NodeMCU ESP8266 Arduino compatible wifi enabled
Now available is the ESP8266 NodeMCU development board - a true plug-and-play solution for inexpensive projects using WiFi. The module arrives pre-flashed with NodeMCU firmware so they're ready to go - just install your USB driver (below). Or you can now develop for your NodeMCU board with the Arduino IDE - so now you have an Arduino-compatible with WiFi for under $20!
This NodeMCU development board contains a full ESP8266 WiFi module with all the GPIO broken out, a full USB-serial interface, and a power supply all on the one breadboard-friendly package. The NodeMCU is an open-source project and you can find all the design files and so on from their github page.
This board is pre-flashed with NodeMCU - a Lua-based firmware for the ESP8266 which allows easy control via a neat scripting language - Lua - so you're ready to go in just a few minutes. However it would be a good idea to flash it with the latest version avaiable, as the firmware may update during the time we hold the stock.
Using with Arduino? Click HERE
Useful links:
- ESPlorer - multi-platform IDE (Integrated Development Envinroment) for LUA for NodeMCU and MicroPython
- NodeMCU home page
- NodeMCU github page
- Lua home page
- Arduino and ESP8266
Installing the USB drivers
This board uses a Silicon Labs CP2102 USB to serial converter IC. You can download USB drivers from HERE. Once installed - in Windows, the device will appear under Ports (COM & LPT) --> Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx) in Device Manager.
Re-flashing the NodeMCU firmware
First install your USB driver (above). Then download a copy of the latest firmware file from HERE. If you have a Windows-based computer then use the flash tool from here. Otherwise if you have a Mac or other system or like the command line then use the ESPtool with python.
Please note:
The NodeMCU may come in different sized module packages based on stock availabilty.