ALPR PRIVACY / PARTS
Choose the parts. Understand the tradeoffs.
A working bill of materials starts with a matched controller, GPS, storage and output interface.
PLANNING ESTIMATE / USD
Choose a GPS option
Candidate controller + one GPS + antenna + GPIO relay candidate + SD card + film + vehicle film supply.
Excludes shipping, tax, enclosure, fuse/protection, wiring, connectors, LED/resistor and any antenna adapter. Subject to compatibility review.Parts & sources
| Role | Part / supplier | Draft USD | Before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controller | SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-S3 ↗ | $24.95 | Candidate board. Confirm the exact pin map, flash size and SD interface before using the existing prototype firmware. |
| GPS option 1 | SparkFun MAX-M10S (Qwiic) ↗ | $45.95 | Lower draft cost. Confirm the antenna connector and module support with the chosen board. |
| GPS option 2 | SparkFun NEO-M9N, SMA (Qwiic) ↗ | $76.50 | SMA version for the listed external antenna; buy one GPS option, not both. |
| Antenna | Magnetic GNSS antenna, SMA ↗ | $16.50 | Connector and antenna requirements must match the selected receiver. |
| Relay candidate | Adafruit Power Relay FeatherWing ↗ | $9.95 | GPIO-controlled candidate. Review its driver, selected control pin and electrical ratings. Not a Qwiic relay. |
| Relay alternative | SparkFun Qwiic Single Relay ↗ | $16.95 | I²C control. The present GPIO5 firmware does not drive this relay without a code change. |
| Storage | SanDisk High Endurance 32 GB ↗ | $38.61 | Draft listing price; check current seller, capacity and card formatting. |
| Privacy panel | Reverse-mode / clear-unpowered film ↗ | $69.00 | Draft 8 × 12 inch listing. Confirm switching mode, dimensions and compatible supply with supplier. |
| Vehicle power option | Pololu D36V28F5, 5 V regulator ↗ | $23.95 | Optional where suitable USB power is unavailable; a regulator alone is not complete automotive protection. |
| Panel supply candidate | 12 V DC film inverter ↗ | $23.95 | Draft quote only. The film supplier must confirm voltage, waveform and loading compatibility. |
| Bench supply candidate | Smart Tint 5 W test supply ↗ | $17.50 | Bench alternative, not an additional vehicle part. Verify the input and film compatibility. |
GPS: choose the complete receiver setup
The lower-priced MAX-M10S is the starting budget option. The NEO-M9N SMA version is an alternative for an external SMA antenna. Compare the actual breakout connectors, mounting and firmware compatibility; neither receiver can compensate for an incomplete camera database or a poor antenna location.
One important relay distinction
The parts list includes two different control interfaces. The Qwiic relay is controlled over I²C. The current prototype firmware drives GPIO5 high or low. A GPIO-compatible relay interface may suit that code, while the Qwiic relay requires additional firmware support. Neither a relay coil nor a film power supply connects directly to an ESP32 output pin.