Does this project require an additional ADS‑B receiver or antenna?
No. It obtains flight data via WiFi through the OpenSky Network API, so no additional hardware receiver is needed.
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Plane Radar
Plane Radar is a plug‑and‑play desktop radar for your OpenNextion ESP32‑S3 screen – flash it, connect to WiFi, and instantly see live flights above you. Based on the well‑known ESP32 Plane Radar, it supports portrait mode and needs no complex setup.
Preview
Hardware Requirements
Development Boards
Accessories
Getting Started
Feature Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Flight Tracking | Displays ADS-B aircraft currently flying near your location |
| Radar Range Switching | Supports range presets of 5km, 10km, 15km, and 25km |
| Flight Details | Shows flight number, aircraft type, altitude, heading, and more |
| Edge Indicators | Aircraft outside radar range are displayed as directional dots on the screen edge |
| Runway Overlay | Optionally display nearby major airport runway data (from the OurAirports database) |
BOOT Button
Plane Radar uses the BOOT button for quick device operations.
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Short press | Cycle through radar range presets: 5 → 10 → 15 → 25 km |
| Hold 3 seconds | Clear WiFi and location settings; reboot into factory reset state |
| Hold during setup/boot | Force reset and enter factory setup mode |
Quick Start
Preparation
- 1 × supported OpenNextion ESP32-S3 smart display
- 1 × USB data cable
- 1 × Windows/Mac computer
- 2.4 GHz WiFi
Before starting, ensure the USB cable supports data transfer and maintain a stable connection between the board and your computer.
Flashing the Firmware
- Click Flash Online at the top of the page.
- Select the OpenNextion device model you are using.
- Choose the corresponding serial port when prompted in the browser.
- Wait for erasing, writing, and verification to complete. Do not unplug the USB cable during this process.
After successful flashing, the board will automatically restart and boot into Plane Radar.
Device WiFi Provisioning
Connect your computer to the device's hotspot, then open the WiFi configuration page. Click "Configure WiFi", enter your 2.4 GHz WiFi SSID and password, and provisioning is complete.
- Device hotspot SSID:
PlaneRadar-Setup(open) - WiFi configuration page IP:
http://192.168.4.1orhttp://plane-radar.local - At the bottom of the Configure WiFi page, you can set the latitude/longitude coordinates of the radar center. The default displays coordinates for Poland.
Web Configuration
How to Access
After successful WiFi provisioning, there are two ways to access the Web configuration page:
- Go to your 2.4 GHz router's admin panel, locate the IP address assigned to the ESP32‑S3 device, and enter that IP in your browser.
- Use a serial log viewer to check the IP address displayed after successful provisioning.
The Web configuration page opened in your browser appears as shown below:
(Bottom of the page displays the Web configuration IP address)
Configuration
| Selection | Description |
|---|---|
| Configure WiFi | Change WiFi settings and modify radar center latitude/longitude coordinates |
| Info | View device and connected WiFi information; also allows firmware upgrade or erasing WiFi configuration |
| Exit | Exit the configuration page. The screen will then display: "WiFi connection failed, press and hold BOOT button for 3s to factory reset" |
| Update | Upload a .bin file for firmware upgrade |
Resources
FAQ
Does it support touchscreen operation?
Currently, this firmware does not use touch functionality. All operations are performed with the BOOT button – short press to cycle radar ranges, long press to clear configuration.
In which regions can it be used?
The device connects to the internet via WiFi to fetch flight data, so it works wherever you have a network connection. It is worth noting that the flight coverage from data sources like OpenSky is mainly based on publicly available ADS‑B data worldwide.
How do I update the firmware?
For the current version, it is recommended to perform a full firmware flash via USB. Future versions will support OTA wireless updates through the web configuration page.
How accurate is the aircraft data shown on the radar?
The data comes from public ADS‑B sources such as OpenSky, which offer good real‑time performance. However, due to coverage and update frequency limitations, there may be some delay or blind spots. It is suitable as a fun desktop gadget and a tool for aviation enthusiasts, but is not recommended for professional navigation or tracking purposes.
Do I need to print the enclosure myself?
We have designed a matching 3D‑printed enclosure and will release it for free on MakerWorld. If you don't have a 3D printer, you can also use a third‑party printing service, or simply use the board without an enclosure.