Every Geek should have one!

September 12th, 2026

BeaconBoxLite

The kit is very well presented and the instructions are easy to follow. The PCB is excellent quality and the solder positions take the solder readily. The 3D printed tool for lining up the LED’s is a clever idea and using it means the LED’s line up vertically at a uniform height. My usage is to leave the unit running in Mode 1. This then highlights any beacons being reported in the UK. If a beacon is found then I switch to mode 2 which will then show when the beacon is broadcasting and you can test if you can hear it, or any others. Mode 3 just shows the progress of the grey line.

I was only able to access the ESP by picking it in the WIFI list and logging in at 192.168.4.1. rather than as a “web address” through the browser - but that’s not a problem at all and may just be a function of the setup at my QTH.

ShippingForecastLite

The Beacon comments apply equally to this module. However, I would recommend following the list of the order of installing the LED’s in the instructions and testing as you go. I did for the first 8 which were fine, but then installed the rest before testing again. The result was that the board was dead on powering up. The reason being there was a small solder bridge on one of the LED’s which would have been evident immediately if I had followed the instructions! Lesson learned with Martin’s assistance.

The instructions suggest the kits can be built in a hour. They can, but I would suggest taking a little longer and take a break in the middle. There are a lot of LED’s to solder!

73 Roger