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Project Overview

fastbeeAbout 5 min

Project Overview

FastBee-Arduino is an open-source IoT firmware framework for the ESP32 chip series. Through zero-code visual configuration, ESP32 can be assembled like building blocks into a fully capable IoT device in seconds.

Source Repository: https://gitee.com/beecue/fastbee-arduino

Case Studies

Below are real-world application cases of FastBee-Arduino on different chips and hardware platforms.

ESP32-C6 Blink
ESP32-C6 DevKit Blink Quick Start

Using ESP32-C6 DevKit, complete firmware flashing and LED blink test within 5 minutes, experience the zero-code quick start workflow.

ESP32-C3 Temp & Humidity
ESP32-C3 DevKit Temperature & Humidity Monitoring

Collect environmental temperature and humidity via DHT11 sensor, display on OLED in real-time, auto-trigger alarm rules when thresholds exceeded.

ESP32 Modbus
ESP32 Device Modbus Monitoring and Control

ESP32 IoT terminal collects Modbus RTU slave data via RS485 interface for industrial sensor monitoring and remote control.

ECM50-A Networking
ECM50-A Device 4G / Ethernet / WiFi Networking

ESP32-S3 based ECM50-A industrial device supporting automatic switching between 4G cellular, Ethernet W5500 and WiFi networking modes.

Puzhong DevKit
ESP32 Puzhong DevKit Feature Testing

Comprehensive testing of GPIO, ADC, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART, display and other peripheral features on the Puzhong ESP32 DevKit.

WaveShare
ESP32-S3 WaveShare Device

WaveShare ESP32-S3 DevKit adaptation and verification, covering WiFi, sensor acquisition, display driver and MQTT reporting scenarios.

More cases in the Examples directory.

Project Background

With the rapid development of IoT technology, demand for edge computing devices has surged. However, traditional embedded development faces two major challenges:

  • High development barrier: Requires expertise in C/C++ programming, hardware drivers, network protocols, etc.
  • Low deployment efficiency: Every function change requires recompilation and reflashing, high on-site maintenance cost

Although ESP32 chips are powerful, they have limited resources (520KB SRAM, 4MB Flash). Traditional IoT frameworks often consume too many resources, leading to system instability.

FastBee-Arduino was created with the zero-code, visual configuration philosophy. All configuration is done through the built-in Web management interface, truly achieving "flash and go".

Project Goals

  • Zero-code development: No coding required, complete peripheral configuration, protocol integration and rule orchestration through the browser
  • Resource optimization: Designed for ESP32 resource constraints with Lite/Standard/Full tiered architecture, prioritizing system stability
  • Rapid deployment: From flashing to cloud connection in just 5 steps, suitable from prototype verification to batch deployment
  • Open ecosystem: AGPL-3.0 open-source license, supports custom peripheral drivers and protocol extensions, source at gitee.com/beecue/fastbee-arduino

Core Features

Browser as Console

  • Device monitoring, peripheral configuration, protocol integration and rule orchestration all done in the local Web interface
  • Responsive design, supports PC/tablet/mobile access
  • Auto-enters AP provisioning mode on first boot, no extra tools needed

Multiple Networking Options

  • WiFi (all editions): AP/STA dual mode, mDNS domain access
  • Ethernet (Full/custom builds): W5500 SPI interface
  • 4G Cellular (Full/custom builds): EC801E-CN module

Protocol & Peripheral Integration

  • Communication Protocols: MQTT; Standard/Full editions support Modbus RTU master, register mapping and sub-device control
  • Peripheral Support: GPIO, sensors, displays, digital tubes, RS485/UART and 25+ types
  • Rule Engine: 4 trigger types, 27 action types, supports timer/event/platform/poll triggers

Field-Oriented Stability

  • AP/STA network access auto-switching, reconnection on disconnect
  • Memory gating (MEMGUARD) mechanism, low-memory degradation protection
  • On-demand loading, lightweight first screen, reduces browser concurrent pressure
  • Worker pool pre-creation, avoids runtime dynamic allocation

Clear Resource Tiering

  • Lite: ESP32-C3/C6 low-cost nodes, retains WiFi/MQTT, mDNS, basic Web, OLED/TM1637 and config import/export
  • Standard: ESP32/ESP32-S3 main firmware, adds Modbus, Command Script, RuleScript, I2C/RFID/IR and other field capabilities
  • Full: ESP32/ESP32-S3 + PSRAM gateway/advanced controller, retains Ethernet, 4G, OTA, file/logging, user roles, multi-language and more protocol capabilities

Tech Stack

LayerTechnologyNotes
HardwareESP32/ESP32-C3/ESP32-S3Dual-core 240MHz, WiFi/BT/BLE
FrameworkArduino + PlatformIORapid development, multi-environment builds
CommunicationWiFi/MQTT/Modbus RTU/Ethernet/4GEnabled per firmware tier
Web ServerESPAsyncWebServerAsync HTTP server
FrontendVanilla JavaScriptNo framework dependency, lightweight
File SystemLittleFSEmbedded Flash file system
Build ToolsNode.js + PlatformIOWeb asset compression, firmware compilation

Edition Tiers

FastBee-Arduino comes in three editions: Lite, Standard and Full. Feature boundaries, chip compatibility, resource limits and selection advice: Edition Comparison Guide.

Application Scenarios

FastBee-Arduino is suitable for various IoT scenarios. The case study cards above showcase typical hardware platforms and applications. Main scenario categories:

  • Smart Home: Temperature/humidity monitoring, light control, door/window alarm
  • Industrial Data Collection: Modbus RTU acquisition, current/voltage monitoring, multi-device polling and reporting
  • Agricultural IoT: Soil/environmental sensing, automatic irrigation control
  • Educational Labs: 54 examples covering common sensors, zero-code configuration focuses on learning principles
  • Field Terminal Deployment: Flash and go, Web remote configuration, config import/export for batch deployment
Last update:
Contributors: kerwincui
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