Note: This is an example setup — you don’t actually need a TL-MR3020 to explore the projects. Feel free to adapt the code to any hardware you already have! 😄
Hacking Hardware, Not People — Repair, Repurpose, Reinvent
The 3020-Project is an open-source initiative dedicated to unlocking the potential of the TL-MR3020 router. Through a series of experiments and projects, we transform this small, affordable device into a flexible mini-computer that can interface with Arduino Nanos, ESP32 displays, and keyboards — proving that curiosity and creativity can breathe new life into old hardware.
A lightweight Arduino Nano firmware that listens for serial commands from the TL-MR3020.
Allows remote execution of I/O operations such as reading/writing digital or analog pins and controlling an LCD display.
Features:
- Serial command protocol for Nano control
- Digital & analog I/O support (
read,write,aread,awrite,pinmode) - LCD support via I²C
- Human-readable responses (
OK,KO)
A keyboard bridge program that forwards keypresses to both the Arduino Nano and an ESP-VGA-Displayer over TCP/IP.
Enables live text input on the VGA screen while simultaneously controlling the Nano.
Features:
- Dual output: serial + network
- Live text mirroring on VGA
- Modular, simple design for integration with other hardware
An ESP32 project that drives a VGA display using a simple TCP/IP text protocol.
Other devices on the same network can send text commands in real time, turning the ESP32 into a versatile display server.
Features:
- VGA output powered directly by the ESP32
- TCP-based text protocol
- Color control and live updates
Pull requests, feature suggestions, and bug reports are welcome!
Please document any changes or additions clearly to help the community build on this work.
MIT License — free to use, modify, and share.