ESP8266 Community Forum

- Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:53 am #91789 Hi,
Can anyone recommend an ESP-12E/F module supplier/brand that they consider ok?
I'm in the UK.

It seems like ESP-12E/F modules suffer from prolific generic branding. Shops like eBay/BangGood/AliExpress/etc nearly always show the AI-Thinker branded version, but this is rarely what you are sent. I wouldn't care if they worked, but I've had quite a few modules from BangGood that suffer horribly from overheating (branded "DOITING"). I've had no problems with AI-Thinker modules, but I'm really struggling to find anywhere with stock.

Thanks in advance!

- Tue Jun 29, 2021 6:18 pm #91790 I have used genuine AIThinker in the past but now use Espressif modules. I have purchased these direct from Espressif but also through Mouser and Digikey

- Wed Jun 30, 2021 6:02 am #91793 Thanks for your reply Davy.
I had a look at both Mouser and DigiKey. I couldn't find any ESP8266 modules on either. I also couldn't see a way to order directly from Espressif (they re-directed to Mouser or DigiKey).

I did notice that Espressif have recently announced a new version of ESP32 - the ESP32-C3. AI-Thinker have used this to produce some new modules that are pin-compatible with ESP8266 modules. There's some details here:
https://www.cnx-software.com/2021/04/24 ... 266-esp32/
and here's the AI-Thinker ESP32-C3F module which is pin-compatible with the ESP-12E/F:
http://www.ai-thinker.com/pro_view-90.html

As Espressif seem to be warning people away from integrating ESP8266 into new products, I wonder if this is why availability is dwindling? Unfortunately, the new ESP32 modules are equally difficult to get hold of. I found someone selling some on AliExpress which I may give a go - hopefully it's too soon for these to be dodgy copies.

- Wed Jun 30, 2021 7:59 pm #91796 My local Mouser and Digikey have a bunch - search for the WROOM-02D and look for the 4M or 2M memory versions depending on your needs (looks like the 4M are now cheaper than the 2M)

https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Espressif-Systems/ESP-WROOM-02DM1102H3200PH3Q0?qs=sGAEpiMZZMu3sxpa5v1qruuGqP4jgT%2Fv8C86POtaLM0%3D

https://www.digikey.com.au/product-detail/en/espressif-systems/ESP-WROOM-02D-4MB/1965-ESP-WROOM-02D-4MB-CT-ND/10259375