Flipper Zero is a portable multi-tool for geeks and tinkerers

The Flipper Zero is a multi-tool for every geek on the planet. Tinker, code, create, modify to your heart’s content and use it for virtually anything related to electronics. It seems silly not to have one handy.

I love to tinker. It makes sense most geeks do. But sometimes, it’s the tinkering before I use the device that ends up being the most fun. For example, when you buy a retro handheld and use it for the first time, there’s a lot of tinkering you have to do before you can actually sit down and play games. For me, it was a kind of like that with the Steam Deck, too. Also Raspberry Pi devices, new computers or laptops, new phones, you name it. When you’re done the tinkering, it’s kind of like, okay what now? What do I do with my hands? I’ll tell you what you do — you get a Flipper Zero and start tinkering with that.

This impressive little device is equipped with, well, pretty much everything you’d ever want or need for digital tinkering and gadgetry. It has a Sub-1 GHz range transceiver for sending remote wireless signals, a customizable radio platform, support for low-frequency proximity cards like RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, an infrared transceiver like TV remotes, a MicroSD card slot, a built-in 1-Wire connector to read iButton contact keys and much more. It also has a thriving app ecosystem to expand its software functionality, and modular add-ons like a video game module that uses Raspberry Pi.

But what can you actually do with a Flipper Zero?

Actually, it’s quite similar to the Raspberry Pi in that it gives you a software and hardware framework for doing whatever you want. It’s a multi-tool, meaning it can do a ton of different functions and serve a wide variety of purposes. But because that’s incredibly vague, let’s take a look at some neat things it can do and has been used for. People have used it to test car key fobs, pick up signals from wireless doorbells and security devices, and even serve as a garage door opener for fixed code systems.

Flipper Zero used to open a security gate

The video game module discussed above adds a ton of gaming functionality to the device. You can use it to send video signals to a monitor or TV with a DVI input, so although you can’t game on the Flipper Zero itself, you can plug into a TV or monitor to do so. That makes it great for retro gaming and emulating older systems. But the gaming module also adds a 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer for motion-based controls.

Flipper Zero used to open apartment door security panel

You could also use the Flipper Zero as a universal remote control, reading, modifying or unlocking RFID tags and related cards, scan RFID microchips on your pets, and figuratively so much more. Some of the imagery here shows it in use and gives us visual folks a better example of the little miracle gadget in action. Basically, if you’re in the mood for tinkering, have a hankering for some gadget-fudging, then this little device is a good source for that. Check it out. I know I will.