Ghost Tag • Embedded Build • Vehicle Hardware

A GPS-aware PDLC plate cover built around an ESP32.

Ghost Tag is a license plate cover that uses PDLC film controlled through a relay and an ESP32. Once powered on, it searches for GPS satellites, waits for a valid lock, and then uses live vehicle speed or a defined geographic area to decide when the film should activate.

How It Works

After startup, the ESP32 begins looking for GPS satellites and waits until it has a usable lock. Once that lock is established, the controller continuously monitors speed data from GPS. If the vehicle moves above a configured threshold, the relay is triggered and the PDLC film is powered on. The same control path can also be driven by location, allowing the system to activate when the vehicle enters a defined area rather than relying only on speed.

Startup Sequence

An animated preview showing Ghost Tag in action.

System Breakdown

Control Logic

The ESP32 acts as the main controller, managing startup, GPS state, speed checks, and the final on or off signal sent to the relay.

Switching Layer

A relay isolates the control side from the PDLC power path and gives the build a straightforward way to energize the film only when activation rules are met.

Position Awareness

GPS is used both for movement data and for geographic awareness, which opens the door to speed-based activation, geofenced activation, or a hybrid of both.

Practical Goal

The project combines embedded control, real-world sensing, and hardware packaging into something that behaves differently depending on actual driving conditions.

Device Photos

A small gallery of the Ghost Tag build.

Build View 01

A closer look at the assembled Ghost Tag hardware.

Build View 02

Another screen of the startup

Build View 03

A hardware detail shot from the Ghost Tag gallery.

Build View 04

A wider look at the project packaging and physical assembly.