ESP8266 Community Forum

Hi,
I've just bought one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-X-10A-220V- ... 2218143693
I was possibly deluded in assuming it would have some basic web browser/app on it, but I'm guessing not as I've powered it up and no wifi SSID is listed, so i'm not even able to access it.
IF this does come "blank" can anyone direct me towards any instructions/hardware (USB interface? firmware flashing?) that can help me?
I don't have an Arduino, so would just prefer some direct means of doing this.
As an aside, I generally program with VB.Net, but doubt i can program this device in that language.
So, to summarise: help, i'm clueless

Thanks,
Richie

You actually can flash BASIC to it if you want.

https://www.esp8266basic.com/

Yours probably comes with some old AT-command based firmware released by AI-Thinker. If you have something like https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12731 you can flash new firmware to it.

Hi Richie,

That is actually a pretty decent board. I use it with ESP8266 BASIC and it works rather well. You will need a 3.3v USB to serial adapter to flash it with basic. Something like this from Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/JBtek-WINDOWS-Supported-Raspberry-Programming/dp/B00QT7LQ88/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1483263246&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+to+serial+3.3v

You only use the RX, TX and GND lines to connect to the board.

You can flash whatever OS you want on it, but since you have basic experience, that may be a good starting point for you. If you go to the espbasic wesite, you can get instructions on how to flash it. I use the nodemcu flasher program, but just my preference.

The board has a nice little onboard 5v power supply and a 3.3v regulator. Power input can be up to 28v with TVS and fuse protection. I use a 9vdc or 12vdc wall wart power supply.

It also has an opto isolated input connected to gpio 5, so you can use either the onboard 5v supply to trigger it or an external powered input (higher dc voltage with common ground), very versatile. The input also has an led indicator and TVS protection. When you turn on the opto, it brings gpio 5 low.

The relay is connected to gpio 4 (active high) and also has an led indicator. Rx, Tx and boot (gpio 0 to gnd) holes are broken out also, but you will have to solder in some pins. No other I/O is available from the esp, but one input and relay output, not bad for about 8 bucks on ebay. Have fun!

Thanks for the info.
I've ordered a USB/TTL adapter and some header pins (i do tinker with electronics a little, but prefer the pre-built modular stuff )
I presume I need to use the 12v "wall wart" to power the ESP relay unit whilst flashing the firmware rather than just a 3.3v/5v supply from the USB device?

Will have a proper look at ESP8266 BASIC as well, which looks like i might be able to knock something up a bit less "basic" than i was expecting
I presume it is open source and has an IDE (hopefully with some sort of "intellisense")?

I'm also now trying to justify buying some more of these relay units, so looking round the house for anything else i can control with them
Does anyone sell units with multiple inputs and outputs/relays? I'm thinking i might be able to centralise some of my existing home automation

Thanks,
Richie