Hornet Nest Alarm Panel Brings PoE and ESPHome to Wired Alarm Systems

CrowdSupply has recently showcased the Hornet Nest Alarm Panel, a PoE-enabled, open-source security solution designed for seamless integration with smart home platforms like Home Assistant and ESPHome. It bridges traditional wired alarm systems with modern home automation, offering 42 optoisolated input zones, six MOSFET-controlled 12V outputs, six 3.3V trigger outputs, and expandable functionality through additional I/Os and a Qwiic connector. Key features include individual zone indicators, Wiegand keypad support, pre-flashed ESPHome firmware, and a MOSFET-controlled reset for 4-wire smoke detectors. Power options include PoE, external 12V DC, or USB Type-C via a wESP32 module.

Its tough design provides secure and reliable operation, making it ideal for managing sensors, sirens, and other smart devices in home security setups. Built on GPL and MIT licensing, it empowers customization and transparency, supporting hobbyists and professionals alike. The panel is manufactured in China using quality-focused processes, ensuring global availability through trusted fulfilment partners.

The idea for the project was explained by Christopher Greenless of Technology Automation Consulting, with it being derived from his need for a reliable and intelligent security system that could work flawlessly with his Home Assistant setup. Existing proprietary solutions were either too restrictive or lacked flexibility, while DIY approaches often fell short in reliability and efficiency. To address these issues, he developed a purpose-built device featuring plenty of inputs and outputs, dependable power options like PoE, and effortless integration with ESPHome.

Previously, we have covered some security systems including the X-sense home security system, Infineon’s battery-powered Smart Alarm System, the Programmable Home Security Alarm System, and many more. Feel free to check those out, if you are interested in this topic.

Hornet Nest Alarm Panel Specifications:

• Processor: wESP32 module for ESP32-based control
  • Requires ESP32-WROOM-32E module
• Storage:
  • 16 MB flash
• Connectivity:
  • 2.4 GHz WiFi
  • Bluetooth LE
  • built-in PCB antenna
  • 10/100M Ethernet RJ45 port with auto-MDIX jack for both straight and crossover Ethernet cables
• Input: 42 optoisolated input zones for enhanced security
• Outputs:
  • 6x MOSFET-controlled outputs (12V devices)
  • 6x 3.3V trigger outputs for additional device control
• Peripherals Expandability:
  • Qwiic expansion connector for add-ons
  • 5x additional wESP32 I/Os for expanded functionality
• Firmware: Pre-flashed with ESPHome for seamless integration
• Misc:
  • Compatible with Wiegand keypads
  • Individual zone and output status indicators
  • MOSFET-controlled 12V reset for 4-wire smoke detectors
  • Supports 3-23V DC triggers
  • Integrated piezo buzzer
• Power Options:
  • PoE-enabled
  • External 12V DC
  • USB Type-C (via wESP32 module)
• Dimensions: 262 x 188 mm
• Design: Fully open-source (GPL and MIT licensed)

The Hornet Nest Alarm Panel is preloaded with ESPHome on its ESP32 board, ensuring effortless integration with Home Assistant, and its GitHub repository offers detailed schematics and firmware configuration files for easy setup.

The Hornet Nest Alarm Panel is available for $259 on CrowdSupply, with shipping scheduled to start on June 16, 2025. The wESP32-Prog-C programmer for the wESP32 module is available for purchase for $15. At the time of writing, the CrowdSupply campaign has raised $9,366 toward its $21,000 target.

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