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Getting started with the D1 mini (ESP8266)

D1 Mini (ESP8266)

Wesmos D1 Mini

1. Getting Started

1.1. Install the IDE:

In any web browser:

  • From the Arduino website, download & install the latest Arduino IDE (v1.8 or later). Available for Windows, Mac, Linux & ARM.

1.2. Add the ESP8266 module libraries:

In the Arduino IDE: (original instructions) or docs here

  • From File > Preferences, add a Boards Manager URL http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
  • From Tools > Board > Board Manager, search for D1 mini and install (+/- 150MB)
    Arduino Boards Manager

1.3. Connecting:

  • From Tools > Port select the correct COM port# as assigned to the device.

1.4. Testing:

  • From File > Examples > ESP8266 open the Blink Sketch
  • Double check the pin asignment (For the D1 mini it should be <pin# here>)
  • Verify the Sketch (check mark)
  • Upload the code to the module (right arrow) The LED on the device should blink!
    Arduino IDE buttons

1.5 Troubleshooting

Linux

  • if access /dev/ttyUSB is denied, add the user to the dialout group

If you don't know the COM port you are connected on:

Note the different in console output before and after these commands:

  • Windows: mode or goto Device Manager > Ports
  • Mac ls /dev/tty.* && ls /dev/cu.* or ls /dev/*
  • Linux ls /dev/tty.* && ls /dev/cu. or dmesg | grep tty*

2. The D1 Mini module

Specifications

Variants

Wemos (the original)

NodeMCU (variant of Wemos)

Other

Like the 'D1 Mini Node MCU' illegitimate-love-child from Micro Robotics - probably imported from AliExpress.com

  • Original Wemos: Wemos Logo & version no, HC-340 USB chip, ESP8266-12S
  • NodeMCU: (NodeMCU Logo)
  • Fakes: No logo, no version, DOIT ESP-12N, square corners

USB Drivers

3. The ESP8266 Chip

ESP8266 Chip

Electrical Characteristics (from datasheet)

  • I/O Imax per pin: 12mA source | sink not specified
  • Working voltage: 3.0 - 3.6V
  • Typical consumpsion at full on: 140mA

4. Other Links

Youtube
EEVblog #998 - How To Program ESP8266 WiFi With Arduino (Video)

ESP8266 Arduino Project

ESP8266 Community Forums

NodeMCU

Definitions

(in the world of Arduino)

  • sketch - A complete Arduino program
  • setup - The setup routine run before the main loop (runs once)
  • loop - The main program that runs continuously
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carljdp commented Apr 4, 2022 via email

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