SuperB marries two of hardware’s ubiquitous names - the "Bee" form factor and ESP32. The Bee form factor was derived from DIGI’s XBee industrial grade IoT boards. This form factor has long been used to add wireless connectivity to hardware across the board. But in the maturing market of connected items, two protocols stand as required: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. ESP32 brings both, and in an easy-to-use package - giving maximum flexibility to your existing hardware and for your next generation of modular, extensible products.
We designed SuperB with options to accommodate two styles of antennas. There is no cost difference between the two antenna options.
Built-in ‘trace’ antenna: This is the original SuperB design. It uses the ESP32-WROOM-32D module, and the antenna is built into the device.
U.FL for external antenna: This option uses the ESP32-WROOM-32U module, and allows you to connect your external antenna via U.FL connector. This option works well when you plan to enclose your SuperB in a metal box, tin foil hat or other material that interferes with antenna reception. Please note that customers need to provide their own antenna solution for this option.
SuperB was originally designed for use with another Macchina product - the M2, which is the open source OBD2 connector and dev board for car hacking. SuperB was designed based on feedback from the car hacking community, but motivated by our desire to avoid tripping over so many wires ourselves. M2 is also available for purchase, so you can get the complete kit. It’s great for vehicle tuning, diagnostics, total customization, security, telematics, or prototyping, and works with just about any car manufactured after 1996.
Produced by Macchina in Minneapolis, MN.
Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.
One SuperBx unit, with U.FL for external antenna (not provided).
One SuperB unit, with built-in antenna.
One M2 unit (SuperB not included).
We started as a group of friends with experience in consumer electronics making hardware to fit the needs of our own automotive projects. Over time we realized many people - ranging from hobbyists to prototyping labs and even entrepreneurs - could benefit from the work we are doing. Now we are a larger team making hardware for everyone's projects.
