LILYGO’s T-TWR REV2.1 – An ESP32-Based Walkie Talkie Development Board with GPS Functionality

LILYGO’s T-TWR REV2.1 can be considered an ESP32-S3-based development board with built-in Walkie-Talkie features. Because the board is built around an EPS32-S3 it already has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. With the addition of another GPS module, this becomes very useful for developing portable communication devices, asset-tracking solutions, and other outdoor applications that require location awareness. The board also features audio with microphone and speaker switching matrices, and an IO switching matrix under development for added versatility. It supports PlatformIO and Arduino IDE programming and is available in VHF and UHF variants.

Previously, we have written about various development boards built around ESP32-S3 including LILYGO’s T3-S3 ESP32-S3 board, the LILYGO T-Energy-S3, T-Glass is an ESP32-S3-powered smart glasses, and many more, feel free to check those out if you are interested in ESP32 based products.

The T-TWR REV2.1 supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5 (LE), and multiple power options (USB, 21700 or 18650 battery). It features an L76K GNSS module with enhanced positioning accuracy through a Low Noise Amplifier, SAW filter, AGNSS, and 1PPS. Design updates include relocating the Push-To-Talk button and status indicator light for improved usability. An RF front-end matching circuit and battery power switch enhance RF performance.

LILYGO’s T-TWR REV2.1 Specifications

• MCU: ESP32-S3-WR0OM-1-N16R8
• Flash: 16MB
• PSRAM: 8MB
• Wireless Protocol: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5 (LE)
• Onboard Functions:
  • 4 Buttons (PPT+Boot + PWR + Reset)
  • PMU AXP2102
  • TF Card function
  • WS2812 RGB LED
• Supply Mode:
  • USB
  • 21700 battery
  • 18650 battery + spring
• L76K GNSS Module:
  • Supports GPS, BDS, GLONASS
  • Built-in LNA, SAW Filter, AGNSS and 1PPS
• 1.3 inch SH1106 OLED:
  • Resolution: 128x 64
  • I2C Interface: SDA–IO08 SCL–IO09
  • Display Color: 2

The REV2.1 features improved audio with a microphone-switching matrix for ESP32S3 processing and a speaker-switching matrix for clear output. An IO switching matrix is under development, with updates on LILYGO’s GitHub. Additionally, the board supports programming via PlatformIO and the Arduino IDE, with extensive software documentation which is also available on the the same repository.

The LILYGO T-TWR REV2.1 is available in VHF (134-174MHz) and UHF (400-480MHz) variants and each costs around $48.99. Each kit includes the board, a corresponding antenna, a 4-pin Dupont cable, and accessories.

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