Two-Way WiFi Chat Device
Build Your Own Two-Way WiFi Chat Device — ESP8266 + LCD Displays
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
You'll assemble two identical nodes — each driven by an ESP8266 NodeMCU — that wirelessly exchange typed messages and display them instantly on crisp 16x2 LCD screens. Think of it as a private local area messenger, a hands-on way to understand how chat apps, IoT dashboards, or even drone telemetry handles real-time data. No soldering required, just plug into breadboards and power up.
What You'll Build
Two standalone devices that connect to your home WiFi and open a WebSocket channel. Type a message on one device’s serial monitor (or later, a keypad), and the other shows it live. You’ll see bidirectional, low-latency text transfer — a practical demonstration of full-duplex communication. This is exactly the kind of modular subsystem used in Smart India Hackathon prototypes or final-year B.Tech mini-projects where two ESP8266 nodes share sensor data.
What You'll Learn
- Setting up a WebSocket server and client on ESP8266 using Arduino IDE
- Interfacing two 16x2 LCDs over I2C for simultaneous display
- Handling WiFi reconnection and error states gracefully
- Structuring real-time, event-driven code on embedded hardware
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP8266 NodeMCU | 2 |
| 16x2 LCD | 2 |
| I2C Backpack | 2 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 400-pt Breadboard | 2 |
| M-M Wires | 30 |
| Micro USB Cable | 2 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
B.Tech ECE/EEE students hunting for a unique mini-project, final-year learners exploring IoT protocols, and CBSE Class 11-12 students building advanced ATL Tinkering Lab demonstrations. It’s also a practical fit for Smart India Hackathon teams needing a reliable, wire-free communication layer between two embedded nodes, or for hobbyists at IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS maker clubs who want a polished WebSocket example.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to open your AI build companion. It walks you through every wiring step and code snippet specific to this chat device project. For human help, just send a WhatsApp message from the same page.
Can both ESP8266 boards connect to a single mobile hotspot?
Yes, and that’s the easiest way to get started. Both boards connect to the same WiFi network (hotspot or router) and locate each other via a fixed IP or hostname. The AI companion includes ready-to-flash code with clear IP configuration instructions.
Do I need a separate microcontroller for the LCDs?
No — each ESP8266 directly drives its 16x2 LCD through the I2C backpack, keeping the setup simple. You’ll be writing code only for the ESP8266, right in the Arduino IDE.
What coding background does this kit assume?
Familiarity with Arduino IDE basics and very basic HTML/JavaScript (for WebSocket concepts) is helpful, but not mandatory. The AI companion explains every line of the included code, making it ideal for an intermediate builder ready to move beyond blinking LEDs.
Two ESP8266 boards on same WiFi exchange text messages using WebSocket. Shows messages on 16x2 LCD.
What's in this kit
- ESP8266 NodeMCU x2
- 16x2 LCD x2
- I2C Backpack x2
- 4.7kΩ Resistors x10
- 400-pt Breadboard x2
- M-M Wires x30
- Micro USB Cable x2
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items