Introduction: Build Your Own Real-Time PC Monitor With ESP32 & Arduino!

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About: World of E- project

Learn how to set up real-time serial communication between your PC and ESP32. This project shows how data flows from your computer to your microcontroller using UART and how to display it effectively.

Supplies

LilyGO T-Display S3 AMOLED (ESP32-S3 built-in)

USB-C Cable

Windows PC with Visual Studio (VB.NET)

Arduino IDE (latest version)

Optional: 3D-printed case

Step 1: Set Up Arduino IDE


Install the ESP32 Board Package:

Go to File → Preferences → Paste this URL in Additional Board Manager URLs:


https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json

Tools → Board Manager → Search and install esp32 by Espressif Systems


Select board:

Tools → Board → ESP32S3 Dev Module or LilyGO T-Display S3 AMOLED

Step 2: Install Required Libraries

TFT_eSPI LINK-https://github.com/Bodmer/TFT_eSPI


Attachments

Step 3: Upload ESP32 Code

Step 4: VB.NET PC Side Application

Copy the provided VB.NET EXE to any folder.

Run the app.

If COM port is not visible, check Device Manager.

The app will auto-detect the port and send data every second.

Step 5: Test & Debug

  1. Your ESP32 display should show performance data.
  2. If you send a custom message from the VB app, it shows on the 3rd page.
  3. Use the side button on LilyGO to switch pages (if implemented).

💡 Tips:

  1. You can easily modify the threshold values for alerts.
  2. Customize the layout or theme in the Arduino code.
  3. Add icons for a more attractive display.
  4. If you're only using it locally, no Wi-Fi is needed.