ESP8266 Community Forum

I have been ordering ESP-07 modules from a few different suppliers on eBay. However, the latest batch of boards have smaller signal pin holes, so I can no longer solder header pins into the module. Does anybody know where I can still order the older style? The ESP-12 module doesn't seem to be affected (yet).



The older modules have four vias under the antenna connector...



The newer modules only have one via and the signal pin holes are smaller...

Interesting.
I always order from the official Ai-Thinker taobao store. In my recent batch (about 2 weeks ago) of 30 ESP-07s, there is only one having 4 vias, and that particular one fails QC check. The chip antenna tombstoned. All older modules have one via.

I'm going to get another batch next week supposedly having larger flash chip. Will check again.

For the hole size issue. Yes I also noticed some variations between batches. That could due to the thickness of gold plating. While it do need some gentle perpetuation when inserting pin headers through that hole, using a round pin header is easier.

I would bet that you can't install square header pins into your latest batch of modules. I just ordered some 2mm-spaced round machine pin headers from eBay. They are expensive, but should do the job. However, I don't know if the round pins will fit snugly into the SIP sockets that I'm using. I do have some 2mm machine pin sockets, but those are relatively expensive also.

-Jeff