This $13 gadget detects trackers, cameras, and other wireless devices that may be spying on you
SquachWatch is an open-source firmware project that converts a low-cost ESP32 touchscreen board into a portable detector for various wireless surveillance devices. The tool identifies signatures from items such as AirTags, license-plate cameras, drones, and IP cameras to help users detect potential spying. In addition to its primary security function, the device includes extra features like an anti-stalking mode and an interactive cyber-pet.
- ▪SquachWatch is an open-source ESP32 firmware project designed to turn a cheap touchscreen board into a surveillance detector.
- ▪The device can identify wireless signals from trackers, cameras, Flock readers, drones, and card skimmers.
- ▪The hardware used for the project costs under $20 shipped.
- ▪The firmware includes additional features such as an anti-stalking mode for locating nearby trackers and an interactive cyber-pet.
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| Original publisher | Boing Boing |
| Canonical URL | https://boingboing.net/2026/09/21/squachwatch-esp32-surveillance-detector.html |
| Publication time | Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:38:03 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-21T18:53:50.273Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-21T18:53:50.273Z |
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| Summary source text | contentText |
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| Cluster | iMRmaEEMKm4A · 1 stories |
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| Publisher visit | Yes — open original |
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| Commercial reuse | May the content be reused commercially? | Not permitted |
Basis: Derived from the published RSS/Atom feed. Contact: [email protected]. Reviewed: 2026-07-24.
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This $13 gadget detects trackers, cameras, and other wireless devices that may be spying on you Jason Weisberger 11:38 am Mon Sep 21, 2026 SpaceStationTracker /GuitarML (GPL-3.0) license SquachWatch is an open-source ESP32 firmware project that turns a cheap touchscreen board into a portable detector for trackers, cameras, Flock readers, and other wireless devices that plague us. The CheapYellow Display is already a ridiculously cool piece of hardware that makes you wonder how a cheap handheld device like this can cost under $20 shipped.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Boing Boing.
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