This video presents a detailed guide on constructing a budget-friendly DIY Apple Find My device, emulating the advertising data of an Apple AirTag using the open Haystack project implementation. The core of the device is a Telink TLSR8252 microcontroller, specifically the low-cost TB-03F module. The tutorial covers the necessary components, the precise soldering connections for flashing the firmware via a USB-to-UART converter, and the subsequent battery integration. While the project requires an Apple device for full utility and the user must provide a unique public key, the resulting device is highly power-efficient (drawing only about 10 microamperes) and provides basic "Find My" functionality, demonstrating a very cheap alternative to official AirTags.
Building a Low-Cost DIY Apple Find My Device
0:00 Cheapest DIY Find My Device: Learn how to create an Apple AirTag-like device using an open-source implementation to emulate its advertising data.
0:23 Project Prerequisites: The project requires an Apple device (iPhone/MacBook) for full functionality; Windows users would need a server setup, which is not detailed in this guide.
0:46 Essential Components: The build primarily uses a Telink TLSR8252 microcontroller (specifically the TB-03F module, available for around β¬1.50), a CR2032 battery holder for power, and a USB-to-UART converter (like the WCH model) for flashing the firmware.
2:09 Flashing Setup: Detailed instructions are provided for connecting the USB-to-UART converter to the microcontroller's specific pins (DTR/RTS to reset, TXD to SWS, VCC to VCC, Ground to Ground) ensuring 3.3V operation.
4:38 Firmware Flashing Process: The firmware is flashed via a web-based tool (linked in the description), which requires the user to input a unique public key obtained from the open Haystack project documentation.
6:09 Device Discovery: After flashing (which takes about 20 seconds), the newly created device appears as an Apple "Find My" compatible item in apps like NRF Connect, showing its public key and a constantly "full" battery status (as it only advertises when powered).
6:44 Battery Integration: Once flashed, the USB-to-UART connections are removed, and the CR2032 battery holder is soldered directly to the module's VCC and ground pins, with the ground connection reinforced to the outer shell.
8:16 Low Power Operation: Upon inserting the CR2032 battery, the device immediately begins advertising, drawing a minimal current of approximately 10 microamperes, ensuring a very long battery life.
8:39 Functional Demonstration: The device transmits its signal at roughly 200-millisecond intervals; disconnecting the battery stops advertising, and reconnecting it instantly resumes functionality.
9:05 Bare Minimum Firmware: The device operates with a simple, bare-minimum firmware focused solely on advertising, though the presenter notes that more advanced features could be implemented if desired.