{"product_id":"m5stack-chain-captain-esp32-s3-controller","title":"M5Stack Chain Captain ESP32-S3 Controller with LCD, Audio \u0026 800mAh Battery","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eM5Stack Chain Captain\u003c\/strong\u003e is a programmable controller for modular electronics projects. A color display, three user buttons, microphone, speaker, motion sensor and infrared interface provide a compact user interface without first assembling separate control and audio boards. It can display information, process local input and operate connected expansion devices through the intended bus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn \u003cstrong\u003eESP32-S3R8\u003c\/strong\u003e with two processor cores, \u003cstrong\u003e16MB Flash\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e8MB PSRAM\u003c\/strong\u003e provides the foundation for custom applications. \u003cstrong\u003e2.4 GHz Wi-Fi\u003c\/strong\u003e supports connected projects. Integrated power management and a rechargeable battery also allow use without a permanently attached USB cable; actual runtime depends on the program, enabled hardware and connected peripherals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the master of the Chain series, the controller combines a local graphical interface with daisy-chained modules. Display functions, audio, timekeeping and motion sensing can work together in one application. \u003cstrong\u003eAdditional modules shown in the connection photograph illustrate a possible setup and are not included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGraphical control interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 1.54-inch color display provides 240 × 240 pixels with a JD9853A driver. Three user buttons and a separate power button support menu-driven applications with direct feedback. Touch operation is not specified.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio input and output:\u003c\/strong\u003e An ES8311 codec handles the audio path. The LMA3729T381-0Y3S analog MEMS microphone, AW8737A amplifier and 1W \/ 8Ω speaker support recording and playback. Voice applications require suitable firmware and, where applicable, an additional service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMotion and timekeeping:\u003c\/strong\u003e The BMI270 provides six-axis acceleration and angular-rate sensing. An RX8130CE real-time clock supports timekeeping, alarms and timed wake-up, allowing measurement and interaction tasks to be coordinated with scheduled activity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-way infrared:\u003c\/strong\u003e A transmitter and receiver enable custom remote-control and communication projects. Supported commands and protocols depend on the program; universal compatibility with every household appliance is not assumed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModular expansion:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Chain connector carries a serial bus for expansion nodes. A separate Grove connector and accessible expansion header support additional circuitry. Matching connector shapes do not automatically imply matching electrical assignments or software protocols.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-level power control:\u003c\/strong\u003e M5PM1 and M5IOE1 manage power domains and peripheral control. The integrated 800mAh battery, standby, deep sleep and interrupt-based wake-up options support application-specific power strategies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple development routes:\u003c\/strong\u003e UiFlow2, Arduino, ESP-IDF and PlatformIO are listed development platforms. Library versions and board support must match the project; a finished custom control application is not included with the hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChain Captain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eM5-C160 \/ C160\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSoC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eESP32-S3R8 @ Xtensa® 32-bit LX7 dual-core processor, 240MHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFlash\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16MB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePSRAM\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8MB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWireless Connectivity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.4 GHz Wi-Fi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDisplay\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.54\" LCD @ 240x240 resolution, JD9853A driver IC, SPI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIMU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBMI270\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRTC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRX8130CE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAudio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eES8311 audio codec, LMA3729T381-0Y3S analog MEMS microphone, AW8737A amplifier, 1W \/ 8Ω speaker\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIR\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXL-IRM0038D infrared receiver, MHS153IRCT infrared emitter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eButtons\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 × user buttons + 1 × power button\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLED Indicators\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 × charging indicator (red), 1 × operating status indicator (green), 1 × RGB LED\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower Management\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStamp Timer Power2 (M5PM1) + M5IOE1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBattery\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC 3.7V @ 800mAh\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCharging Current\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLGS4056HDA battery charger IC, 300mA charging current\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInput Power\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC 5V (USB Type-C \/ Grove \/ Chain \/ Ext.Port (2.54-15P) 5VIN)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInterfaces\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 × USB Type-C, 1 × Chain (HY2.0-4P), 1 × Grove (HY2.0-4P), 1 × Ext.Port (2.54-15P)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot yet published\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot yet published\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePackage Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot yet published\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGross Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot yet published\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModular control console:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display measurements and process inputs from attached button, switch or encoder modules within a custom interface. Additional nodes are selected separately to suit the project.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesktop control panel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combine menus, status information and local actions for device prototypes. Buttons provide navigation while the display and audio can give feedback about selected commands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnected home-automation experiments:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combine a custom network interface with infrared commands or external sensor nodes. Integration with a particular automation system requires appropriate application software.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudio interfaces and voice prototypes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Record sound, play prompts or experiment with voice interaction. Recognition, processing and any network services are components of the chosen software solution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurement and motion prototypes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Capture acceleration and angular rate, then associate readings with events or timestamps. Environmental sensors can be added through suitable expansion nodes and are not built into this controller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEducation and development:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explore processor programming, display output, serial communication and low-power behavior on one platform. Test the intended firmware with its real connected loads before deployment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct List\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 × Chain Captain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 × Chain Bridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOther Content\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eChain Connection Example\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/0050\/4774\/files\/m5-c160-global-detail-01.webp?v=1794478292\" alt=\"Chain Captain with separately available expansion modules\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eConnection and Power\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen connecting the \u003cstrong\u003eChain Bridge\u003c\/strong\u003e, its triangular arrow must point from the controller toward the downstream node. Check orientation, contact assignment and supply before applying power. External modules require an appropriate protocol and sufficient power budget. The documented input is \u003cstrong\u003e5 V DC\u003c\/strong\u003e; do not assume higher voltages are acceptable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe two four-pin sockets share a connector format but have different signal assignments and roles. The Grove port can serve general-purpose input\/output or the second serial channel. The separate expansion header exposes additional supply and processor signals. Check pin assignments and signal levels before attaching custom circuitry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProgramming and Low-Power Operation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBegin with a suitable USB data cable and the chosen development environment. Test display output, buttons and serial logging first, then add expansion nodes progressively. Charge-only cables do not create a computer data connection. Custom applications require program logic, libraries and bus communication to be configured.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePower management can switch individual domains such as the display, audio path and expansion supplies. Planned wake-up events must therefore be considered together with the power rails that remain enabled. A deep-sleep state does not mean every connected device continues operating. Fixed battery runtime, a particular standby current and a maximum chain length are not specified here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eInterface details follow the current documentation with one Grove and one Chain port. Magnetometer specifications from older documents are not added to this version. Product dimensions, packaging dimensions and measured weight have not yet been published there. The \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 100 g shipping weight is an estimate\u003c\/strong\u003e, not a published measurement.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct View\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/0050\/4774\/files\/m5-c160-global-detail-02.webp?v=1794478298\" alt=\"M5Stack Chain Captain display and user buttons\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePackaging\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/0050\/4774\/files\/m5-c160-global-detail-03.webp?v=1794478305\" alt=\"Chain Captain Development Kit packaging\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eInterface Pin Mapping\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGrove port\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGND \/ 5V \/ G6 (UART2_TX) \/ G7 (UART2_RX)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChain port\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGND \/ 5V \/ G18 (UART1_TX) \/ G17 (UART1_RX)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLCD\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG15 SCK \/ G16 MOSI \/ G45 CS \/ G46 RS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUser buttons\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG1 KEYA (OK) \/ G4 KEYB (PREV) \/ G5 KEYC (NEXT)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIR\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG47 IR_RX \/ G48 IR_TX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShared I²C bus\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eG2 SCL \/ G3 SDA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eI²C addresses\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eES8311 0x18 \/ BMI270 0x68 \/ RX8130CE 0x32 \/ M5PM1 0x6E \/ M5IOE1 0x4F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eExt.Port (1–15)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5VIN \/ VBAT \/ 3V3_L2 \/ CHIP_EN \/ G0_BOOT \/ G44 \/ G43 \/ G8 \/ G9 \/ G10 \/ G11 \/ G12 \/ G13 \/ 5VOUT \/ GND\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSchematic: Sheet 1\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/0050\/4774\/files\/m5-c160-global-detail-04.webp?v=1794478369\" alt=\"Chain Captain V0.6 schematic sheet 1\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSchematic: Sheet 2\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/0050\/4774\/files\/m5-c160-global-detail-05.webp?v=1794478376\" alt=\"Chain Captain V0.6 schematic sheet 2\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResources\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.m5stack.com\/en\/chain\/Chain_Captain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eChain Captain documentation and pin mapping\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/m5stack-doc.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com\/1295\/Chain_Captain_V0.6_SCH_PDF_20261104.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eChain Captain V0.6 schematic\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/docs.m5stack.com\/en\/arduino\/projects\/chain\/chain_bus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eChain bus communication tutorial\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/m5stack\/M5Chain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eM5Chain\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/m5stack\/M5PM1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eM5PM1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/m5stack\/M5IOE1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eM5IOE1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/m5stack\/M5Unified\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eM5Unified\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/m5stack\/M5GFX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eM5GFX\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAre the expansion modules in the connection photograph included?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. The package contains the controller and one bridge connector. The additional modules shown in the example are separate purchases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the display a touchscreen?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe current specification lists a color display and three user buttons, but does not specify touch input. Design interaction around the buttons and the application program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCan it operate without a USB cable attached?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, a rechargeable battery is built in. Usable runtime depends on display brightness, wireless activity, audio, peripherals and software. Check total power demand when attaching external loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAre the two four-pin connectors interchangeable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. One is intended for the modular device bus and the other is a separate expansion port. Verify the relevant signal assignment and protocol before connecting hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs a finished home-automation or voice assistant application included?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hardware provides building blocks for those projects. A particular user interface, device configuration, speech-recognition workflow or integration requires suitable firmware.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"M5Stack","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48730882375878,"sku":"M5-C160","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0621\/0050\/4774\/files\/m5-c160-global-media-01.webp?v=1794478382","url":"https:\/\/openelab.io\/nl\/products\/m5stack-chain-captain-esp32-s3-controller","provider":"OpenELAB Technology Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}