The CodeCell C3 is a compact module measuring just 1.85 cm in width. It features an Arduino-compatible ESP32-C3 microcontroller that provides Wi-Fi and BLE connectivity, battery charging management, light/proximity sensing, and a 9-axis IMU motion sensor. It offers 6 programmable GPIO pins, along with I2C pins, plus multiple power pins for connecting additional modules, sensors, and actuators.
The CodeCell C3 can be powered either through a safe-to-use LiPo battery connector or via USB-C, which also supports reprogramming, serial data transfer, and battery charging. Its power management is built around the BQ24232 battery management chip, enabling dynamic power-path control. This allows the battery to charge while the system continues operating.
The CodeCell includes a VCNL4040 light sensor and a BNO085 9-axis IMU motion sensor with onboard sensor-fusion algorithms. The VCNL4040 is an IR-based sensor capable of measuring ambient light and proximity up to 20 cm. For more advanced projects, the BNO085 provides 9-axis sensing by combining a 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer. Using sensor-fusion, it delivers detailed motion data such as angular orientation (roll, pitch, yaw), motion state, activity classification, linear acceleration, tap detection, and even step counts. These capabilities make the CodeCell especially suited for robotics and wearable applications.
To make working with the sensors easier, the CodeCell.h Arduino library provides simple, ready-to-use functions along with tutorials and example projects. The CodeCell can also connect to our free app, allowing you to easily add wireless controls to your projects with sliders, buttons, a joystick, real-time sensor feedback, and a 20-character display – perfect for debugging!
Each box includes the CodeCell, a set of four M1.2 screws, and three sets of female headers (soldering optional). A 1.25 mm pitch battery cable is also provided, along with the optional 170 mAh 20C LiPo battery. The optional battery measures 23 × 17.5 × 8.7 mm, weighs 4.6 g, and comes pre-wired with a 1.25 mm female connector that plugs directly into the onboard connector. See the full battery datasheet here. Schematics for this module are available here.
This module uses the ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4, which is certified for FCC, CE, TELEC, and Wi-Fi Alliance compliance. The CodeCell is also RoHS compliant and follows the IPC-A-600 II standard. Please note that the CodeCell is intended as a DIY maker kit. For commercial use, please contact us.
CodeCell comes with well explained tutorials and multiple examples. All tutorials can be found here: CodeCell Tutorials.
To install the CodeCell library, go to 'Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries' - the 'Library Manager' should open up. Just type "CodeCell" and click 'Install' to download the latest version of the CodeCell library.
We are continuously updating and adding new features to this library, so make sure you're using the latest version. To quickly get familiar with this library, go to 'File > Examples > CodeCell,' where you'll find multiple examples you can use and modify for your projects. We recommend starting with the 'GettingStarted' example, which contains just a few lines of code but explains all the sensing functionalities available with CodeCell.
CodeCell can be shipped using all our available shipping methods. However, if you choose the 170mAh LiPo battery option, it must ship via FedEx due to regulations. This may increase your cart total, but it’s express and reliable. You can also add other items to the same shipment to make the most of it. We appreciate your understanding 😊
CodeCell is suitable for anyone curious about electronics! It come with well-explained Arduino examples that make it easier for kids and teenagers to get started. For children under 12, we recommend opting for pre-soldered connectors or ensuring soldering is done under proper adult supervision and guidance. Please also note that the package will include small parts, like screws, so care should be taken when handling them.
Yes, you can flash CodeCell with MicroPython since it’s based on the ESP32-C3, which supports MicroPython just like other ESP32-based boards. However, please note that our official CodeCell library is written in C++, designed for use with the Arduino IDE. If you plan to use MicroPython, you may need to write custom drivers to interface with the onboard sensors and peripherals
Some ESP32 development boards include both a RST (Reset) button and a BOOT button to manually put the device into programming mode. However, the ESP32-C3, such as the one on the CodeCell module, can automatically enter boot mode through the serial interface when using the Arduino IDE. This means the CodeCell doesn't need dedicated RST or BOOT buttons, which allowed us to make it as small as it is.
In the rare case that your CodeCell freezes or encounters an exception (causing it to continuously reset), you can manually force it into boot mode to reflash the firmware. To do this, simply follow these steps:
Following these steps will restore your CodeCell back to life.
The CodeCell C3 does not support interrupt-based wake-ups due to pin limitations on the ESP32-C3-MINI-1-N4 module. As an alternative, you can use the RTC-sleep-timer to wake the device and then check the sensor data. Examples can be found here: Sleep Example.
If you require interrupt-based wake-ups, these are supported on the CodeCell C6.
The optional advanced IMU sensor is a pricey upgrade, but we believe it's well worth the investment! It upgrades the CodeCell’s capabilities with an integrated 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, and 3-axis magnetometer. The BNO085’s advanced sensor fusion algorithms combine data from these sensors to accurately determine motion data, such as:
Pair with the MicroLink app for Android & iOS to add a joystick, sliders, and buttons to your projects.
Level up your skills with fun, beginner-friendly DIY projects in robotics, coding, and DIY making.
CodeCell comes with Arduino library and easy-to-follow tutorial-examples for fast prototyping.
Unbox, Power Up & Start Building
Processor: ESP32-C3
Memory: 4 MB Flash + 400KB SRAM
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 + BLE 5
Sensors: Light/Proximity
GPIOs: 6 GPIO (3 ADC, 6 PWM) + I2C
Minimum Sleep Current: 476uA
Wakeup: RTC Timer
Processor: ESP32-C3
Memory: 4 MB Flash + 400KB SRAM
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 + BLE 5
Sensors: Light/Proximity + 9-Axis IMU
GPIOs: 6 GPIO (3 ADC, 6 PWM) + I2C
Minimum Sleep Current: 861uA
Wakeup: RTC Timer
Processor: ESP32-C6
Memory: 8 MB Flash + 512KB SRAM
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 + BLE 5 + Zigbee
Sensors: Light/Proximity + 9-Axis IMU
GPIOs: 6 GPIO (3 ADC, 6 PWM) + I2C
Minimum Sleep Current: 40uA
Wakeup: Timer, Light, Proximity, Tap
Processor: ESP32-C6
Memory: 8 MB Flash + 512KB SRAM
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 + BLE 5 + Zigbee
Sensors: Light/Proximity + 9-Axis IMU
GPIOs: 2 Motor Drivers + 2 GPIO + I2C
Minimum Sleep Current: 40uA
Wakeup: Timer, Light, Proximity, Tap
So far I have only opened and inspected your products as I am waiting for the robot to be available to begin MicroBots projects
Very interesting devices. I have been using them for experiments in highly space-constrained sensor settings.
It does what it promises. Very small , good to use in applications where small size matters.Very important that it also has ready to go libraries and examples!
