 days, excluding weekends. (Shipping takes several additional days.)

If the production cost including shipping is less than $150, customs duties are waived; if it is $150 or more, customs duties will apply.

ESP32 KiCad Project Template Guide

In this course, you will learn the entire process of designing ESP32-based hardware yourself and manufacturing the PCB.

If the course fee is a concern, we also recommend downloading the project files first and studying on your own..


Free ESP32 Community Board - Community Edition (GitHub)

A basic project containing only the essential circuits needed for ESP32 development.

  • USB programming circuit

  • Power circuit

  • Reset / Boot Button

  • User LED

  • Expansion Header

You can use it as a starting point for learning KiCad or designing your own ESP32 board.

▶ ESP32 Community Board (Free)
GitHub: https://github.com/digitalforger73/ESP32-modules-kicad

EPS32 Sensor Board - Professional Sensor Edition (Gumroad)

A professional project based on the Community Edition, with real-world environmental sensors added.

  • SHTC3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor

  • Light sensor

  • Soil moisture sensor connection header

  • Complete KiCad project

  • Symbol and Footprint Libraries

  • BOM

  • Gerber

  • Component Replacement Guide

  • Project Documentation

It is suitable for those who want to analyze and modify circuits themselves while learning, and can also be used for actual product development.

After learning first through the project files, if you would like to learn more systematic explanations and the production process, you can continue your learning through the course at any time.

▶ ESP32 Sensor Board
Gumroad: https://greentam.gumroad.com

What You’ll Learn

Hardware Fundamentals and Design Theory

At this stage, we introduce the key components and electrical concepts needed to build a microcontroller board.

  • We cover custom board design based on the ESP32-WROOM-32 module, including power circuits, I/O interfaces, and sensor connections.

  • Explore key features such as integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a dual-core processor, and internal SRAM.

  • We explain when and why you should transition from a development board for experimentation to a custom board for an actual product.

  • Explains the power pins (3.3V, EN, GND) and bootstrap pins (GPIO0, 2, 5, 12, 15).

  • We explain the theory and practical implementation methods for eliminating floating voltage issues that can occur on input pins, as well as the design workflow from the Schematic Editor through to the PCB Editor.



ESP32 WROOM Module

KiCad and Circuit Design

In this curriculum, you will use KiCad, a free, open-source EDA tool, to transform circuit ideas into professional design files.

  • We explain the design workflow from the Schematic Editor to the PCB Editor.

  • We explain how to configure footprints (the actual pad layouts of components) and use footprint search engines such as SnapMagic to add missing components.


  • USB-C connection circuit, 

    5V → 3.3V power conversion circuit (AMS1117), 

    Design a USB-to-Serial communication circuit (CH340).


  • Connect the temperature and humidity sensor (SHTC3) and the light sensor (GL5528)

    Implement user-controllable LEDs and a reset button.


  • A decoupling capacitor to reduce power noise and 

    For electrostatic protection, we use an ESD protection diode.


KiCad logo

PCB Layout and Manufacturing

At this stage, we cover the physical implementation and manufacturing process of the actual board.

  • Design a 4-layer PCB structure (Top / 3.3V / GND / Bottom) using FR4 material.

  • Set the constraints for the board and wiring according to the manufacturer's specifications.

  • Import the schematic into the PCB, place components strategically on the board, and

    Connect components using multiple layers 

    Perform a DRC (Design Rule Check) to detect design errors.

  • Generate the following manufacturing files: 

    Gerber files,

    component placement file, 

    BOM (Bill of Materials)

  • We explain the PCB manufacturing order process step by step through the manufacturer JLCPCB.

    It also covers how to use your Personal Customs Clearance Code and check the manufacturing process.



PCB Editor

Firmware Development (Level 1–11) 

The firmware course is structured in progressive levels based on the Arduino IDE, gradually increasing in complexity.

  • Level 1–3: Basic GPIO and Interrupts

  • Level 4: Analog I/O and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)

  • Level 5–6: I2C communication and environmental monitoring

  • Level 7: EEPROM memory, persistent storage

  • Level 8–9: BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)

  • Level 10: WiFi and credential management

  • Level 11: Remote server data integration

Arduino editing screen

Notes Before Taking the Course

Practice environment

  • Operating system and version (OS): All operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, are supported.

  • Tools used: Arduino development environment (download: https://www.arduino.cc/), KiCad (download: https://www.kicad.org/)

  • PC specifications: A basic-specification PC with Internet access

Learning Materials

  • Lecture videos: Each lecture is approximately 10–15 minutes long (24 lectures in total).

  • Provided course materials: PowerPoint slides for each lecture, firmware (Levels 1–11, 11 in total), and KiCad project files (including Gerber files and BOM files)

Prerequisite Knowledge and Notes

  • Experience using Arduino and the C (C++) language is helpful, but it is not required as prerequisite knowledge to run the firmware provided in this course.

  • The firmware is written in C and C++, and all of it is provided as learning material. You can download and use it right away without needing to edit it.


  • The copyright of this course belongs to the copyright holder, GreenTam, and unauthorized distribution or reproduction is prohibited. The learning materials are also copyrighted and may not be used for purposes other than personal study.

Recommended for
these people

Who is this course right for?

  • Someone preparing to launch a hardware startup focused on the Internet of Things involving sensors

  • People who want to create digital content using production processes, methods, or sensor data

  • Makers, electronics hobbyists, or those interested in IoT (the Internet of Things)

  • People looking to develop IoT devices that require wireless communication such as BLE and WiFi

  • Developers who want to go beyond the Arduino level and try “real embedded” development

  • People who have used an ESP32 development board at least once but want to make one themselves

Need to know before starting?

  • Understanding of basic electronic circuits

  • Basic C and C++ languages

Hello
This is GreenTam

77

Learners

9

Reviews

8

Answers

5.0

Rating

1

Course

Hello.
I am an engineer who has been researching and developing electronic circuits and sensor systems.

I am creating educational content on the process of directly designing and manufacturing IoT devices and sensor systems.
In particular, I am producing lectures focused on ESP32-based IoT system design, PCB design (KiCad), sensor data collection, and cloud integration.

As the first in the "Follow-along" series, this course introduces how to design and manufacture an ESP32 development board based on actual development processes. Following this, the second and third series are also being planned to focus on utilizing the ESP32 board.

Meanwhile, I consistently share content regarding IoT device development, PCB design, and ESP32 project creation processes, as well as reviews of various electronic components, creator content, and solo entrepreneurship through social media.

Please visit if you are interested.

Naver Blog

https://blog.naver.com/greentam-

X (Twitter) page

https://x.com/GreenTam_

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587292040569

More

Reviews

All

9 reviews

5.0

9 reviews

  • discegaudere2471608님의 프로필 이미지
    discegaudere2471608

    Reviews 1

    ∙

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    54% enrolled

    I started with absolutely zero prior knowledge of electronic circuits or Arduino. Here are my thoughts after taking the course: 1. This is a condensed course that allows you to quickly build an MVP model with Arduino. I highly recommend it to those who want to create something with Arduino fast. 2. I once sent an email with an inquiry, and the instructor's feedback was both fast and detailed. 3. The lecture uses KiCAD 9.0, but downloading KiCAD now gives you version 10.0. This doesn't cause any major issues during development. 4. The overall audio quality of the videos is a bit low. 5. Even if you have zero prior knowledge of electronic circuits, it is perfectly fine to take the course while looking up unfamiliar concepts using GPT. 6. When accessing the Discord community URL via the "News" section, it says the invitation is invalid. 7. You can check the instructor's GitHub to see exactly what you will be learning before watching the lectures. Overall, this was a huge help. Thank you! Please make the next course soon!!

    • greentam
      Instructor

      Thank you for your review. I will supplement the areas that were lacking and meet you again with a better lecture. The Discord link has been updated. To ensure other students do not misunderstand, I would like to clarify point number 1: "Those who want to quickly create an ESP32 development board using the Arduino development environment" is a more accurate expression. Of course, I believe that is what Gemini-nim intended to convey. Regarding the GitHub address mentioned in point 7: https://github.com/digitalforger73/ESP32-modules-kicad This address contains the KiCad project files (created with KiCad 10) for the basic ESP32 board, which are distributed for free, so anyone can download and view them. The difference from the board produced in the lecture is that the sensors (temperature/humidity sensor, light sensor) are not included, but all other circuits are identical. If you download these project files before taking the lecture to examine the schematics and PCB layout, and practice adding components to the library and replacing them on the circuit in advance, you will be able to understand the lecture content more easily. Additionally, there are paid version project files available on Gumroad, so please feel free to take a look. https://greentam.gumroad.com/

  • llilillliiiilil님의 프로필 이미지
    llilillliiiilil

    Reviews 4

    ∙

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    I had been following others' ESP8266 projects, but I wanted to create a professional single PCB layout from a breadboard circuit just like they do. So, I was studying bits and pieces from foreign websites and YouTube. Right around that time, this course was uploaded to Inflearn, and since it perfectly matched my goals, I decided to take it. Before taking the class, I wanted to learn the following: 1. Basic setup for drawing schematics 2. How to design circuits 3. How to use KiCad 4. How to use BLE and WiFi on the ESP32 While points 1, 2, and 3 are available on YouTube, the information was often fragmented. I felt this course would help me build a solid foundation in a condensed manner. Regarding point 4, I wanted to learn it because I had failed in the past after blindly installing various libraries for BLE and WiFi without understanding the basics. The advantages I felt after taking the course are as follows: 1. It's in Korean. This is a huge advantage. 2. I gained the confidence to try making a PCB myself. 3. The flow of learning is natural as it connects everything from circuit design to firmware. 4. Using EEPROM to store/change WiFi SSIDs was a fresh idea I hadn't considered before. 5. It was not difficult to follow along. On the other hand, here are some points I found slightly lacking: 1. There was a part about connecting three diodes for ESD protection, but I was curious about why three were used and why they were only connected in one direction; however, there was no explanation for that. 2. This is a minor point, but the title bars of program windows or sub-windows were not visible, which felt a bit stifling at times. 3. I wish there was a highlight on the mouse cursor when clicking. I don't think there were any major drawbacks. However, I think someone with absolutely no foundation and only curiosity might need to watch it several times to fully grasp the content. In conclusion, I believe there is no other course as convenient and easy to follow as this one, provided you have the will. I look forward to follow-up lectures. Thank you.

    • greentam
      Instructor

      Thank you for sharing your feedback on the areas that were lacking. To provide some clarification via this comment: 1. An ESD protection diode is a component that limits the input voltage to a certain level to prevent the circuit from being damaged by high voltage from human hands, clothing, etc. Therefore, diodes are placed on a total of three lines: the 5V line and the two data lines. Since these diodes operate bidirectionally, their orientation does not matter. Additionally, because USB-C can be plugged in normally or flipped, either DN1/DN2 or DP1/DP2 will always be connected, so the diode only needs to be placed on one of them. 2. I am currently using the free program OBS Studio for recording, but there are issues where the window title at the top does not appear, and the menu window is not visible when selecting menus with the mouse. I probably need to become more familiar with how to use it or switch to a different program. For now, I plan to resolve the issue of invisible menus by capturing the screen separately and inserting it into the existing video. 3. The mouse click highlight is also something I need to find a solution for. Thank you for your valuable feedback. I will make sure to improve these points in the next lecture. I am glad to hear that this was the lecture you were looking for and that it was helpful. Sincerely, Greentam

  • ayinshahar님의 프로필 이미지
    ayinshahar

    Reviews 2

    ∙

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    While studying MCU, I was always curious about how to manufacture PCBs, so I decided to take this course. You explained everything in an easy-to-understand way, which made my studies very comfortable.

    • dongilkim1245님의 프로필 이미지
      dongilkim1245

      Reviews 2

      ∙

      Average Rating 5.0

      5

      100% enrolled

      I didn't have any basics and only had a vague curiosity, but it was good to be able to learn the fundamentals and various other things. When right-clicking the mouse or selecting the top menu, it wasn't captured in the video recording... so I could only tell by listening to the sound. It was a bit difficult trying to follow along blindly without knowing. I downloaded the latest KiCad and it was version 10.0... So I re-downloaded version 9.0 to follow the lecture. They seemed a bit different... it was hard to follow without knowing the details.

      • greentam
        Instructor

        Great job. I am also aware of the menu display issue. It happened because the screen capture program I use failed to capture the menu window. I will look for a solution. Still, I'm glad you were able to understand it through the audio at least. Thank you.

    • codo77173988님의 프로필 이미지
      codo77173988

      Reviews 17

      ∙

      Average Rating 5.0

      5

      96% enrolled

      I took this course because I wanted to study embedded systems again after a long time. Since the course follows a hands-on practice approach, it helped me a lot in getting back into the swing of things. I am looking forward to the next lecture, and it would be great if you could cover some more advanced topics. Thank you.

      • greentam
        Instructor

        Thank you

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