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Build Your Own

Choose the version that's right for you. Both are fully open source with step-by-step guides.

Learn more about the different options

LightningPiggy began with a simple idea and a C++ codebase running on LILYGO hardware via the Arduino development environment. After months of iteration, we shipped something we were proud of - but one thing nagged at us. The code wasn't as accessible as we wanted. If we were serious about helping kids develop real STEMM skills by tinkering with their own piggy banks, we needed a codebase they could actually read, understand, and make their own.

So we started over. Our lead developer Thomas built an entirely new lightweight operating system from scratch using MicroPython, designed to run on any ESP32-based board. That foundation became the launchpad for the first MicroPythonOS app - and the beginning of the LightningPiggy 'p' series. P for Python, or P for Piggy? We'll let you decide.

LightningPiggy Classic E-paper edition
Classic

Lightning Piggy Classic

Arduino-based

The original Lightning Piggy - Arduino-based firmware designed for LILYGO T5 boards, supporting both 2.13” and 2.66” e-paper displays. Displayed here in a “Genesis Piggy” 3D printed case.

  • E-paper display (paper-like, low power)
  • LILYGO T5 board
  • Battery or USB powered
Classic Build Guide
Recommended
LightningPiggy MPOS LCD edition
Latest

Lightning Piggy p1

Runs on MicroPythonOS

Our first piggy running on MicroPythonOS. Using the latest WaveShare ESP32-S3 board with a 2 inch colour touchscreen display. Displayed here in a "Genesis Piggy" 3D printed case.

  • Colour LCD touchscreen
  • Onboard camera for easy setup
  • MicroPythonOS (learner friendly)
p1 Build Guide

Need a case?

Browse community-designed enclosures or create your own. 3D printable, laser-cut, or DIY options available.

Browse Cases →

Guides

Step-by-step guides to help you set up your Lightning Piggy.

LNbits Setup

Step-by-step guide to setting up a self-custodial LNbits wallet.

Under the Hood

How a Lightning Piggy actually works, and where to read the code.

A Lightning Piggy is a small WiFi-connected device that watches a Lightning wallet and shows what is in it. The piggy itself doesn't hold your bitcoin - the wallet does. You point it at a wallet you control, either over Nostr Wallet Connect or an LNbits instance, and the device displays its balance and incoming payments. Sats arrive over the Lightning Network through a Lightning Address or a scannable QR code, so friends and family can zap the piggy without ever handling the device.

There are two firmware families, one per hardware generation. Classic is written in C on the Arduino toolchain for LILYGO T5 boards, driving a low-power e-paper display that keeps showing the balance even between refreshes. p1 is a Python app running on MicroPythonOS, on a WaveShare ESP32-S3 board with a colour touchscreen and an onboard camera for scanning setup codes. Both are fully open source.

Classic firmware architecture

Walk through the Arduino/C codebase behind Lightning Piggy Classic - how it talks to your wallet, drives the e-paper display and manages power.

p1 app architecture

Explore the MicroPythonOS app powering Lightning Piggy p1 - its screens, wallet connection and how it runs alongside other apps on the OS.

These architecture walkthroughs are generated from our repositories by DeepWiki, an independent service. They're a handy way in, but the source code on GitHub is always the final word.