The ESP8266-based projects are appearing at an exponential rate thanks to the low cost of this neat WiFi-enabled SoC (System on a Chip) - however working on your own projects can present a challenge in some environments. However this is set to change thanks to the efforts of the ESP8266 community forum, and their release of the Arduino IDE for the ESP8266.
Although still a work in progress, the functions including GPIO, ADC, and WiFi are working with more to come. This is very user-friendly approach to the ESP8266 and offers the Arduino user an easy entry path to this neat chip.
For more information and to download the IDE - visit the project Github page. And for more, we're on facebook, Google+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're starting out with ESP8266 WiFi serial modules, save time and eliminate risk by using our new ESP-01 WiFi Module shield for Arduino:
Our new shield has a socket that's perfect for the ESP-01 module, and addresses all the needs of the ESP8266 - such as:
- 3.3V regulator dedicated to the module to ensure sufficient current capacity
- Logic level shifters on TX/RX lines: compatible with both 3.3V and 5V Arduino models
- Selectable TX/RX pins: use D0/D1 for hardware serial, or D2 - D7 for software serial
- CH_PD pin on ESP-01 module pre-biased for correct operation mode
- Extra ESP-01 pins broken out for your own connections
- Prototyping area with 5V and GND rails
- All Arduino headers broken out for easy connections
- Stacking R3-style Arduino headers including the ICSP header
So don't fiddle with jumper wires or sub-standard power supplies - order your the Freetronics ESP-01 WiFi Module Shield today. They're in stock right now for only $14 including GST.
