Open Source Stable Release v1.2.2 MIT License
ESP32 + MFRC522 RFID Hardware Firmware

AURALOCK A1 Firmware Cloud Native UID Scanner (Smart RFID Reader)

AURALOCK A1 is an open-source firmware designed for developers, makers, and facility engineers to build their own RFID UID scanning hardware using an ESP32 development board and MFRC522 RFID module.

The firmware enables ESP32 devices to scan RFID cards in milliseconds and connect directly to the AURALOCK cloud platform for device management, scan tracking, and card credential verification. This project is a core open-source initiative of the AURALOCK smart access control ecosystem.

Framework ESP32 Arduino
RFID Driver MFRC522 SPI
Local Storage Preferences NVS
Scan Debounce 800ms Anti-Dup
auralock_a1.ino [ESP32]
v1.2.2 STABLE
#include <SPI.h>
#include <MFRC522.h>
#include <Preferences.h>

// Pin definitions for ESP32
#define SS_PIN    5
#define RST_PIN   22
#define LED_PIN   2

MFRC522 rfid(SS_PIN, RST_PIN);
Preferences prefs;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  SPI.begin();
  rfid.PCD_Init();
  // 10 MHz SPI bus for reliable read
  initAuraCloudSync();
}
Auto WiFi Reconnect 25s timeout
Cloud Device Heartbeat Every 60s
Debounce Protection 800ms anti-duplicate
High-Speed Verification

How It Works: Access Flow Architecture

From card scan to door unlock in milliseconds. Engineered for gyms, libraries, offices, and membership-based facilities requiring zero friction and sub-second authentication.

๐Ÿ’ณ
Step 01

1. User Has Card

Each member or employee receives a unique encrypted RFID card or token with their profile securely linked to the AURALOCK cloud platform.

Token: 13.56 MHz High-Frequency
Payload: Unique Hardware UID
Security: Zero data stored on chip
๐Ÿ”
Step 02

2. Scan Card

User taps card on the MFRC522 RFID reader. The A1 firmware reads the UID in <300ms with 800ms debounce protection to prevent duplicate reads.

Latency: <300ms read time
Debounce: 800ms anti-double-swipe
Indicator: GPIO 2 LED pulses green
โ˜๏ธ
Step 03

3. Cloud Verify

The system checks membership status, subscription expiry date, and authorized time slots via secure cloud database endpoints over WiFi.

Protocol: TLS REST API / WebSockets
Validation: Active Plan & Expiry
Telemetry: Real-time scan log logged
๐Ÿ”“
Step 04

4. Access Granted

If valid, the GPIO relay triggers the door lock strike or turnstile gate instantly. Expired or blacklisted memberships are denied automatically.

Unlock: Active Relay Pulse (1-3s)
Denied: Immediate audio/visual lockout
Notification: Mobile notification push
Industry Applications

Built for High-Throughput Physical Spaces

AURALOCK powers turnstiles, electromagnetic locks, and automated access checkpoints across diverse membership facilities.

๐Ÿ‹๏ธ

Gyms & Fitness

Eliminate unpaid gym attendance. Turnstile gates automatically lock out members whose monthly or annual plan has expired, with zero front-desk burden.

  • Automated 24/7 gate access
  • Instant membership expiry lock
  • Peak hour check-in analytics
๐Ÿ“š

Libraries & Study Rooms

Contactless, quiet student card authentication. Enables automated turnstile verification, reserved study cubicle tracking, and digital attendance logs.

  • Student RFID card tap
  • Reserved desk validation
  • Silent touch-free entry
๐Ÿข

Offices & Workplaces

Restrict server rooms, executive floors, and internal labs. Seamlessly log employee arrival times with cloud audit trails and automated visitor badges.

  • Multi-tier room permissions
  • Accurate attendance timestamps
  • Server room credential isolation
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ

Co-working Spaces

Issue digital or plastic RFID cards for flexible daily desk passes, dedicated team cabins, and conference room locks with instant remote revocation.

  • Tiered desk & meeting passes
  • Self-service member check-in
  • Remote cloud card revocation
Hardware Architecture

Hardware Requirements to Build Your A1 Device

To assemble your own AURALOCK A1 smart RFID UID scanner, you need off-the-shelf, cost-effective components readily available worldwide.

ESP32 Development Board
NodeMCU ESP32, ESP32-WROOM-32 (30 or 38 pin) with built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi and Bluetooth.
MFRC522 RFID Reader Module
13.56 MHz high-frequency RFID reader communicating over high-speed SPI protocol.
Jumper Wires or Custom PCB
Female-to-female Dupont jumper cables for breadboard prototypes or custom etched PCB for permanent enclosure.
Optional LED Indicator & Relay Module
GPIO 2 onboard LED for scan feedback; optional 5V optocoupled relay on GPIO 4 for physical door lock actuation.
Power Voltage Notice: Connect MFRC522 VCC exclusively to the ESP32 3.3V pin. Supplying 5V directly to the MFRC522 will damage the reader chip.

ESP32 to MFRC522 Pinout Guide

SPI Mode
MFRC522 Pin ESP32 Pin Function Wiring Note
3.3V 3.3V VCC Power Must use 3.3V, not 5V
RST GPIO 22 Reset Line Hardware reboot line
GND GND Ground Common system ground
IRQ N/C Interrupt Leave unconnected
MISO GPIO 19 SPI Data Out Master In Slave Out
MOSI GPIO 23 SPI Data In Master Out Slave In
SCK GPIO 18 SPI Clock 10 MHz SPI bus speed
SDA (SS) GPIO 5 Chip Select Slave Select line
Onboard LED GPIO 2 Status Indicator Built-in Blue LED
Need visual diagrams? View Full Schematic Diagram
Developer Setup

Arduino Firmware & Upload Guide

The complete C++ firmware source file is provided in the repository. Developers can copy the .ino file into Arduino IDE or PlatformIO and upload it directly to any ESP32 device.

1

Clone or Download Repository

Clone the official GitHub repository or download the latest release archive:

git clone https://github.com/CODE4UTECH/auralock-a1-firmware.git
2

Install Arduino Dependencies

In the Arduino IDE Library Manager, install the MFRC522 library by GithubCommunity. Ensure the esp32 board package by Espressif Systems is installed via Boards Manager.

3

Open Firmware Source & Upload

Open firmware/auralock_a1.ino in Arduino IDE. Under Tools, select ESP32 Dev Module, choose your COM port, and click Upload.

4

Non-Volatile Configuration (Zero Code Tweaks)

Configuration values (WiFi credentials, portal authentication key, device ID) are stored permanently in the ESP32 Preferences non-volatile storage (NVS). Once flashed, devices do not require re-compiling for network changes.

Repository Structure

Tree View
auralock-a1-firmware/
โ”œโ”€โ”€ firmware/
โ”‚   โ””โ”€โ”€ auralock_a1.ino    # Arduino Source
โ”œโ”€โ”€ README.md              # Setup & Pinout
โ”œโ”€โ”€ LICENSE                # MIT License
โ””โ”€โ”€ CONTRIBUTING.md        # PR Guidelines
Open Source Maintainer

AURALOCK Platform

Engineered and maintained by CODE4UTECH CONSULTANCY PVT. LTD. as part of our commitment to accessible, cloud-native IoT and smart building hardware.

Cloud Portal

AURALOCK Developer Portal: uid.auralock.in

Devices flashed with A1 firmware seamlessly synchronize with the AURALOCK developer portal for live fleet monitoring and credential management.

Live Scan Monitoring

Watch cards being tapped across all your doors in real-time. View member identity, UID, timestamp, door name, and access outcome instantly.

Card UID Manager

Assign newly tapped cards to specific user profiles. Set expiration dates, active hours, and role permissions with a single click.

Device Dashboard & USB Tool

Inspect device health, heartbeat logs, and WiFi signal. Use the browser-based WebSerial USB setup tool to onboard new readers without typing code.

Developer Portal URL

https://uid.auralock.in

Register your hardware readers, configure webhook notifications, and manage membership smart access control.

AURALOCK Ecosystem

Choose the Right Solution for Your Project

Whether you are building custom hardware prototypes or deploying enterprise access control across commercial facilities.

Open Source Firmware

AURALOCK A1 (Firmware)

Designed for developers, hardware hobbyists, and makers who want to build their own custom RFID scanning hardware using ESP32 and MFRC522.

  • Free, open-source MIT licensed firmware
  • Upload using standard Arduino IDE or PlatformIO
  • Direct WiFi cloud sync with AURALOCK developer portal
  • Non-volatile config storage with 800ms debounce
  • DIY assembly using commodity ESP32 & MFRC522 parts
Get A1 Firmware on GitHub
Commercial Enterprise

AURALOCK S1

Turnkey smart access control for gyms, libraries, and membership spaces with cloud dashboard, mobile access, professional installation, and lifetime support.

  • Pre-assembled tamper-proof industrial hardware enclosures
  • Heavy-duty electromagnetic lock & turnstile integration
  • Native mobile apps for administrators and members
  • Automated subscription billing & membership expiry lockout
  • Full on-site professional installation and warranty
Explore AURALOCK S1 Platform
Community Contributions Welcome

Start Building Your Smart RFID Scanner Today

Have questions, feature requests, or custom hardware integration needs? Check out the GitHub repository, star the project, or connect with our engineering team.