ESP32 Bit Pirate

Sub-GHz / CC1101

LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 for handheld ESP32 radio testing

Use the LILYGO T-Embed S3 CC1101 when the ESP32-S3 board already includes the radio path needed for Sub-GHz lab workflows. It fits handheld Sub-GHz checks, CC1101 receive tests and radio-oriented ESP32-S3 workflows without wiring an external module first.

Sub-GHz / CC1101
Flash T-Embed CC1101 firmwareCompare boards
LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 board.

Board-specific guide for LILYGO T-Embed CC1101 firmware, integrated Sub-GHz workflows, wiring limits and ESP32-S3 debugging.

compatibility

T-Embed CC1101 board overview and CC1101 Plus variant

Use this page to choose between the CC1101 and CC1101 Plus variants before flashing ESP32 Bit Pirate.

TypeESP32-S3 handheld board with integrated Sub-GHz radio hardware.
T-Embed CC11014 GPIO through 2x Qwiic, screen, encoder, speaker, mic, SD card, CC1101, PN532, IR TX/RX and battery.
T-Embed CC1101 Plus4 GPIO through 2x Qwiic, screen, encoder, speaker, mic, SD card, CC1101, NRF24, PN532, IR TX/RX and battery.
FirmwareDedicated T-Embed CC1101 and CC1101 Plus manifests in the Web Flasher.

practical tasks

T-Embed CC1101 supported workflows

T-Embed CC1101 is the integrated-board route for Sub-GHz work, with UART, I2C/Qwiic and IR available around the radio hardware.

Sub-GHz / CC1101

Primary reason to choose this board. Use Sub-GHz protocol pages and CC1101 recipes; the Plus variant also includes NRF24 hardware.

UART and Web Serial

Flash, verify and run CLI sessions from the browser or a serial terminal.

I2C/Qwiic modules

Use Qwiic access for compatible accessories, I2C checks and external modules with planned pin mapping.

Infrared and files

IR and SD resources make remote-control and capture workflows natural in a handheld setup.

T-Embed CC1101 pin mapping and wiring notes

Keep CC1101, PN532, IR, SD, display and encoder pins reserved. Use Qwiic connectors for supported external wiring and avoid reassigning onboard radio pins unless you intentionally modify the firmware and hardware.

Always verify voltage and pin mapping before connecting a target. The ESP32-S3 side is not 5 V tolerant unless external level shifting or the Dock path is used correctly.

useful pages

T-Embed CC1101 useful next pages

Jump from T-Embed CC1101 to Sub-GHz, IR, serial, module and flashing resources.

Protocol modes

Sub-GHz

Open the protocol overview before choosing pins and commands.

Infrared

Open the protocol overview before choosing pins and commands.

I2C

Open the protocol overview before choosing pins and commands.

UART

Open the protocol overview before choosing pins and commands.

Useful recipes

Scan Sub-GHz frequency with CC1101

Use the task guide for wiring, commands and troubleshooting.

Receive a Sub-GHz frame

Use the task guide for wiring, commands and troubleshooting.

Record Sub-GHz signal to LittleFS

Use the task guide for wiring, commands and troubleshooting.

Load Flipper .sub file

Use the task guide for wiring, commands and troubleshooting.

Wire CC1101 Sub-GHz module

Use the task guide for wiring, commands and troubleshooting.

Tools and hardware

Web Serial Terminal

Open Web Serial for T-Embed CC1101 CLI sessions after flashing.

Web Flasher

Flash the matching T-Embed CC1101 build from a compatible browser.

Hardware ecosystem

Check docks, adapters and wiring hardware that pair with T-Embed CC1101.

Modules and target chips

Browse chips and breakout modules that make sense with T-Embed CC1101 wiring.

board-specific answers

T-Embed CC1101 FAQ

Quick T-Embed CC1101 answers about integrated radio support, Sub-GHz limits, GPIO tradeoffs and flashing.

Which firmware should I select for T-Embed CC1101?

Choose the T-Embed CC1101 or CC1101 Plus firmware, not the plain T-Embed firmware, when using the integrated CC1101 hardware.

Is this the best board for Sub-GHz work?

It is the most natural integrated ESP32 Bit Pirate route for CC1101-oriented Sub-GHz workflows.

Can I use it as a generic GPIO bench?

Only for limited tasks. The integrated radio, display and other onboard hardware reduce free GPIO compared with a DevKit.

Can ESP32 Bit Pirate replay arbitrary RF signals?

Use Sub-GHz features only on devices and lab signals you own or are authorized to test. The page should stay focused on learning, diagnostics and bench captures.

What is the bootloader tip?

Use the Web Flasher instructions for the selected T-Embed CC1101 variant, including the encoder/reset sequence when required.

source project

T-Embed CC1101 in the ESP32 Bit Pirate ecosystem

ESP32 Bit Pirate on T-Embed CC1101 centers on integrated Sub-GHz hardware, handheld radio checks, IR and connector-based bus work.