I am using the wifi modele ESP-01 and I have conect it serial with max232 module (see attachement). I power the max232 with 3.3V.
It works great the serial connection between ESP & max232. I have already Flash the module with the NodeMCU firmware (nodemcu_20150212) and I can uplaod files to it.
I have made a board with the esp & max232 permanently related. When I do not need the serial connection I disconect the power supply of the max232(via jumpers). In that case the esp was not booting (not flash the blue light).
It seems to me that something happened with the resistive of Rx/Tx pins.
Please advice
Thanks