WiFi Sensors (Getting Started)

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WiFi Sensors (Getting Started)

By Michaelo
- Sun Nov 09, 2014 8:20 am #2367 Just started a new project the aim of which is to send sensor data to a controller via ESP 8266 WiFi modules...

A little background:
I've pretty much read every post in the forum (many more than once hoping things would sink in)... I have managed to get my ESP's communicating thanks in no small part to the excellent posts and support here. I've detailed my learning process below and mentioned any issues I had that may be of interest to other members...

The Learning Process:
  • Some basic testing of the first batch of ESP8266's ...
    • Working out the correct baud rate ...
    • Confirm levels shifting (TX/RX) is functioning ...
    • Completed...
  • Toolchain & Firmware ...
    • Locate the current version ...
    • Fix issue with missing DLL in Python27 ...
    • Compiling the example code after fixing some path issues in Windows ...
    • Completed...
  • Upload Firmware ...
    • Find GUI for uploading (I was raised with the command line but age forces a GUI on me;))
    • In the process of discovering what's what ...
  • Building the firmware ...
    • Writing code to activate the sending of simple message ...
    • Writing code to test out the A to D channel ...

I will update this post as I move towards the light :mrgreen:
I would like to thank Richard for the dedicated forum option, it's an excellent way to keep track of things...
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Re: WiFi Sensors

By RichardS
- Sun Nov 09, 2014 12:12 pm #2371 Thank you :roll:

Richard.
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Re: WiFi Sensors

By Michaelo
- Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:39 pm #3110 I noted a few more new members asking how to get started... Will post this here till I find the correct forum...

Some basic information: (you need to know the baud rate for the board you purchased).
  • Baud Rates: Version 900 & 901 = 115200 baud
  • Baud Rates: Version 902 = 9600 baud
  • You need to know what pins should be connected to where...
    • Normal Operation... ESP8266 version 3 (other versions may require some pins be connected to VCC/GND)
      • VCC (3.3 volts)...
      • GND (ground)...
      • CH_PD to VCC...
      • TX & RX level shifted to RX & TX of USB 2 Serial device / Arduino...
      • All other pins floating...
    • Programming the device
      • Same as above except GPIO0 to GND...
  • Notes on TX/RX
    • Use some type of level shifting to protect the ESP8266...
      • Resistor divider...
      • Diode resister setup...
      • The little level shifting pcb available from everyone it seems...
  • Newer ESP8266
    • It's possible some newer ESP8266 may need to be flashed (firmware updated) before they can be tested with AT commands...

Notes:
There are several post that suggest you need to tie various inputs to VCC or Ground, this may very well depend on the ESP8266 device type but with version 3 of the board (the one with 8pin header), I have only needed to tie CH_PD to VCC in all my tests...

"How To" for Windows

To Compile Code you will need a ToolChain and a couple of programs...

The ToolChain:
  • esp_iot_sdk_v0.9.1 or
  • esp_iot_sdk_v0.9.2 or
  • esp_iot_sdk_v0.9.3
TBA... grab a toolchain that includes xtensa-lx106-elf

To compile code you will need
  • Python27
  • MinGW
Install Notes;
  • Install both programs to root, for example: C:\Python27 and C:\MinGW (don't install to Program Files, folder names can not have spaces)...
  • Edit your path to add:
    Code: Select allC:\Python27\;C:\MinGW\msys\1.0\bin\;c:\MinGW\bin\
  • If you get an error about a missing DLL file (I did), you may need to find a Windows install for Python27 (google for link)...

A good introduction video....

For more information see: http://www.esp8266.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=462#p2089

Other useful links: TBA
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