{"id":228,"date":"2015-03-17T13:59:24","date_gmt":"2015-03-17T20:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/internetofhomethings.com\/homethings\/?p=228"},"modified":"2015-03-18T13:23:20","modified_gmt":"2015-03-18T20:23:20","slug":"esp8266-power-and-serial-interface","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internetofhomethings.com\/homethings\/?p=228","title":{"rendered":"ESP8266 Power and Serial Interface"},"content":{"rendered":"

So now you’ve gotten your hands on an ultra low-cost ESP8266 module.<\/p>\n

Your ready to get started…<\/p>\n

But what else do you need?<\/p>\n

The only other hardware you need now to make this thing functional is an interface for development. This interface must support firmware flashing and testing. It must also provide a power source. Fortunately, there are several low-cost options available to satisfy these basic needs.<\/p>\n

What you need is a USB to serial converter. Of the models available…and there are several unique ones available, it is essential that you choose one that provides a 3.3V output required by the ESP8266. This output is not present on all converters so you must make sure you select one that does. The standard 5Vdc USB output is too high for the chip, and will most likely destroy it. And nobody wants another brick in the stash of gadgets!<\/p>\n

From a brief search on Amazon, I found a device that met the requirements. My device uses a CP210x chip-set. While I could have purchased a cheaper unit from an Asian supplier, this was still a decent value at less than 4 USD and with fast-free shipping, I got the device in days instead of months.<\/p>\n

Making prototyping a snap, a 5 pin ribbon cable is included with female contacts that can be attached directly to male breadboard jumpers.<\/p>\n

\"ESP8266<\/a><\/p>\n

From this\u00a0USB plug-in module, 5 signals are provided:<\/p>\n