ESP8266 Community Forum

I had read that I should use a bi-directional level converter board so that I can use the ESP8266 with the Arduino Uno R3, so I bought a few on eBay. http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yD8AAOSwpDdVRM9R/s-l1600.jpg

I am currently using an Arduino Uno as a USB-serial converter; the Atmega microcontroller has been removed per tutorial http://rancidbacon.com/files/kiwicon8/ESP8266_WiFi_Module_Quick_Start_Guide_v_1.0.4.pdf

I have a separate 3.3V power supply.

I have found that if I use the level converter board for the RX pin, then I get no communication. Yet if I connect the RX pin on the ESP-01 directly to the Arduino RX pin, then I get communication.

The TX pin works fine with the level converter board.

Can anyone tell me why this is happening?

Hi, please don’t be offended by this – are you ensuring that the direction of data is correct. It should be something like:
Adruino TX -> HV1 --- LV1 -> ESP TX
Adruino RX -> HV2 --- LV2 -> ESP RX
Adruino GND -> Board Gnd
ESP Gnd -> Board Gnd

Yes that is how I have it wired.

Also,
3.3V to LV
Arduino 5V to HV
3.3V power supply GND to Board Gnd