SparkFun OpenScale goes cheap‑hardware
ESP32‑based smart‑scale builds are trending — SparkFun’s OpenScale reference uses an HX711 ADC, TMP102 temperature sensor and Qwiic connectors for modularity, and the project post picked up ~35 likes and 1.6K views on social CNX Software on OpenScale. The takeaway: off‑the‑shelf ESP32 + ADC + sensors + 3D‑printed enclosures are making precise embedded health/weight devices cheap and accessible for makers CNX Software on OpenScale.
SparkFun launched the OpenScale‑IoT as SKU SEN‑30282 in a March 13, 2026 product post, and lists it on its shop page for $44.95. (news.sparkfun.com) The board accepts a 5 V input and draws about 80–100 mA in typical operation, with a footprint of 55.88 × 46.99 mm (2.2 × 1.85 in). (cnx-software.com) Selectable output data rates of 10 or 80 samples‑per‑second and an adjustable amplifier gain are exposed via jumpers for long‑term monitoring applications, according to the published specs. (cnx-software.com) Configuration and live readout can be done over Bluetooth SPP/BLE or 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi (with OTA firmware support), while wired setup uses a USB‑C serial port at 115200 bps; SparkFun notes Bluetooth terminal configuration is not supported on Apple devices. (sparkfun.com) SparkFun published the hardware KiCad files, schematics and firmware binaries on its GitHub repositories to enable community forks and custom firmware builds. (github.com) The IoT revision replaces the original OpenScale design that used an ATmega328P microcontroller (original product SEN‑13261), while the legacy board was recently listed at $34.95 after a price adjustment. (github.com) Documentation highlights an onboard temperature sensor plus a 3‑pin header for an external three‑wire probe and an optional external serial interface (TX1/RX1/5V/GND) for integration into larger systems. (cnx-software.com)
