Developer Open-Sources ESP32 FM Radio with Custom PCB
Turtushig Dashjav's project integrates the TEA5767 tuner and a custom board to move beyond basic prototyping.
Developer Turtushig Dashjav has released an open-source FM radio project powered by the ESP32 microcontroller. The project provides a complete hardware blueprint for a standalone receiver, transitioning the concept from a temporary prototype to a polished, integrated device.
The hardware architecture centers on the TEA5767, a low-power, single-chip FM stereo radio that communicates via the I2C protocol. According to technical documentation from SparkFun, the TEA5767 is capable of supporting FM bands across the US, Europe, and Japan. To handle user interaction and audio output, Dashjav integrated a KY-040 rotary encoder for frequency tuning, a PAM8403 audio amplifier for sound reinforcement, and a 0.96-inch OLED display for visual feedback. The entire system is housed on a custom-designed PCB, as detailed in the project's GitHub repository.
The Evolution of the Build
This release represents a significant iteration of the creator's previous work. According to a demonstration provided by Dashjav on YouTube, the current ESP32-based version is an evolution of an earlier radio built using an Arduino Uno. The primary improvements in this version include the addition of the dedicated audio amplifier and the rotary encoder, which streamline the user experience compared to the original build.
Why It Matters
For the maker community, the value of this project lies in its transition from breadboard experimentation to a formal PCB design. While many hobbyists use the TEA5767 due to its inexpensive nature and lack of required external adjustments, few provide the full schematic and board layout necessary for a permanent build. By open-sourcing the PCB, Dashjav provides a practical reference for how to integrate analog radio components with modern digital microcontrollers in a compact form factor.
What's Next
As the project is hosted on GitHub, it remains open for community contributions and modifications. Future iterations may see the integration of the ESP32's wireless capabilities, such as adding a web-based interface for remote tuning or integrating internet radio streams alongside the analog FM tuner. For now, the project serves as a verified baseline for developers looking to build their own high-fidelity, custom-hardware radio receivers.