Dimension scores are derived from public data and fields; weighted into the composite. Reference only.
Backyard Hero is an open-source wireless firing system for backyard 1.4G fireworks show enthusiasts. It is not just software, but a full-stack solution made up of receivers, a USB dongle, 8-cue modules, firmware, and a web-based show builder. Its goal is to replace more expensive, closed-firmware consumer wireless firing boxes, giving users a system they can build, repair, fork, and keep using long term.
On the hardware side, the system uses custom 2.4GHz receivers. The main documentation claims a line-of-sight range of over 1000 yards and cross-receiver synchronization under 10ms. Each receiver supports up to 64 cues, expandable via daisy-chained 8-cue modules costing around $8 each. The dongle also includes 433MHz support, making it compatible with older Bilusocn-style devices. On the software side, the web show builder can run on a laptop or Raspberry Pi, and supports cataloging a 10000+ shell database, music cue alignment, fuse math, satellite-map site layouts, safety circles, print-friendly field materials, and viewing loading information from a phone or tablet over Wi‑Fi.
The project explicitly publishes schematics, Gerbers, firmware, and the host app, under the DBAD license. It emphasizes no cloud login, no subscriptions, and no telemetry, making it suitable for local self-hosted use. The current ecosystem revolves around the GitHub repository, wiki, Contributor Portal, and hardware-testing contributors. The Portal lets users view hardware resources, preview the show editor and inventory workflow, and apply for test hardware.
This project does not have traditional SaaS pricing. A Laptop + dongle starter bill of materials is around $114; the Standalone DongleBox setup is around $286; a single receiver is around $27, and a cue module is around $8. During the testing phase, contributor hardware ships for free. The cost advantage is clear, but it assumes the user has the ability to solder, prototype, assemble, and debug equipment in the field.
The strengths are its fully open full-stack design, local control, low materials cost, compatibility with some older devices, and coverage of the full fireworks-show workflow from choreography to firing. The downsides are also clear: as of 05.2026, the project is still in a semi-open testing stage, and the Standalone base is not yet mature. Users must take responsibility for DIY hardware work as well as fireworks safety and regulatory compliance, while support mainly depends on a single maintainer and the contributor community. It is best suited to fireworks hobbyists with electronics-making skills and people willing to participate in open-source hardware testing. It is not ideal for teams that need a ready-to-use product, commercial-grade support, or professional large-scale 1.3G shows.
The main text does not provide information about access, logistics, or payment options for mainland China. The availability of GitHub, the Contributor Portal, donations, and hardware shipping from within China cannot be confirmed from the text. If access to the repository or related services is unstable, users may need a proxy or may need to look for local open-source hardware alternatives.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on backyard-hero.com official site.
backyard-hero.com is an United States Dev Tools provider. TG4G tracks its product information, with monthly pricing from $8.00, an overall rating of 6.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Workable. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach backyard-hero.com directly.