ESP8266 Community Forum

Hi, I hooked this up to an arduino (using RX -> RX, TX to TX and using external 3.3V source) and I in the serial monitor I am getting
"
[Vendor:www.ai-thinker.com Version:0.9.2.4]

ready
"

But any and all AT commands I issue only return garbage. Any ideas why? I am at 9600 baud and using BOTH NL and CR.

I have the same problem, but I was using Vcc on the Arduino to power the ESP8266. I thought it was because the USB didn't have enough (300ma+) to run the Arduino and ESP. So I plugged a 12v 1a wall adapter into the Arduino. Same problem. But I must say, the problem for me is intermittent, and my ESP board tends to get quite hot. Does yours?

I'm hoping its not a bad board. Waiting for my FTDI board to arrive to try to update a new firmware, see if that helps.

Hi,

Yes I noticed mine gets pretty warm!

I fixed the issue by using a voltage divider on the RX of the arduino. Now if I can just program the thing...

1. The ESP8266 requires a 3.3V supply providing > 300mA
2. The inputs ARE NOT 5V tolerant
3. The supply MUST be as clean as possible and have a capacitor of at least 47uF next to the module with a 100nF across it
4. TX goes to RX and RX goes to TX
5. The TX output of ESP8266 can be directly connected to the Arduino RX pin
6. Connect a 1N4148 or similar diode between the Arduino TX Pin and the ESP8266 RX input with the cathode towards the Arduino. Add a 10K resistor between the diode anode/RX junction and the 3.3V supply

For basic setup and testing use a UART with 3.3V I/O capability directly connected the the ESP8266 module as this is far easier.

It is possible to use the module connected to the Arduino (UNO or other) Serial lines with a SoftwareSerial UART as a Terminal up to 34600 baud reliably. This is the setup I use and you can still upload sketches via the USB port but, you may need to use an NPN transistor and suitable resistors to hold the ESP8266 Reset pin low during uploading.