Summary
Kern aims to run on various ESP32-P4 hardware. To help new users get started, we'd like to increase the list of compatible configurations whether you're assembling your own kit or buying a finished device.
Options
DIY Kits — assemble your own from individual components:
- Board — preferably with no integrated radio (Wi-Fi/BT).
Suggested starting point: Waveshare ESP32-P4-Pico (~$11)
- Display — compatible with the board's connector
- Camera — compatible with the board's connector
- Optional: 3D printed case
Finished Devices — all-in-one boards that come assembled with display and camera, like the
Waveshare ESP32-P4-WiFi6-Touch-LCD-4B.
Convenient, though they may include integrated radio.
The Radio Problem
For an air-gapped signing device, having an integrated Wi-Fi/BT chip is undesirable even if disabled in software. We reached out to Waveshare and they confirmed they can produce a radio-free variant of the ESP32-P4-WiFi6-Touch-LCD-4B, but require a minimum order of 200 units, likely out of reach for a community project at this stage.
We're looking for ideas on how to source or arrange clean, affordable, and radio-free hardware.
Some directions worth exploring:
- Other finished ESP32-P4 devices without radio from different manufacturers
- DIY kits built around radio-free boards (e.g. ESP32-P4-Pico)
- Group buys or partnerships that could meet a MOQ
- Any other creative solutions the community can think of
How to Contribute
- Test and document a compatible board + display + camera combination
- Suggest or validate finished devices that work with Kern
- Submit a PR adding your validated configuration to the docs
- Bonus: contribute a 3D printable case for your setup
Skills Needed
- Hardware tinkering / embedded electronics
- Knowledge of ESP32-P4 peripheral interfaces (MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, SPI, I2C)
- Optional: 3D printing
Feel free to comment with hardware you've tested or want to test!
Summary
Kern aims to run on various ESP32-P4 hardware. To help new users get started, we'd like to increase the list of compatible configurations whether you're assembling your own kit or buying a finished device.
Options
DIY Kits — assemble your own from individual components:
Suggested starting point: Waveshare ESP32-P4-Pico (~$11)
Finished Devices — all-in-one boards that come assembled with display and camera, like the
Waveshare ESP32-P4-WiFi6-Touch-LCD-4B.
Convenient, though they may include integrated radio.
The Radio Problem
For an air-gapped signing device, having an integrated Wi-Fi/BT chip is undesirable even if disabled in software. We reached out to Waveshare and they confirmed they can produce a radio-free variant of the ESP32-P4-WiFi6-Touch-LCD-4B, but require a minimum order of 200 units, likely out of reach for a community project at this stage.
We're looking for ideas on how to source or arrange clean, affordable, and radio-free hardware.
Some directions worth exploring:
How to Contribute
Skills Needed
Feel free to comment with hardware you've tested or want to test!