Getting Started With ESPHome Workshop

Getting Started With ESPHome: From Zero to Cool workshop

⚠️ You must bring: a laptop + a USB-C data cable (not just charging). ⚠️

📆 Date: Day 2, Saturday, 16-August-2025
🕔 Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
📍 Location: Tobin 219 (Workshop A)
Schedule

This hands-on workshop introduces participants to ESPHome, an open-source platform for integrating ESP32 microcontrollers with home automation systems. Participants will learn the fundamentals of configuring ESPHome YAML files to control inputs and outputs, connect to Wi-Fi, enable remote access, perform over-the-air (OTA) updates, integrate with Home Assistant, and add external sensors or components. Attendees will walk away with the knowledge to create their own simple IoT solutions using ESPHome. No programming or soldering skills are required, making this workshop highly accessible to beginners and anyone curious about creating IoT devices and home automation.

By Vinicius Fortuna — Home · LinkedIn · Mastodon

Materials

The workshop is free to attend, but you’ll need an ESP32 device (ESP32-C3 preferred), plus a laptop and USB-C data cable.

ESP32 devices: I’ll have 20 ESP32-C3 Super Mini boards available for purchase at $4 (cash, crypto, Venmo, PayPal). You can also borrow one if available; priority goes to folks purchasing.

Bring last year’s badge: You can use the HOPE XV Electronic Badge (it has an ESP32-C3 inside).

USB-C data cables: I’ll bring ~20 to loan during the session (please return). If your laptop doesn’t have USB-C, bring your own USB-A↔USB-C cable or adapter. Make sure it’s a data-capable cable.

No soldering or extra tools needed. No registration; first-come, first-served seating. If you lack materials, you can still sit in if space allows—priority to those ready to flash.

Preparation

This can be problematic and doing it in advance can ensure the workshop can get started without delays.

• Install ESPHome
• Have https://github.com/fortuna/ESPHomeWorkshop open in your laptop to copy the code and follow along.

Quick links

Workshop code: https://github.com/fortuna/ESPHomeWorkshop

ESPHome docs: Getting Started - List of Components

Home Assistant ESPHome integration: https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/esphome/

Community:

• ESPHome: Discord Server, Forum
• Home Assistant: Discord Server, Forum