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ESP8266 WiFi MODULE
The ESP8266 Module can be utilised in many ways, direct connection to the Arduino or external MCU, or utilizing the on board MCU. One thing you will notice is that is not 'breadboard fiendly' as such, so you will need to either build a caddy, or use connector cables.

POWER Another important factor is that this unit runs on 3.3v and not 5v, and although there is a 3.3v output from the Arduino and also most serial UARTS, this is not enough to power the module reliably, and will often just feed back garbled data. The only sure way to get this working is by using a voltage regulator such as the AMS1117. This requires minimal wiring, all you need is a 22uF capcitor, or something close, to smooth out the output. As we feel that these components are fundamentally important to getting this unit up and running, we supply them FREE with every unit purchased through us. Use a suitable power supply, anything from 5-9v should be ok, anything above that may cause problems.

WIRING Wire the module according to the diagram below. The CH_PD is 'Chip Power Down' and needs to be HIGH and you will not be-able to access the module if this is left unconnected or set LOW. I have 'hardwired' CH_PD to VCC (3.3v) so the the module is permanently active, but if you are running this off battery and power drain is an issue, create your own logic to make this high as and when you want to access the unit. GPIO0 is left 'floating' but will need to be tied to GND when you flash the firmware, that is indicated in the diagram below with SW1. If you notice on your ARDUINO that pin 0 is marked as '>RX' I think this is a little confusing as it seems to mean TO RX, in otherwords TX. In the same way pin 1 is marked as '<TX' is actually FROM TX, in other words RX. so... PIN 0 of your ARDUINO needs to connect to the RX pin of the ESP module. PIN 1 of your ARDUINO needs to connect to the TX pin of the ESP module.

FIRST BOOT If you have your module wired as the above diagram, you are almost ready to get started, but there are a couple of things still to do. Chances are, your ARDUINO may have some code already running on it from your last project, so you need to upload a blank sketch from the Arduino IDE software, there is one already in FILE > EXAMPLES > BASICS > BAREMINIMUM. If you dont, it will most likely interfere with the serial monitor which you are needing to use to talk to the device. It is best to disconnect the ESP module from your arduino while you are uploading, as having the serial connections attached can interfere with the upload. The blank progamme you need to upload will look something like: `void setup(){ } void loop(){ }` Once this is uploaded, re-connect your module and start the 'serial monitor' on your Adruino IDE software (Circled Below).

The BAUD rate will need to be set, which may be a bit of trial and error, but all the ones we have received have been 115200 baud rate 'out the box' until flashed with the later firmware which will be 9600. If you change BAUD rates, power-cycle the ESP to re-establish connection.

If all is good, after a bit of pre-amble...you should get an'ok' as in the picture below.
FIRMWARE 'BURNERS' ESP8266 Flasher. LUA Uploader NODE MCU
FIRMWARE AI-v0.9.5.0 ESP_8266_BIN092
LINKS ESPLORER ESPLORER NODE MCU NODE MCU - (GIT HUB) ELECTRO DRAGON FIRMWARE

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