I'm just trying to get a basic serial connection to my computer so I can test out AT commands. I'm using an Arduino Duemilanove and have connected the module directly to the Arduino as shown in this post: http://zeflo.com/2014/esp8266-weather-display/
All I have on the Arduino is the "Bare Minimum" sketch, so I could just use the FTDI chip to talk to the ESP8266.
When I have the jumper going from VCC to CH_PD, the blue LED flashes quickly, along with the RX and TX lights on the Arduino and my computer plays the "Device Disconnected" sound. When I disconnect the jumper, the flashing stops. Another post suggested using a 10K resistor between the VCC pin and the CH_PD pin, though the same thing happens.
When I have the jumper going to the CH_PD pin disconnected, just having the four wires directly connected to the Arduino, I can launch the serial monitor and attempt to send commands, though I get no response. When I send a command, I do see the blue LED flash momentarily.
Is there anything else I should test?