Hardware and Design

The Cardputer-Adv is an enhanced iteration of the small-form-factor computer powered by the Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller. In essence, the Cardputer-Adv is a slightly redesigned version of the original. Side-by-side, they differ visually only in color—the new model is white, while the previous was light gray. The shape, design, and general purpose remain identical. The "brain" of the system is still a Stamp series development board, but upgraded to the Stamp-S3A. Compared to the Stamp-S3 found in the predecessor, the "A" revision features a redesigned 3D antenna for improved connectivity and a "softer," more responsive Reset button. Note that this button is covered by a sticker, making it somewhat awkward to press. Other changes include internal LED wiring and lower power consumption. The core remains the ESP32-S3FN8 microcontroller with 8MB of Flash and 23 GPIO pins. As we have covered the ESP32-S3 extensively in previous articles, we will not repeat those technical details here. The USB-C port is used for programming the Stamp, power delivery, and charging the integrated battery.

Display, Keyboard, and Audio

The Stamp-S3A connects to the motherboard via two header rows and interfaces with the display via an FPC connector. The screen is the same color IPS LCD used previously (ST7789V2, 240×135 resolution, 1.14 inches). A defining feature of this computer is its 4×14 (56 keys) QWERTY keyboard. The keys are significantly improved with a different tactile feel (260gf vs. 160gf actuation force). Many keys serve dual purposes via 'Fn', 'Aa', 'Ctrl', 'Opt', and 'Alt' modifiers. Keyboard scanning is now handled by the TCA8418 integrated circuit.

The audio subsystem has undergone significant changes. The ES8311 codec replaces the previous NS4168 and SPM1423 combination, resulting in superior microphone noise reduction. Combined with the NS4150B amplifier and a 1W speaker (located standardly beneath the Stamp), the output quality is markedly better. Furthermore, the Cardputer-Adv now includes a 3.5mm audio jack on the side for headphone connectivity.

Power and Connectivity

The Cardputer-Adv can be powered via USB-C or the internal battery. This version replaces the two smaller cells of the original with a single, larger 1750mAh battery, managed by the TP4057 charging IC. Like its predecessor, the Cardputer-Adv features a GROVE port (supporting I2C and 5V). A small adjacent switch allows the user to toggle the 5V line direction: the Cardputer can either power an external sensor or be powered by an external source.

While the original Cardputer relied solely on the GROVE port for expansion, the Cardputer-Adv introduces an additional 2×7-pin header (UART, I2C, SPI) on the rear for connecting peripheral devices. M5Stack continues to use the GROVE connector for its extensive ecosystem of "Unit" expansion modules.

Sensors and Modules

New features include the BMI270 six-axis motion sensor (IMU). The device retains the physical power switch, 'Boot' and 'Reset' buttons, an infrared (IR) LED, and a Micro-SD slot. Examining the PCB reveals a layout largely identical to the original; it even retains an unpopulated JST connector for a smaller battery. Interestingly, there is an unconnected FPC connector near the 3.5mm jack for which we found no official documentation. The Cardputer-Adv maintains its Lego-compatible mounting holes (though there is one row fewer on the back) and internal magnets, allowing it to be mounted on metal surfaces like a refrigerator door.

Along with the Cardputer-Adv, we received the CAP LoRa868 (now the updated version is Cap LoRa-1262) expansion module, designed to interface via the 2×7-pin header. The CAP module features a matching plastic enclosure and contains two primary components: an 868MHz LoRa module (based on the SX1262 chip) with an SMA connector for an external antenna, and an AT6668-based GNSS module supporting GPS, Beidou (BD2/BD3), GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS.

Software and Programming

The Cardputer-Adv can be programmed using Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, PlatformIO, or the manufacturer-recommended UiFlow2. UiFlow2 is a block-based visual programming environment, making it an excellent educational tool for introducing children to microcontrollers and electronics. The interface offers "Blocks," "Split," and "Python" views. In "Split" mode, users can see how dragging blocks generates real-time Python code—a bridge that helps beginners transition to text-based programming. To use this online tool, the UiFlow2 firmware must first be flashed onto the device using the M5Burner utility.

Several pre-configured examples are available via M5Burner, including community-driven projects. One highlight is Meshtastic for Cardputer-Adv, which integrates seamlessly with the Meshtastic mobile app for LoRa-based mesh networking and precise GPS mapping. The firmware provides a comprehensive menu for managing hardware segments like LoRa, GPS, and system time.

Conclusion

Additional examples include M5Launcher, which allows users to execute BIN files directly from the Micro-SD card. The factory demo provides a comprehensive hardware test. For those using the Arduino environment, extensive support is available via M5Stack libraries.

The Cardputer-Adv is exactly what its name suggests: a sophisticated, credit-card-sized computer with meaningful upgrades over the original. The CAP expansion module (e.g., Cap LoRa-1262) is a powerful addition, and the new 2×7-pin header opens endless possibilities for hardware hackers.

Source: SK LABS
Author: Dejan Petrovic

Jan. 23, 2026 – M5Stack, a global leader in modular IoT and embedded development platforms, today announced the launch of StickS3, the latest addition to its signature Stick series.

Built for developers and makers, StickS3 is a compact, high-performance programmable controller designed for remote control and IoT applications. Powered by the ESP32-S3-PICO-1-N8R8, it delivers enhanced performance and optimized interaction capabilities, making it well suited for smart devices and a wide range of IoT development scenarios.

To enable these capabilities, StickS3 introduces a series of meaningful hardware and capability upgrades:

Key Features 

Upgraded Core

Powered by ESP32-S3-PICO-1-N8R8, StickS3 ensures higher processing performance, USB-OTG support, Bluetooth LE 5, and improved suitability for AI and edge computing applications, compared with the ESP32-PICO-V3-02 used in StickC-Plus2. 

Enhanced Audio

StickS3 upgrades its audio system with an ES8311 mono audio codec, a MEMS microphone, and an onboard speaker, enabling true audio input and output for voice interaction and audio playback. 

Extended Battery Life

StickS3 is equipped with a 250 mAh internal battery, providing stable power support for extended interactive use cases. 

Expanded Memory

StickS3 comes with 8 MB Flash and 8 MB PSRAM, providing significantly expanded program storage and runtime memory. 

Enhanced Expansion Options

StickS3 features the newly added Hat2-Bus (2.54-16P), giving access to more GPIO and communication resources, along with an integrated IR receiver for infrared control.

Detailed Specification

Development Potential

Beyond the hardware upgrades, the real strength of the Stick series lies in its development ecosystem and community creativity. With its compact form factor and ease of use, the Stick Series has become a signature product line within the M5Stack family, offering rich development potential and a wide range of use cases—especially for beginners.

Taking StickC-Plus2 as an example, the community has built a diverse collection of projects and custom firmware around it. Thanks to its portable design, it has been widely adopted for wearable and handheld applications, enabling creators to turn it into anything from a smartwatch to a security-testing tool.

Now, with the release of StickS3, a more powerful and highly integrated evolution of the series, it’s time to unlock even greater possibilities—driven by both the enhanced hardware and the passionate community behind Stick.

Jan.2026, M5Stack officially announced its collaboration with SquareLine Vision, a next-generation UI design platform built to simplify and accelerate graphical interface development for embedded systems. As part of this partnership, SquareLine Vision has completed device adaptation for selected M5Stack products, enabling developers to design, preview, and deploy UIs more efficiently. 

With this integration, M5Stack Core2 and Tab5 are now fully supported in SquareLine Vision v1.2.1, allowing users to directly select these devices when designing interfaces. This marks an important step toward lowering the barrier to embedded UI development and streamlining the workflow from design to deployment.

Experience Effortless UI Development with SquareLine Vision

SquareLine Vision provides a visual, drag-and-drop environment for creating user interfaces quickly and easily. Developers can focus on layout, interaction, and user experience while SquareLine Vision generates production-ready code behind the scenes. This approach helps shorten development cycles and makes UI iteration faster and more intuitive. 

Seamless Hardware Integration for Further Development

The completed integration ensures that UI designs created in SquareLine Vision can be deployed seamlessly on M5Stack devices, with display resolution, touch input, and hardware characteristics already accounted for. This reduces the burden of hardware–software integration and allows developers to focus on further development. 

Supported devices include:

Core2 — a second-generation M5Stack Core controller featuring an ESP32-D0WDQ6-V3 dual-core LX6 CPU (up to 240 MHz), 16 MB Flash, 8 MB PSRAM, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 2.0-inch capacitive touch screen, with programming supported via USB Type-C. 

Tab5 — a highly expandable, portable smart IoT terminal designed for developers, integrating a dual-core architecture and rich hardware resources. It is built around the ESP32-P4 SoC based on the RISC-V architecture, featuring 16MB Flash and 32MB PSRAM for high-performance application development. 

By combining M5Stack’s modular hardware ecosystem with SquareLine Vision’s effortless UI design workflow, developers can now move from concept to functional interface with greater speed, clarity, and confidence. 

About M5Stack

M5Stack is a leading provider of modular, open-source IoT development solutions. Our stackable hardware and intuitive programming platform empower developers and businesses to accelerate innovation and rapidly prototype solutions for IIoT, home automation, smart retail, and STEM education. 

About SquareLine Vision

SquareLine is a next generation UI editor for individuals and professionals to design and develop beautiful UIs for your embedded devices quickly and easily. Offering a unique cross-platform software, which enables design and implementation in one tool.