ESP8266 Community Forum

I have readed a lot of material and i noticed that there are a lot of possible setup to work with esp8266 modules.
I have a lot of confusion especially in the wiring for example someone connect CH_PD to vcc, someone uses a resistor and someone else doesn't connect CH_PD. Where i can find some precise information?
Moreover there are a lot of modules to connect the esp to a computer (cp2102, FTDI232R , ...). Which is the best?
These are my main concerns at the moment.
I hope in your help, thanks.

luigiDB wrote:someone connect CH_PD to vcc, someone uses a resistor and someone else doesn't connect CH_PD. Where i can find some precise information?

Some modules or boards might already have CH_PD connected to Vcc, generally through a resistor, in such case you obviously won't have to wire it yourself.

luigiDB wrote:to connect the esp to a computer (cp2102, FTDI232R , ...). Which is the best?

I guess the best is the one that works for you. For me, it's the cheapest I could find on eBay. It's based on a Prolific chip, and costs less than $1 CAD (€0.75 EUR), shipping included. Make sure a driver is available for your OS.

I have tried both pl2303 (prolific) and ft232rl (future domain). The pl2303 worked out of the box, the ft232rl I couldn't get working. I probably has to do with the power supply, I have the esp8266 powered from the converter. I guess the ft232 simply can't supply enough power on 3.3V.

eriksl wrote:I have tried both pl2303 (prolific) and ft232rl (future domain). The pl2303 worked out of the box, the ft232rl I couldn't get working. I probably has to do with the power supply, I have the esp8266 powered from the converter. I guess the ft232 simply can't supply enough power on 3.3V.

I have start working with CP2102 and so far the best option I was able to find. ESP07/12 Programming can be done without external power supply.

FT232RL is not able to handle the load, so, if used, external PSU is a must.

Some picture for the version of the used USB Adapter and uploading process: Programming the ESP07 Module