StarForge - ESP32 Drone Race Timing System

The ultimate dual-mode FPV race timer - Works standalone with WiFi or integrates seamlessly with RotorHazard server. Built on ESP32 for maximum performance and reliability.

📚 Quick Start Guide → - New user? Start here for step-by-step setup instructions, pinouts, and troubleshooting!

Want to contribute, learn more, or need help, reach out to our Rotorhazard discord channel here

🏁 Two Modes, One Device

🌐 Standalone Mode - WiFi Racing

Perfect for casual solo racing and practice laps

• Instant setup - Just power on and connect to WiFi
• Beautiful web interface - Works on any device (phone, tablet, laptop)
• Real-time RSSI monitoring - Visual feedback with live graphs
• Audio announcements - Lap times announced via browser speech synthesis
• Multi-band support - Raceband, Fatshark, Boscam A/E frequencies
• No server required - Everything runs on the ESP32-C3

🔌 RotorHazard Node Mode - Professional Racing

Full integration with RotorHazard server

• 100% compatible - Drop-in replacement for standard RotorHazard solo nodes
• High-precision timing - FreeRTOS-based real-time processing
• USB connectivity - Plug and play with existing RotorHazard setups
• Optimized performance - WiFi disabled for maximum timing accuracy

🎯 Dual-Mode Operation

Switch between modes instantly - no firmware changes needed. Use a simple jumper or switch to select WiFi or RotorHazard mode.

🎮 Perfect For

• FPV racing clubs - Standalone timing for practice sessions
• RotorHazard users - Professional timing node for competitions
• DIY enthusiasts - Easy to build and customize
• Mobile racing - Take timing anywhere with WiFi mode
• Testing and development - Debug FPV setups and frequencies

🛠️ Quick Start

Want a fully assembled version? Pre-built boards are available at racefpv.io

Building your own? Check out the DIY Hardware Guide for the RX5808-based version with complete wiring diagrams and PCB design tips.

Standalone Mode (WiFi)

1. Power on the device
2. Connect to WiFi network "SFOS-XXXX"
3. Open browser to http://sfos.local
4. Start racing!

RotorHazard Node Mode

1. Connect via USB to your RotorHazard server
2. Add as timing node in RotorHazard
3. Full professional features available!

📋 Hardware Requirements

• ESP32-C3 SuperMini development board
• RX5808 FPV receiver module
• Mode selection switch (optional)
• Basic wiring tools

🔧 Technical Details

For detailed technical information, pin configurations, and setup instructions, see the docs/ folder:

• Setup Guide - Complete installation and configuration
• Hardware Guide - PCB design and wiring diagrams
• Display Customization - UI customization options

💾 Flashing Firmware

🚀 Easy Way - StarForge Flash Tool (Recommended)

No command line required! Use our cross-platform desktop app:

1. Download the latest release from GitHub Releases
   • macOS: StarForge-Flash-Tool-X.X.X.dmg
   • Windows: StarForge-Flash-Tool-Setup-X.X.X.exe
2. Connect your ESP32 board via USB
3. Select your board type and click "Flash Firmware"
4. Done! The tool automatically downloads and flashes the latest firmware

Features: Auto-detection, one-click flashing, progress tracking, supports all board types.

📖 Full documentation: flash_tool/README.md

⚙️ Manual Way - PlatformIO (For Developers)

cd StarForgeOS/
pio run -e esp32-c3-supermini --target upload
pio run -e esp32-c3-supermini --target uploadfs

Note: Both commands are required - one uploads the firmware, the other uploads the web interface files.

Or use the Makefile for easier commands:

make                                    # Show all available commands
make build BOARD=esp32-c3-supermini    # Build firmware
make upload BOARD=esp32-c3-supermini   # Build and upload
make monitor BOARD=esp32-c3-supermini  # Open serial monitor

🧪 Testing (For Developers)

StarForgeOS includes comprehensive tests to ensure compatibility across all supported ESP32 board types.

Quick Validation (No Hardware Required)

make test  # Validates all board configs compile correctly (~4-5 minutes)

This runs:

• ✅ Hardware configuration tests (pin definitions, constants)
• ✅ WiFi functionality tests
• ✅ Protocol unit tests (RotorHazard compatibility)

Hardware Specific Testing

# Test specific board with connected hardware
make test-board BOARD=test-esp32-c3

# Test RotorHazard protocol integration
make test-rotorhazard PORT=/dev/ttyUSB0 BOARD=esp32dev

Continuous Integration

Every pull request automatically runs build validation across all board types via GitHub Actions, ensuring no breaking changes.

📖 Full testing documentation: See test/README.md for complete details on the test suite, CI/CD strategy, and contribution guidelines.