The CYD Dashboard for OPNsense turns an ESP32-2432S028R “Cheap Yellow Display” into a small, glanceable view of selected firewall status. It can save you from opening a browser just to check a few readings, but it is not a replacement for the full OPNsense web interface or its administrative controls. The project uses a Docker middleware service between the firewall and the screen, and its setup requires an always-on host and an OPNsense API key.
What the OPNsense ESP32 dashboard actually is
This is custom firmware for a 320×240 ESP32-2432S028R board with an ILI9341 display controller and resistive touchscreen—not a miniature monitor mirroring an OPNsense browser page. Its screens show selected information across eight dashboard pages, including system health, network traffic, CPU and thermal status, interfaces and gateways, services, firewall activity, connected clients, and optional CrowdSec information. A settings page covers options such as backlight, orientation, page cycling, middleware address, and Wi-Fi firmware updates. The project README documents the hardware and display features.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The project title’s “$10” is not a dependable current price: no region-specific price or complete-build bill of materials is established here. Check the board revision and firmware compatibility before buying; the project uses the ESP32-2432S028R model.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow information gets from OPNsense to the screen
The documented data path is OPNsense API over HTTPS to middleware running in Docker, then HTTP/JSON from that service to the ESP32. The middleware polls the firewall API, prepares a compact response, and calculates values such as traffic rates. In the project’s design, that keeps TLS handling, larger responses, and rate calculations off the display board.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Powerful ESP32-32E Core】 Powered by the ESP32-D0WD-V3 dual-core 32-bit LX6 processor with a maximum clock speed of 240MHz, this module delivers high performance and stable connectivity with built-in WiFi (2.4GHz, 802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.2 (BR/EDR + LE). Ideal for IoT, smart devices, and embedded projects.
- 【Vibrant 4.0-Inch Color Display】 Features a crisp 320x480 resolution screen supporting 262K colors (RGB666), offering clear, vivid visuals for all your display needs. Includes a resistive touch screen for intuitive human-computer interaction.
- 【Rich Expansion Interfaces】 Equipped with abundant interfaces including I2C, SPI, UART, and more—making it easy to connect sensors, actuators, and other peripherals. Also includes a Type-C port for fast programming and reliable power delivery.
- 【Multimedia & Storage Ready】 Supports external speaker output for audio playback and includes an RGB indicator light for status feedback. A built-in TF card slot allows for storage expansion—perfect for logging data or storing media files.
- 【Portable & Safe Power Management】 Supports external lithium battery power with onboard charging management to ensure safe and efficient operation. Includes comprehensive sample code and online support for easy learning and development.
OPNsense describes its firewall API as a way for custom applications to interact with the system. Its documentation also notes that rules not visible in the referenced interface will not be returned by the API. That is a reminder that API-backed status depends on the endpoints and data exposed to the application; API access does not turn this particular screen into a complete copy of the web UI. See the OPNsense Firewall API documentation.
What you need to set it up
- An ESP32-2432S028R Cheap Yellow Display board compatible with the project firmware.
- An always-on machine that can run the Docker middleware.
- An OPNsense API key for the middleware to use.
- Wi-Fi coverage for the display and a configured middleware address.
The README’s setup flow is to deploy the Docker service and provide the API key, then flash the display and configure Wi-Fi and the middleware address. It says the credentials are not compiled into firmware and that first boot offers a captive portal for configuration. Prebuilt firmware releases are described in the repository; PlatformIO is needed if you want to modify the code. Release availability and setup steps can change, so follow the repository’s current instructions.
Rank #2
- Controller: Adopts ESP32-32E module, dual-core MCU, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, main frequency up to 240MHz, memory of 520KB SRAM and 448KB ROM, 4MB flash memory.
- Touch Screen: 3.5-inch LCD color screen, resolution of 320x480, supports 16-bit RGB 65K color display, rich colors, with resistive touch function.
- Rich Expansion Interface: Equipped with TF card slot, serial port interface, temperature and humidity sensor interface (DHT11 interface) and reserved IO interface.
- Multi-function: Contains LCD display, backlight control circuit, touch screen control circuit, speaker drive circuit, photosensitive circuit and RGB-LED control circuit.
- Convenient development: Provides compatible Arduino library functions and sample programs, supports one-click download of programs, and supports Arduino IDE, ESP IDE, Micropython and Mixly development.
What it can—and cannot—replace
On a desk, a dedicated screen can make selected readings visible without opening a browser. That is useful when the question is simply whether the firewall is reporting a particular status or when you want a quick glance at traffic and system indicators. The README also describes a red indicator for Wi-Fi loss or stale data and automatic reconnect behavior; those are documented project features, not independently verified reliability results.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe display is not a substitute for investigating a problem or administering the firewall. OPNsense’s firmware API documentation includes status and information calls as well as administrative operations such as reboot and upgrade. Showing selected information on this device does not demonstrate that it offers those controls or the broader interface needed to manage them.
Rank #3
- High-Performance ESP32-S3 Chip – Powered by the ESP32-S3 processor for fast performance and stable connectivity. Ideal for IoT, AI voice interaction, smart home, robotics, and DIY development projects with extensive open-source support.
- 3.5-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen – Features a 3.5" full-color IPS display with 320×480 RGB565 resolution for clear images and smooth touch control. Perfect for HMI interfaces and interactive applications.
- Rich Expansion Interfaces – Includes multiple interfaces such as IIC and UART for easy connection to sensors, modules, and external devices. Built-in RGB indicator light provides convenient status feedback.
- Audio & TF Card Support – Built-in microphone and external speaker support enable voice input and audio playback. Integrated Micro TF card slot allows convenient storage expansion for multimedia and project files.
- Portable & Easy to Use – Equipped with a USB Type-C port for simple programming and power supply. Supports external lithium battery connection with onboard charging management for safe and portable operation.
The project author called the build “just a toy” and a weekend project in the project discussion. A commenter suggested that CPU or RAM readings, traffic saturation, or latency might help explain a slow connection; that is a proposed use, not a measured diagnostic benefit. For troubleshooting, treat the screen as a prompt to investigate further, then use OPNsense’s interface and relevant logs or tools to understand the cause.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it worth putting on your desk?
It makes sense if you want a purpose-built, always-visible status glance and already have a suitable Docker host, API credentials, and a place to put the screen. The trade-off is a separate device and middleware to maintain in exchange for quick access to a fixed set of readings. If you need to change firewall configuration, inspect a wider set of information, or diagnose a failure, the standard OPNsense web interface remains the more appropriate tool. No measured reliability, time savings, or diagnostic improvement is established for this project.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4.0 inches TN capacitive touch screen with 320x480 resolution of 65K colors and rich display colors. Brightness 300(cd/m2).
- Newly upgraded to a capacitive touch panel. Compared with resistive screens, it is more convenient to use and more accurate to touch
- ST7796S Driver. On board level conversion circuit, compatible with 5V and 3.3V MCU Adopting a 4-wire SPI serial bus to save I/O pins.
- Module input supports 2.54 pin interface and FPC extension interface. Equipped with micro TF card slot for easy storage expansion
- Provide rich example learning programs (ESP32/STM32/Arduino R3&Mage2560/C51/CH32). Provide low-level driver technical support, and update information online
Rank #4
- 【Powerful ESP32-S3 Core】 Equipped with an Xtensa LX7 dual-core processor (up to 240MHz), featuring 16MB Flash and built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth for reliable wireless communication.
- 【2.8-Inch IPS Touchscreen Display】 Features a 240x320 resolution full color screen, supports up to 262K colors (RGB666) for rich color display and wide viewing angles. Capacitive touch screen for a smooth interactive experience.
- 【Rich Audio & Interface Support】 Includes a built-in microphone and external speaker support, with multiple I/O options like I2C, UART, and SPI for expanded functionality.
- 【Battery & Storage Friendly Design】 Supports external lithium battery, micro TF card slot for storage, and an integrated battery management circuit for safe charging and discharging.
- 【Easy Development & AI Voice Chat】 Comes with a USB Type-C port for programming, and supports AI voice chat for smart applications. Provides abundant sample programs for easy learning.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
