ESP Basics

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The ESP8266 chip incorporates complete WiFi capability in a tiny package that's about 1/4" square. The chip is used on several versions of ESP modules, such as the popular ESP-01 version, shown below:

Esp8266 module.jpg

The module is programmable using the Arduino interface and since introduced in 2013, a great many Arduino interface add-ons and applications have been written for it.

A few basic things to know about the ESP module:

  • It is a 3.3v chip. It is not very tolerant of higher voltages, even for short periods of time.
  • It is power-hungry: it generally requires 250-300ma of current.
  • It usually connects to an access point or wireless router rather quickly, but if it can't find one within 4-5 seconds, it generally gives up trying and power-cycling the unit is about the only way to restart it.