High Boy Hacking Device on Kickstarter: The Open-Source Pocket Lab That Puts RF, Wi-Fi, and NFC in Your Hands

High Boy hacking device on Kickstarter emerges from a story of restriction turned into innovation—a fully open-source multitool born in Brazil when powerful learning platforms started disappearing from shelves. What began as a garage project asking "why don't we make our own?" has evolved into a compact powerhouse that integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, Sub-GHz RF, infrared, and GPIO expansion without the expensive modules and complicated installations that plague similar tools. With $133,149 pledged of a $7,000 goal, 1,220 backers, and 39 days to go, this campaign proves the hunger for accessible hardware hacking education runs deep across the maker community.

This isn't another Flipper clone with limitations baked into the design. High Boy addresses the frustrations that held back an entire generation of pocket pentesting tools—primarily the absurd reality that Wi-Fi remained a second-class feature requiring external dongles and workarounds. By building around an integrated ESP32-S3 core, the device treats wireless analysis as fundamental rather than optional. The result is cleaner architecture, smarter workflows, and capabilities that feel native instead of bolted on as afterthoughts.

Integrated Intelligence Without the Module Tax

ESP32-S3 as Foundation, Not Addition

The fundamental difference between High Boy and legacy pocket tools lies in architectural philosophy. While competitors treat Wi-Fi as an expensive add-on requiring separate modules, complicated firmware gymnastics, and compatibility headaches, High Boy ships with an ESP32-S3 at its core. This means native 2.4 GHz network scanning, signal strength visualization, channel usage mapping, and encryption type identification without purchasing anything extra or voiding warranties through modification.

The integrated approach extends throughout the entire device. Bluetooth Low Energy scanning and pairing happens through the same core chipset, enabling remote control via companion iOS and Android apps currently under development. Firmware updates push wirelessly. New functions deploy over the air. The days of disassembling your multitool just to add basic connectivity are over.

CC1101 Transceiver for Sub-GHz Spectrum

Beyond the ESP32-S3, High Boy incorporates a dedicated CC1101 transceiver supporting common Sub-GHz bands at 315, 433, 868, and 915 MHz. It handles modulations like OOK, ASK, FSK, and GFSK for analyzing spectrum activity, detecting signals, and capturing frames from low-data-rate systems including IoT devices, smart sensors, and remote controls. Users adjust power levels, data rates, and filters to run diagnostics and learn real-world RF concepts in controlled environments.

This separation of concerns—Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the ESP32-S3, Sub-GHz on the CC1101—creates clean signal paths without interference or performance compromises. Each radio operates in its optimal configuration rather than forcing one chip to handle everything poorly.

Seven Technologies in One Pocket-Sized Package

Wi-Fi Analysis Without Compromise

High Boy scans nearby 2.4 GHz networks to reveal how wireless environments function through clear, intuitive interfaces designed for education and exploration. It displays signal strength, channel congestion, encryption standards, and even router manufacturers based on MAC address fingerprinting. Students and developers studying wireless systems gain insight into how protocols communicate, where interference occurs, and why certain configurations perform better than others.

The device includes tools for monitoring and visualizing wireless traffic in controlled, lawful environments. This enables protocol study, network behavior analysis, and practical security concept learning with a fast, portable platform. Anomaly detection flags unusual traffic patterns for diagnostics in lab or consented scenarios, never for unauthorized surveillance.

NFC Reading, Writing, and Emulation

NFC capabilities cover reading and identifying tags including MIFARE Classic, FeliCa, ISO 14443 A/B, and other compatible formats. The device reports protocol details in safe, controlled environments so users can study how contactless cards function and build educational projects around access systems, transit passes, or custom tag implementations.

Beyond reading, High Boy supports NFC emulation features that simulate different compatible tag types. These functions target system integration testing, protocol research, and educational experiments in controlled settings—always focused on safe, responsible, and professional applications rather than cloning credentials without authorization.

Infrared Learning and Universal Control

The built-in infrared receiver captures common IR signals and stores them for replay, turning High Boy into a universal remote capable of controlling TVs, projectors, air conditioners, and other appliances. This makes it valuable for learning infrared communication protocols, building home automation projects, and DIY prototyping without purchasing separate IR blasters or controllers.

Users can map entire device command sets, create custom macros, and trigger IR transmission either directly from the device or through the companion app. It's particularly useful for reverse engineering proprietary remote protocols or creating accessibility tools for individuals who need consolidated control solutions.

HID Functionality and Scripting

High Boy supports Human Interface Device emulation, allowing it to function as a keyboard and mouse for executing commands and scripts in personal, educational, or prototyping contexts. Combined with Bluetooth remote control capabilities, this enables wireless interaction and monitoring in connected environments where physical access isn't convenient.

The scripting possibilities extend from simple keystroke injection for testing input validation to complex automation sequences for repetitive tasks. Educational use cases include demonstrating USB attack vectors in controlled security training scenarios or building accessible computing interfaces for users with mobility restrictions.

GPIO Expansion and Protocol Support

Extra GPIO pins provide modular expansion and connection points for external sensors, displays, or development boards. High Boy supports UART, SPI, and I²C protocols natively, enabling creative projects in automation, robotics, and electronics education. Whether interfacing with temperature sensors, driving LED matrices, or communicating with other embedded systems, the GPIO architecture offers flexibility without requiring custom hardware modifications.

The microSD card slot supports cards up to 32GB for storing logs, captures, backups, and firmware updates. Everything updates directly from the card—simple, fast, and secure without depending on cloud services or network connectivity during field operations.

Meet Octobit: Your Educational Companion

Making Hardware Hacking Approachable

Hardware hacking intimidates newcomers with obscure terminology, cryptic interfaces, and assumptions of prior knowledge. The High Boy team created Octobit—an octopus mascot whose eight tentacles represent the device's multifunctional capabilities—to serve as an adventure partner throughout the learning journey. The name itself is a nerdy pun: eight tentacles equal eight bits equal one byte.

Octobit lives inside the device firmware, offering tips, context-sensitive insights, and guidance that makes exploring the invisible world of signals fun rather than frustrating. He represents the heart of High Boy's educational mission, transforming what could be dry technical documentation into an engaging experience that encourages experimentation and curiosity.

Stretch Goals That Add Real Hardware

125 kHz RFID at $100,000

The first stretch goal at $100,000 adds a 125 kHz low-frequency RFID module compatible with widely-used access cards and legacy systems. This dramatically expands versatility for security research, automation experiments, access control projects, and everyday maker applications. Low-frequency RFID remains prevalent in older building access systems, making this addition valuable for anyone studying or maintaining existing infrastructure.

LoRa Module at $450,000

Reaching $450,000 unlocks an integrated LoRa module enabling long-range communication and mesh networking without cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure. This creates powerful new capabilities including dedicated device-to-device chat within the companion app, remote telemetry collection, and robust off-grid communication perfect for exploration, field work, tactical scenarios, and hobbyist networking experiments. LoRa's low-power, long-range characteristics make it ideal for environmental monitoring, disaster response communication, and areas where traditional networks don't reach.

ESP32-C5 Module at $1,000,000

The ambitious $1,000,000 stretch goal adds an ESP32-C5 module bringing 5 GHz Wi-Fi capability, improved performance, and support for modern wireless standards. Critically, this arrives as an additional module rather than replacement of the main ESP32-S3 core. High Boy gains new wireless power and frequency flexibility without compromising its current architecture or forcing users to choose between capabilities.

Built on Open-Source Principles

High Boy runs fully open-source firmware powered by the ESP-IDF framework from Espressif. Users can customize firmware, add new modules, and share work with a community exceeding 20,000 active members. The team's goal centers on creating a collaborative learning platform where innovation, experimentation, and transparency converge without proprietary gatekeeping or locked bootloaders.

Hardware schematics join the firmware in open release, ensuring anyone can study, modify, or manufacture compatible accessories and expansions. This transparency also provides accountability—the community can verify that the device contains no hidden backdoors, unauthorized transmission capabilities, or malicious code. What you see in the repository is exactly what runs on the hardware.

Ethics and Responsible Use

The team addresses concerns directly with a chemistry set analogy. Powerful educational tools always raise questions about misuse potential, but prohibiting tools doesn't stop bad actors—it only stops good people from learning. High Boy exists to help students with ADHD or dyslexia learn about networks through tactile, hands-on methods. It serves as the platform for auditing home security and building stronger, safer systems.

The firmware deliberately excludes illegal functionalities like signal jamming, brute force attacks, or capabilities designed to compromise systems without authorization. Every function targets education, research, and development within legal and ethical boundaries. The open-source nature ensures community oversight—anyone can audit the code, verify claims, and confirm the device operates as advertised.

High Boy hacking device on Kickstarter represents more than another multitool competing for pocket space. It's a philosophical statement about accessibility in technical education and the belief that real learning requires real tools. By integrating capabilities that competitors wall behind expensive modules, embracing open-source transparency, and building a community around ethical exploration, this project delivers on the promise that knowledge should never be artificially restricted. Discover what unrestricted hardware hacking education looks like and join the movement reshaping how makers learn about the invisible world of signals.

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FAQ about High Boy hacking device on Kickstarter

What firmware framework does High Boy use and can I modify it?

High Boy runs on the ESP-IDF framework from Espressif as a fully open-source platform. You can customize the entire firmware, develop new modules, and share modifications with the community. All hardware schematics are also openly available, ensuring complete transparency and enabling anyone to verify functionality or create compatible accessories.

Does High Boy include any illegal attack capabilities or jamming functions?

No. The firmware and hardware deliberately exclude illegal functionalities such as signal jamming, brute force attacks, or any features designed to compromise systems without authorization. Every function is designed for educational, research, and development purposes within legal and ethical boundaries, with the open-source code available for community audit.

What stretch goals unlock additional hardware capabilities?

Three major stretch goals add significant hardware upgrades. At $100,000, a 125 kHz low-frequency RFID module arrives for legacy access card compatibility. At $450,000, an integrated LoRa module enables long-range mesh networking and device-to-device chat. At $1,000,000, an ESP32-C5 module adds 5 GHz Wi-Fi capability as an additional module rather than replacement of the main core.

How does the companion mobile app enhance High Boy functionality?

The iOS and Android app currently under development enables remote control of the device via Bluetooth, wireless firmware updates, and simplified function deployment. When the LoRa stretch goal unlocks, the app gains dedicated device-to-device chat features for long-range communication without cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure, plus advanced telemetry monitoring and off-grid messaging capabilities.

What protocols and interfaces does the GPIO expansion support?

High Boy's GPIO pins provide modular expansion supporting UART, SPI, and I²C protocols for connecting external sensors, displays, or development boards. The microSD card slot accepts cards up to 32GB for storing logs, captures, backups, and firmware updates, with all updates deployable directly from the card without requiring network connectivity.