Build the Free edition
A free web tally from a single ESP32-S3 module. No soldering — five steps from buying the part to a live tally on your phone.
Buy the part
All you need is one module and a cable.
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| PC / laptop | Needed only once for the firmware install — have Chrome or Edge installed |
| Item | Description | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESP32-S3 dev board — 6 compatible models | ESP32-S3 SuperMini · Waveshare ESP32-S3-Zero · ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 (N8R2 variant) · ESP32-S3-N4R2/N8R2/N16R2 module boards | 1 | All work as-is — check the compatibility table below for verdicts and caveats |
| USB-C cable | Must support data transfer | 1 | Charge-only cables cannot install |
The Free firmware runs unmodified on all of the boards below. Check the verdict and notes before buying.
| Board / module | Memory | Verdict | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESP32-S3 SuperMini | 4MB + 2MB quad (FH4R2 = N4R2-class) | ✅ as-is · best fit | Exact match for the 4MB partition — zero waste |
| Waveshare ESP32-S3-Zero | 8MB + 2MB quad (N8R2) | ✅ as-is | 4MB headroom (unused by the current build) |
| ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 | Depends on the variant you buy | ✅ as-is (N8R2 variant) | ⚠️ Make sure the listing says R2 — N8R8V/N16R8V (octal) variants sell under the same name. An R8 board works with one extra config line (OCT) |
| ESP32-S3-N4R2 (module) | 4MB + 2MB | ✅ as-is | Exact partition match |
| ESP32-S3-N8R2 (module) | 8MB + 2MB | ✅ as-is | The easiest combo to find on the market |
| ESP32-S3-N16R2 (module) | 16MB + 2MB | ✅ as-is | 12MB headroom — relatively rare in the market (N8R2/N16R8V are common) |
Flash the firmware
Install straight from the browser — no login required.
Open the flasher
Visit /flash/free in Chrome or Edge on the PC — no login needed
Connect the module
Connect the module to the PC with the USB-C cable
Check the variant
The 'Free' card is auto-selected and the latest firmware downloads automatically
Install
Proceed in order: 'Connect device' → 'Install firmware'
RESET
Following the completion modal, press the module's RESET button once
Join the network
Join the on-site network with just your phone.
Power up
Connect USB-C power to the module (power bank or adapter both work)
Join the AP
On the phone's WiFi list, connect to 'TallyNode-XXXX'
Open the web UI
Open http://192.168.4.1 in the phone's browser
Register the network
On the web UI Network page, enter the venue router's SSID and password
Confirm the join
After a reboot the module joins the network and the web UI answers at its new IP
Connect the switcher
Just enter the switcher IP in the web UI.
Switcher page
Open the Switcher page in the web UI
Pick the type
Choose the switcher type: ATEM · OBS · vMix · OSEE
Enter IP & connect
Enter the switcher's IP on the same network and connect
Confirm reception
Once connected, PGM/PVW data arrives in real time
Check web tally on phones
The cameraman's phone browser becomes the tally light.
Find the device IP
Check the module's network IP on the web UI Network page
Open the tally page
Open http://[device-IP]/tally in the cameraman's phone browser
Connect several phones
Real-time WebSocket — up to 10 phones at once
Verify
Switch preview/program on the switcher and confirm green (PVW) / red (PGM)