PHjcdgreatest
Established
Dear All,
I hope everyone is doing well.
It has been a while since I last posted any updates. After several months of development and testing, I finally have a working prototype of my DIY Piso WiFi system built completely from scratch.
Since I have been away from the community for several years, I'm a little concerned that my design may already be outdated compared to the latest commercial systems. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my work because it may still be useful to those who enjoy building their own hardware and software instead of purchasing ready-made solutions.
Unlike most commercial Piso WiFi systems, this prototype does not rely on subscription services or cloud-based software. Everything is hard-coded and runs locally, which means you are free to customize the code to suit your own requirements.
✔ Automatic voucher generation
✔ Wireless communication between ESP-12E and MikroTik
✔ Automatic voucher activation
✔ Coin acceptance lockout to prevent accidental coin insertions
✔ Relay-controlled coin slot and indicator LEDs
✔ Fully offline operation (no cloud services or subscriptions required)
✔ Compatible with Mikhmon voucher generation
For those who are interested in this journey, feel free to ask questions. I'll gladly share what I've learned during the development process.
Price: Approximately ₱1,745
Price: Approximately ₱175
Although the MikroTik hAP Lite already includes built-in WiFi, I intentionally chose to use a dedicated outdoor AP because I believe each device should perform the task it does best. By allowing the MikroTik to focus on routing and hotspot management while the COMFAST handles wireless connectivity, the system becomes more efficient, scalable, and easier to maintain. The outdoor design also provides better coverage and weather resistance, making it ideal for Piso WiFi installations.
Price: Approximately ₱1,900–₱2,500
Price: Approximately ₱40–₱80
Price: Approximately ₱500–₱900
Price: Approximately ₱250–₱400
Price: Approximately ₱44–₱150
This is only the first prototype. I already have several ideas planned for future versions, including additional features, improved reliability, and a better user experience.
I hope this project can inspire fellow hobbyists, students, and DIY enthusiasts who want to build their own Piso WiFi system from the ground up instead of relying solely on commercial packages.
My objective was not simply to assemble existing modules, but to understand how each component works and to develop a modular Piso WiFi platform that I can continuously customize and improve. Every line of code running on the ESP-12E and every customization made to the MikroTik hotspot was written, tested, and refined specifically for this project.
I hope this journey encourages others to learn, experiment, innovate, and build rather than simply copy.
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your suggestions, feedback, and ideas.
If you find this project helpful and would like to support its continued development, you may send a donation via GCash: 0933-859-6109. A simple Like, Follow, or Share would also be greatly appreciated.
End of Day 1 – The Journey Begins.
I hope everyone is doing well.
It has been a while since I last posted any updates. After several months of development and testing, I finally have a working prototype of my DIY Piso WiFi system built completely from scratch.
Since I have been away from the community for several years, I'm a little concerned that my design may already be outdated compared to the latest commercial systems. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my work because it may still be useful to those who enjoy building their own hardware and software instead of purchasing ready-made solutions.
Unlike most commercial Piso WiFi systems, this prototype does not rely on subscription services or cloud-based software. Everything is hard-coded and runs locally, which means you are free to customize the code to suit your own requirements.
Design Philosophy
Rather than expecting one device to do everything, I designed the system so that each component performs the task it does best.- MikroTik – Router, hotspot, voucher management, bandwidth control, and user authentication.
- ESP-12E – Coin validation, vending logic, and wireless communication with the MikroTik via the RouterOS API.
- COMFAST CF-EW72 – Dedicated dual-band outdoor access point that provides reliable wireless coverage for client devices.
Current Features
✔ Coin slot validation✔ Automatic voucher generation
✔ Wireless communication between ESP-12E and MikroTik
✔ Automatic voucher activation
✔ Coin acceptance lockout to prevent accidental coin insertions
✔ Relay-controlled coin slot and indicator LEDs
✔ Fully offline operation (no cloud services or subscriptions required)
✔ Compatible with Mikhmon voucher generation
For those who are interested in this journey, feel free to ask questions. I'll gladly share what I've learned during the development process.
Major Components and Estimated Cost
1. MikroTik hAP Lite
Serves as the brain of the WiFi system. It manages the hotspot, voucher generation, user authentication, and Piso rate configuration.Price: Approximately ₱1,745
2. NodeMCU ESP-12E Development Board (ESP8266)
Acts as the controller for the coin slot. It validates inserted coins, communicates wirelessly with the MikroTik through the RouterOS API, and manages the vending logic.Price: Approximately ₱175
3. COMFAST CF-EW72 Dual-Band Outdoor Access Point
Serves as the wireless Access Point (AP) that broadcasts the WiFi signal to clients.Although the MikroTik hAP Lite already includes built-in WiFi, I intentionally chose to use a dedicated outdoor AP because I believe each device should perform the task it does best. By allowing the MikroTik to focus on routing and hotspot management while the COMFAST handles wireless connectivity, the system becomes more efficient, scalable, and easier to maintain. The outdoor design also provides better coverage and weather resistance, making it ideal for Piso WiFi installations.
Price: Approximately ₱1,900–₱2,500
4. 12V Relay Module
Provides power to the coin acceptor only when the system is ready to receive coins, preventing accidental insertions. It also controls the indicator LED lamps, helping reduce unnecessary power consumption when the system is idle.Price: Approximately ₱40–₱80
5. Electronic Coin Acceptor
Accepts and validates coins before sending pulses to the ESP-12E.Price: Approximately ₱500–₱900
6. 12V DC Power Supply
Supplies power to the relay, coin acceptor, and other peripherals.Price: Approximately ₱250–₱400
7. LED Indicator Lamps
Indicate when the coin slot is active and ready to accept coins, providing a clear visual cue for users.Price: Approximately ₱44–₱150
This is only the first prototype. I already have several ideas planned for future versions, including additional features, improved reliability, and a better user experience.
I hope this project can inspire fellow hobbyists, students, and DIY enthusiasts who want to build their own Piso WiFi system from the ground up instead of relying solely on commercial packages.
My objective was not simply to assemble existing modules, but to understand how each component works and to develop a modular Piso WiFi platform that I can continuously customize and improve. Every line of code running on the ESP-12E and every customization made to the MikroTik hotspot was written, tested, and refined specifically for this project.
I hope this journey encourages others to learn, experiment, innovate, and build rather than simply copy.
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your suggestions, feedback, and ideas.
If you find this project helpful and would like to support its continued development, you may send a donation via GCash: 0933-859-6109. A simple Like, Follow, or Share would also be greatly appreciated.
End of Day 1 – The Journey Begins.
