NeoCAT V1 - ESP32 Wireless Research Platform Documentation

The NeoCAT V1 is a pocket-sized ESP32-S3 development and wireless research platform designed for hardware prototyping, IoT development, and cybersecurity auditing. Encased in a custom protective shell, it combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities with an onboard web dashboard served directly from flash memory.

• 1x NeoCAT V1 ESP32-S3 Hardware Platform
• 1x Custom Enclosure (Pre-assembled)
• 1x Quick Start Guide Card

The NeoCAT V1 integrates essential hardware components into a minimal footprint:

1. Connect the NeoCAT V1 to a USB power source using a standard USB-C cable. The RGB LED will pulse blue once ready.
2. From your computer or smartphone, scan for Wi-Fi networks and connect to NeoCAT V1 (open network, no password required).
3. Open your browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1 to load the interface.
4. Optional: Select Add to Home Screen in your mobile browser to install the control panel as a Progressive Web App (PWA).

Progressive Web App (PWA) Interface

The dashboard is served locally without external CDN dependencies. It features a responsive layout designed for quick access on mobile screens and tablets.

Wi-Fi & BLE Analysis

Perform environmental audits by scanning active 2.4 GHz spectrums for target SSIDs, channel utilization, signal strength (RSSI), and encryption standards.

Security Research Tools

The device supports wireless auditing functions for security training and research:

• Access Point Cloning: Simulate AP configurations with custom captive portal templates.
• SSID Beacon Generation: Transmit custom SSID beacon packets for network testing.
• Probe Request Monitoring: Track local device probe activity with real-time packet counters.

Local Offline Chat

Host an isolated local chat server at 192.168.4.1/chat for off-grid communication over the local AP network.

The NeoCAT V1 operates as a standard ESP32-S3 development board. You can write custom firmware or reflash the device using common toolchains:

• Arduino IDE: Select board module ESP32S3 Dev Module.
• PlatformIO: Set platform to espressif32 and board to esp32-s3-devkitc-1.
• ESP-IDF: Native Espressif IoT Development Framework support.

Utilize the broken-out GPIO pins to interface with I2C, SPI, or UART sensors, external displays, and custom relay modules.

• Access Point Not Appearing: Unplug the USB-C cable, wait 5 seconds, and re-insert power. Ensure the USB port supplies at least 500mA.
• Dashboard Fails to Load: Verify your client device is connected to NeoCAT V1 and captive portal detection has not redirected your traffic. Manually enter http://192.168.4.1 in your web browser address bar.
• Flashing Failed / Serial Connection Error: Hold the onboard BOOT button while initiating serial upload, or ensure correct USB CDC drivers are configured in your development environment.

Notice: The NeoCAT V1 is designed for educational, research, and authorized penetration testing purposes only.

Users must adhere to local wireless communication regulations. Unauthorized packet injection, AP cloning, or network disruption on networks you do not own or have explicit permission to test is strictly prohibited. Operate the unit within standard operating temperatures and avoid direct electrostatic discharge (ESD) to exposed GPIO pins.