ESP8266 - my setup

24.02.2015

Items

• ESP-01
• Breadboard
• Jumper Wire
• MB102 Breadboard Power Supply 3.3V
• FTDI USB-to-Serial
• (Headers)

Wiring

Laptop <-> USB <-> FTDI FT232RL <-> Jumper Wire <-> Breadboard <-> ESP-01.

Since the ESP-01 is not breadboard friendly I use this trick: Hacking NRF24L01 to fit a breadboard (no soldering!) .

Standard ESP wiring

• GND -> GND
• VCC & CH_PD -> VCC (3.3V)
• URXD -> TX
• UTXD -> RX

To flash the ESP:

• GND -> GND
• VCC & CH_PD -> VCC (3.3V)
• URXD -> TX
• UTXD -> RX
• GPIO2 -> VCC
• GPIO0 -> GND

(I use no resistors or capacitors, and so far everything works fine.)

Tutorials

For more information about setting up the ESP-01 visit:

• http://blog.squix.ch/2014/12/esp8266-using-seeeduino-to-talk-to.html
• http://www.electrodragon.com/w/ESP8266
• http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/863.14/tutorials/Programming/serialwifi.html
• http://www.esp8266.com/wiki/doku.php?id=getting-started-with-the-esp8266
• http://blog.quindorian.org/2015/01/esp8266-wifi-led-dimmer-part-3-of-x.html

Useful information

Driver

The FT232RL needs an FTDI driver: Virtual COM Port Drivers

Power supply

With the default AT firmware I was able to power the ESP-01 via GND & VCC of the FT232RL. However if you connect to WIFI or an attached sensor (e.g. DHTxx) you need an external power supply.

With batteries it was difficult to get voltage & current right, it's much easier with the power outlet. I use a typical USB-phone charger (800mA) and connect it to the MB102.

Terminal-Software

The ESPlorer act's as a kind of IDE and terminal-software, it has all the important AT-firmware and LUA commands preconfigured.

http://esp8266.ru/esplorer/

Baud rate

I was always able to connect with 9600. But apparently depending on the firmware/version that could be different.

List of (almost) all ESP variants

http://l0l.org.uk/2014/12/esp8266-modules-hardware-guide-gotta-catch-em-all/

ESP-01 PIN mapping