Getting Started with ESP8266 ESP-01 Wi-Fi Module

We can control our home appliances from any remote place in the world if there is an internet connection, and that too without using a microcontroller or Arduino. Here through this article, we introduce the latest ESP-01 wireless module which can also monitor temperature and humidity. ESP8266 ESP-01 can connect to the internet through a Home or Office Wi-Fi router, though you have no internet connection Wi-Fi signal is enough to control your home automation light switches. You can use wifi repeaters to extend the range.

Assembled with a flash memory chip ESP8266-based embedded wifi modules are available in the market for just 5$, it is best for IoT (Internet of things) applications. We can use its GPIO pin to control appliances, a number of GPIO pins may vary depending on different models of ESPs. By default, it has AT firmware which can be updated simply by ESP flashing tools via USB to TTL converter. Nodemcu firmware helps to program ESP simply.

ESP-01 wifi modules is a serial to wifi converter, so it can be easily interfaced with microcontrollers and Arduino projects to make a wifi home automation system. It is best suitable for wifi embedded products like home automation wifi devices, wifi lighting control, and wifi home automation switch. These are controlled through a web browser or home automation app, iOS home automation apps are available for iPhones.

How to test ESP8266 ESP-01 with AT firmware

1. Connect USB to TTL converter as shown in the diagram below
2. It is better to use an external 3.3V because the USB port may not have sufficient power to drive the module.
3. Download ESPlore.
4. To run it you must install JAVA.
5. Extract the ESPlorer file and open the ESPlorer.jar file.

1. Select baud rate 115200 and click open to open the COM port.

• Select AT section and start testing, you will get a reply from the module.

Components Required

1. ESP-01
2. USB to TTL Converter (USB Extension cable if required )
3. Breadboard
4. Connecting wires

ESP8266 ESP-01 Flashing nodemcu firmware

ESP-01 Flashing Connection diagram

1. Download ESP8266 Flasher.
2. Connect ESP as in the diagram.
3. Open ESP Flasher and select COM port.
4. Click on flash, it will read and display AP MAC and STA MAC. If not reconnect your USB to the TTL converter and try again, then start flashing.

How to Program ESP8266 ESP-01

The programming of ESP8266 is simple, its runs with Nodemcu firmware. We can program using ESPlorer software and burn it into ESP8266 by clicking Save to ESP or by the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S. Let’s see some simple programs.

ESP8266 LED Blinking Program

LED_PIN = 4
gpio.mode(LED_PIN,gpio.OUTPUT)
while 1 do
gpio.write(LED_PIN, gpio.HIGH)
tmr.delay(1000000)  — wait 1 second
gpio.write(LED_PIN, gpio.LOW)
tmr.delay(1000000) — wait 1 second
end

ESP8266 GPIO pin map

Conclusion

ESP8266 is a very popular and user-friendly Wi-Fi module. It is useful for any small to a large project. With this article, you will have a brief idea of how to use it and how it works.