Chelonian Access System - Complete Project Overview

Project Summary

Chelonian Access is a modern, security-focused RFID access control system built on the ESP32-C3 SuperMini platform. The system provides secure keyless entry with audio feedback, expandable relay control, and wireless connectivity capabilities.

Documentation Index

Core Documentation

Feature Enhancement Documentation

System Architecture 

┌─────────────────┐     ┌──────────────────┐
│   RFID Card     │────▶│  PN532 Reader    │
└─────────────────┘     └────────┬─────────┘
                                 │ SPI
                        ┌────────▼─────────┐
                        │ ESP32-C3 Super   │
                        │     Mini          │
                        │ WiFi + Bluetooth  │
                        └──┬──────────┬────┘
                           │          │
                ┌──────────▼───┐   ┌──▼──────────┐
                │  4x Relays   │   │   JQ6500    │
                │ SRD-05VDC    │   │ MP3 Player  │
                └──────────────┘   └─────────────┘
                       │                  │
                ┌──────▼──────┐    ┌─────▼─────┐
                │ Door Locks  │    │  Speaker  │
                └─────────────┘    └───────────┘

                    ┌─────────────┐
                    │  Mini360    │
                    │ Buck Conv.  │
                    │ 12V → 5V    │
                    └─────────────┘

Current System Capabilities

What’s Working Now

  1. Access Control
    • Reads RFID cards (4-byte and 7-byte UIDs)
    • Validates against authorized list
    • Activates door unlock relay for 10 seconds
    • Brute-force protection with progressive delays
  2. Audio Feedback
    • Power-up confirmation
    • Waiting prompt after 10 seconds
    • Access granted/denied sounds
    • Multiple denial levels for repeat attempts
  3. Software Architecture
    • Modular OOP design
    • Comprehensive unit testing
    • Mock objects for development
    • Clean separation of concerns

What’s Possible with Current Hardware

The system currently uses only about 20% of the hardware’s capabilities. Major untapped features include:

  1. Wireless Connectivity
    • WiFi 802.11 b/g/n for remote management
    • Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE) for mobile app integration
    • Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
    • Web-based configuration portal
    • MQTT integration for home automation
  2. Power Efficiency
    • Deep sleep mode (43μA consumption)
    • Wake-on-approach capabilities
    • Months of battery operation possible
    • Real-time power monitoring
  3. Enhanced Security
    • Write data to RFID cards
    • Master card programming
    • Time-based access control
    • Multi-factor authentication
    • Remote access management
  4. User Experience
    • Built-in blue LED for status
    • 4MB flash for extensive logging
    • JQ6500 audio flexibility
    • Multiple relay controls
    • Web dashboard

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Essential Software Features (1-2 weeks)

  1. LED Status Indicators - Visual feedback using onboard blue LED
  2. Low Power Sleep Mode - Ultra-low 43μA deep sleep
  3. Master Card Programming - Add/remove cards without computer
  4. Emergency Override - Safety button for emergencies

Phase 2: Wireless Features (1-2 weeks)

  1. WiFi Configuration Portal - Easy setup without programming
  2. BLE Mobile App - Use smartphone as key
  3. OTA Updates - Firmware updates without physical access
  4. MQTT Integration - Connect to home automation

Phase 3: Enhanced Security (2-3 weeks)

  1. Multiple Access Levels - Different permissions per card
  2. Access Logging - Track all entry attempts
  3. Time-Based Access - Schedule restrictions
  4. Remote Management - Web-based administration

Phase 4: Advanced Features (3-4 weeks)

  1. Battery Backup - Uninterrupted operation
  2. Dual Authentication - Two-factor security
  3. Mesh Networking - Multiple access points
  4. Cloud Integration - Remote monitoring

Quick Start Improvements

If you want to enhance the system today with no additional hardware:

  1. Enable LED feedback (30 minutes) 
    pinMode(8, OUTPUT);  // Blue LED
digitalWrite(8, HIGH); // LED on
  2. Add WiFi portal (2 hours) 
    #include <WiFi.h>
#include <WebServer.h>
// ESP32-C3 has built-in WiFi!
  3. Implement deep sleep (1 hour)
    • ESP32-C3 achieves 43μA in deep sleep
    • Wake on GPIO or timer

Hardware Investment Guide

Zero Cost Improvements

  • Blue LED indicator (built-in on GPIO8)
  • 4MB flash storage
  • WiFi access point
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Deep sleep modes

Low Cost Additions ($5-20)

  • Emergency button: $2
  • Capacitive touch sensor: $1
  • RTC module: $5
  • External antenna: $5
  • PIR motion sensor: $3

Medium Cost Additions ($20-50)

  • Battery backup system: $20-30
  • OLED display: $10
  • Solar charging: $25
  • Keypad: $10
  • GPS module: $15

Development Setup

Required Tools

  • PlatformIO (VS Code extension recommended)
  • USB-C cable
  • ESP32-C3 board support

Build Commands 

# Build the project
pio run

# Upload to ESP32-C3
pio run -t upload

# Run unit tests
pio test

# Monitor serial output
pio device monitor

Key Hardware Advantages

ESP32-C3 SuperMini Benefits:

  • 20x faster than Pro Micro (160MHz vs 8MHz)
  • 160x more RAM (400KB vs 2.5KB)
  • 125x more storage (4MB vs 32KB)
  • Built-in wireless (WiFi + Bluetooth)
  • Ultra-low power (43μA deep sleep)
  • Tiny size (22.52 x 18mm)

JQ6500 Audio Benefits:

  • Simple serial protocol
  • Reliable operation
  • Direct speaker drive
  • Good documentation

Mini360 Power Benefits:

  • 96% efficiency
  • Handles 12V automotive power
  • Adjustable output
  • Compact size
  • Over-current protection

Safety Warnings

⚠️ IMPORTANT: The ESP32-C3 operates at 3.3V logic levels. The system uses 5V power through the Mini360 converter for relay compatibility.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Ensure proper voltage settings on the Mini360 buck converter before connecting to the system.

Support and Contributions

This project is open source and welcomes contributions. Areas where help is especially appreciated:

  1. Testing wireless features
  2. Mobile app development (iOS/Android)
  3. Web dashboard UI
  4. PCB design for permanent installation
  5. 3D printed enclosure designs
  6. Security auditing

Future Vision

With the ESP32-C3 platform, this project can evolve into a comprehensive vehicle access and monitoring system:

  • Remote start integration
  • GPS tracking
  • Fleet management
  • Voice control via Alexa/Google
  • Smartphone notifications
  • Cloud-based analytics
  • Multi-vehicle synchronization
  • Integration with smart home systems

The powerful ESP32-C3 provides the foundation for endless possibilities while maintaining low power consumption and a tiny footprint!

Copyright © 2025 DapperDivers. MIT License.