Hardware Overview
This section covers all physical components that make up an OpenShock setup — from the control board ("Hub") and transmitter modules, to the shockers (collars) themselves.
Boards (Hubs)
Supported microcontroller boards, compatibility and feature matrix
Transmitter
433 MHz transmitter modules and assembly guidance
Shockers
Supported receiver/shocker models and safety info
Choosing Your Path
| Goal | Start Here | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I want the simplest working hub | Boards | Pick a fully maintained board for fewer surprises |
| I already own a collar and want to know if it works | Shockers | Lists supported shocker models and status |
| Ready to get started? | Guides — OpenShock | End-to-end setup instructions |
| I plan to self-host everything | Guides — Selfhost | Best selfhost practice and examples |
Recommended Starting Hardware
If you are new and buying fresh parts today:
- A fully maintained board (e.g. Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32S3, Wemos Lolin S3, or OpenShock Core V2)
- A 433 MHz transmitter module listed in the Transmitter section
- A recommended shocker (CaiXianlin) — see supported list
Recommended: cables and a soldering iron to connect the ESP32 and transmitter.
Safety First
Before powering anything or placing a collar on a person, read the core Safety Rules. Improper use can cause injury. Never place electrodes near the heart or neck; avoid simultaneous contact with both shocker pins.
Firmware and Flashing
Once you have your board selected, head to:
Flash Your Board
Flash the OpenShock firmware
First Setup
Configure your hub after flashing
How to Update
OTA and version upgrade workflow
Need Help?
Troubleshooting: Hub
Hub connectivity and pairing issues
Troubleshooting: Shocker
Shocker pairing problems
Ask in the community (Discord) with board + firmware version + logs if available.
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