GPS Speedometer

on

A GPS speedometer can be useful because it gives you the actual speed over the ground without relying on the vehicle’s wheel size, gearing, or existing speed sensor. I've also made a second version with mph unit.

This is the mph version with the same hardware.

Disclaimer : For Educational Purpose Only.

Parts required:

1. ESP32 S3 Supermini
AliExpress➡️ Buy Option 1  Buy Option 2
 

2. 1.28" GC9A01 display

AliExpress➡️ Buy option 1  Buy option 2 

3. GPS module (NEO-7M + Antenna)

AliExpress➡️ Buy option 1  Buy option 2 

4. Lipo battery 3.7v
AliExpress➡️ Buy Option 1  Buy Option 2

Circuit Diagram
ESP3S3 Supermini has built-in battery charger.

Source Code:

I've uploaded the source code (both km/h & mph) in my drive


New to Arduino IDE & esp32 programming? (follow this tutorial)
https://docs.waveshare.com/ESP32-Arduino-Tutorials/Arduino-IDE-Setup

Note: Before you upload and run into an error make sure you-

Download all required libraries :
i) lvgl (Only use v8.3.11)
ii) LovyanGFX (latest)


You can also install libraries directly from Arduino IDE library manager.

Use Arduino IDE v2.3.4 and esp32 board v3.x.x by espressif



Note: It takes about 10-15 minutes to compile the code first time. You need to wait for 1-2 minutes to get satellite signal after a cold start. Placing the GPS module indoor will reduce the signal reception. Mileage is saved in non volatile storage so powering off won’t erase the data.

If you face any issue send me an email with subject "gps meter" to abid.business01@gmail.com

Comments

  1. gardac32October 1, 2026 at 4:22 PM

    e usabile anche il classico schermo rotondo che usi abitualmente?

    ReplyDelete
  2. PatriboomOctober 1, 2026 at 6:34 PM

    The .ino program calls an none-existant file name Preferences ..

    See line 5 of GpsSpeedKM.ino
    #include

    Please, what has the Preference.h 's content to be ?
    It's easy to create an empty file, but it is better to use it properly with the appropriate content.
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 1, 2026 at 7:57 PM

      That is a built-in library for esp32. To save mileage data in the NVS so even after you reset the board the mileage will not be erased.

      Delete
    2. PatriboomOctober 15, 2026 at 5:27 PM

      Compilation did work also with: ESP32wroom AND ESP32C3

      Delete
    3. PatriboomOctober 15, 2026 at 5:29 PM

      But, again, be very carefull with « #include //Attention n'utilisez que la version 8.3.11 » only use the 8.3.11 library

      Delete
  3. DougDiep42October 2, 2026 at 6:25 AM

    Hey there,
    This is an amazing project that I’m actually going to make for a project motorcycle that I’ve just started yesterday.

    I was wondering if this could be “ported” to have a second display show the engine RPM and the selected transmission gear?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DougDiep42October 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM

      My bad, I see you’ve already done it, nice work!

      Delete
  4. Maciej RitmannOctober 4, 2026 at 4:04 AM

    I’ve got a problem with esp32, mote with compiling in arduino ide. It is like never ending story. The compilation takes ages. Maybe you could help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 4, 2026 at 7:57 AM

      This normally takes 15-20 mins for first time compile.

      Delete
    2. Maciej RitmannOctober 5, 2026 at 9:24 AM

      Looks like ot Works but… after 20 min of cold start zero GPS finds

      Delete
    3. Maciej RitmannOctober 5, 2026 at 9:58 AM

      And IF it makes difference i bought esp32 s3 zero that has no ports for battery, or i don’t see them

      Delete
    4. Maciej RitmannOctober 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM

      Problem solved. Lost conection Wit tx

      Delete
  5. nibaOctober 4, 2026 at 8:14 AM

    I'm having this error. Thank you.

    #include "ui.h"
    #include "ui_Screen.h"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 4, 2026 at 8:36 AM

      You must put all the header files ( like ui.h, and others) in the same folder with the .ino file

      Delete
    2. nibaOctober 4, 2026 at 9:31 AM

      ok...thanks

      Delete
  6. patOctober 5, 2026 at 10:45 PM

    So at each start is the distance reset to zéro or is it the total ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 6, 2026 at 12:10 AM

      Distance is saved in NVS after each km or mile so powering it off will still keep the saved distance and even if you restart, it will show total distance.

      Delete
  7. BADERROctober 9, 2026 at 7:55 AM

    Maybe a silly question, does this support recharging via usb as well? fun little project with my son.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 10, 2026 at 9:48 AM

      Yes of course, the board has battery charging function.

      Delete
  8. Rickbuck89October 9, 2026 at 9:10 AM

    Cool, excited to try this out with my 6 year old.

    Any thoughts on making an android device controller with a 2 channel relay for your next video?

    ReplyDelete
  9. mauroOctober 10, 2026 at 4:16 AM

    ciao è possibile utilizzare anche uno schermo un po piu'grande?

    ReplyDelete
  10. MárcioOctober 10, 2026 at 8:09 AM

    Hi. This is a great project.
    Two questions.
    Is it possible to do this with a larger display?
    Are the kilometers driven saved, or do they reset when you turn it off?
    Thanks for your great work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 10, 2026 at 10:14 AM

      Larger display possible but it will require a different hardware + code.
      Yes the mileage is saved in non volatile storage.

      Delete
    2. MárcioOctober 10, 2026 at 1:19 PM

      Thanks for the the answers.
      I'LL try to build this one but would love to see a bigger version.

      Delete
  11. MárcioOctober 11, 2026 at 10:46 AM

    If I decide to print a 3d case, the GPS module can go inside or it's better on the outside?

    ReplyDelete
  12. GiordanoOctober 16, 2026 at 10:55 AM

    Hi, really interesting project. I would like to ask you if it is possible to change the speed scale, I mean the max speed value, and possibily how do it. Tank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abid (admin)October 17, 2026 at 5:47 AM

      I'm building an updated GPS speedometer with touch controls for customised units, range, brightness, mileage clearing functions. Stick around!!

      Delete
    2. GiordanoOctober 18, 2026 at 6:31 AM

      Thanks for the the answers.
      I'll wait for it.

      Delete
  13. PhilsgtiOctober 19, 2026 at 7:12 AM

    Very nice , I use it in a old BMW to avoid speed traps , as the original speedo is very ugly :)
    https://ibb.co/0zyywD3

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment