ESP-01
ESP-01
allows connecting IoT device to WIFI. They can communicate through
Serial port
using commands, which will be listed shortly.
It operates on 3.3v
, so when connecting it to device operating on 5v
like
arduino board, or some USB - UART TTL
converters one must use Level Converter.
To initiate communication - CH_PD
must be pulled to 3.3v
.
Connecting to USB
I’ve used CH340G
based USB - UART TTL
converter. It seems that power available
on it’s 3.3v
power supply is not enough, so external power source is required.
Best way to quickly plug ESP-01
to converter, is to build (or buy) nice breakout
board. It must be possible to easily plug both devices into it, and execute usual
operations fast. For example, pull CH_PD
to 3.3v
or click RESET
button.
My Current Problems
Seems to be not that easy to build breakout board, mainly - how to well solder it.
Also, it must be possible to use either native power supply, or (as in my case) - to put third party power support. This should be configurable.
Additional Resources
ESP Wiki page with detailed information on some aspects.
20 Steps on Instructables with nice how-to about ESP.