SOCORAD32: A hackable open-source ESP32 amateur radio board with walkie-talkie functionality and data communications

The SOCORAD32, also known as the ESP32 Software Controlled Radio, is a professional grade hackable radio for amateur radio exploration, voice and data communications using simple AT commands. Just add a speaker and batteries and you've got a fully functional walkie-talkie. With a dedicated Push-to-Talk (PTT) button onboard, SOCORAD32 works right out of the box without touching a line of code!

Unlike using complex SDRs for amateur radio operation, the SOCORAD32 is a device tailor-made for amateur radio to make things simpler. Using simple AT commands, users can configure volume, tone squelch, CTCSS, CDSS code, etc. SOCORAD32's frequency range covers license-exempt bands in most countries.

The SOCORAD32 also has all the operations of a standard walkie-talkie. It uses a proprietary RF design using the RDA1846 IC. This is the same IC used in commercial walkie-talkies such as Baofeng, Motorola, and Hytera. Because of this, the SOCORAD32 can easily communicate with commercial radios.

In addition, SOCORAD32 also takes advantage of the powerful ESP32 Bluetooth functionality. All SOCORAD32 settings can be adjusted via a connected mobile device using any serial Bluetooth application of choice, as well as via dedicated physical buttons. You can store any number of channels in the ESP32's onboard memory. The SOCORAD32 can also transmit data, so you can explore amateur radio frequencies for the Internet of Things or send texts. Text can be read via the onboard OLED screen or via a mobile device connected via Bluetooth.