---
title: "Picomputer IRC chat handheld"
url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/bobricius/contest/picomputer-wiz/"
markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/bobricius/contest/picomputer-wiz/md"
type: "Contests"
author: "bobricius"
author_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/bobricius/"
original_author: "Peter Misenko"
license: "CERN Open Hardware License version 1.2 (CERN-OHL1.2+)"
published: "2026-06-24"
language: "en"
tags: ["CircuitPython"]
likes: 0
views: 176
comments: 1
source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)"
---

# Picomputer IRC chat handheld

> Universal handheld computer, with QWERTY keyboard and ethernet to simple internet work, etc chat over IRC

Original author: Peter Misenko

## Article

I'm building a small handheld device for IRC communication over Ethernet using the WIZnet WIZ-IP20 Serial-to-Ethernet module.

The device will be based on a microcontroller running CircuitPython and will connect to IRC servers through the WIZ-IP20, which handles the TCP/IP stack and Ethernet connectivity via a simple UART interface (RX/TX). The handheld will feature a small display for reading chat messages and a compact keyboard for typing. The IRC client software is based on the Adafruit Fruit Jam IRC Client project, adapted to work with the WIZ-IP20 instead of a WiFi co-processor.

The WIZ-IP20 module operates in SSL TCP Client mode, establishing a direct encrypted connection to the IRC server over Ethernet. All network complexity is offloaded to the module, keeping the firmware on the microcontroller simple and lightweight.

The goal is a portable, self-contained IRC terminal that can be plugged into any Ethernet network and used for real-time chat.

---

Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/bobricius/contest/picomputer-wiz/