OSOYOO NodeMCU Development Board, Your Gateway to IoT

Introduction:

Step into the world of IoT with the OSOYOO NodeMCU development board. This powerful board, based on the ESP8266, offers WiFi connectivity, a built-in USB to UART converter, and an array of keys for interactive programming. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, this board opens doors to endless possibilities.

Step 1: Features That Matter

• Open-source: Join a thriving community of developers, making innovation accessible.
• Arduino-like hardware: Familiarity meets IoT with a hardware setup reminiscent of Arduino.
• WI-FI enabled: Seamlessly connect to the internet and the IoT ecosystem.
• Status LED: Visual feedback for your projects.
• Type C USB port: Modern and versatile USB connectivity.
• Reset/Flash buttons: Easy control for your projects.
• Interactive and Programmable: Your imagination is the limit.
• Low cost: Affordable access to advanced IoT development.
• USB to UART converter: Simplified communication with your computer.
• GPIO pins: A plethora of pins for your peripherals.

Step 2:Specifications at a Glance

• WIFI module: ESP-12F
• Processor: ESP8266
• Built-in Flash Memory/SRAM: 4 MB / 64 KB
• Clock Speed: 80 MHz
• USB to Serial convert chip: CH340C
• USB – Type C port: Power, programming, and debugging at your fingertips.
• Antenna: Onboard PCB antenna
• Peripheral interface: UART/SPI/I2C/SDIO/GPIO/ADC/PWM
• WiFi protocol: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
• Frequency range: 2.4G ~ 2.5G (2400M ~ 2483.5M)
• Serial port baud rate configuration: 1200/2400/4800/9600/19200/38400/57600/74800/115200 bps
• WiFi operation current: Continuous transmission operation: ≈70mA (200mA MAX), deep sleep mode: <3mA
• Serial WiFi transmission rate: 110-460800bps
• WiFi mode: Station / SoftAP / SoftAP+Station
• Power supply: 5V
• Logic level: 3.3V
• Input Voltage: 4.5-18V
• Dimensions: 52mm x 26mm

Applications Beyond Boundaries

The NodeMCU suits various IoT applications, including:

• Smart home: Elevate your living space with intelligent automation.
• Intelligent building: Optimize energy usage and security.
• Industrial automation: Streamline processes with IoT innovation.
• Wearable devices: The future of personal tech starts here.
• IP camera: Reinvent surveillance with IoT connectivity.
• Intelligent agriculture: Revolutionize farming through smart solutions.

Power and Control in Your Hands

The NodeMCU provides essential power pins:

• VIN: Supply 5V directly to NodeMCU/ESP8266 and peripherals.
• 3.3V pins: Output regulated power for external components.
• GND: Ground pins for NodeMCU/ESP8266.

Versatile GPIO Pins

With 17 GPIO pins, NodeMCU/ESP8266 offers programmable functionality:

• I2C, I2S, UART, PWM, IR Remote Control, LED Light, and Button support.
• Configurable pull-up or pull-down options.
• Edge-trigger or level-trigger settings for CPU interrupts.

ADC Channel for Precision

Enjoy a 10-bit precision SAR ADC for:

• Testing power supply voltage of VDD3P3 pin.
• Testing input voltage of TOUT pin.(Note: These functions cannot be executed simultaneously.)

Unlocking Communication

NodeMCU/ESP8266 offers 2 UART interfaces (UART0 and UART1) for asynchronous communication (RS232 and RS485). UART0 (TXD0, RXD0, RST0 & CTS0 pins) facilitates versatile communication, while UART1 (TXD1 pin) primarily handles data transmission, making it ideal for log printing.

Mastering SPI

NodeMCU/ESP8266 boasts two SPIs (SPI and HSPI) in both slave and master modes. These SPIs support various features like 4 timing modes, up to 80 MHz clock speed, and up to 64-Byte FIFO.

SDIO Support

NodeMCU/ESP8266 features a Secure Digital Input/Output Interface (SDIO) for seamless SD card interfacing, supporting both 4-bit 25 MHz SDIO v1.1 and 4-bit 50 MHz SDIO v2.0.

Control Pins for Precision

NodeMCU/ESP8266 relies on three critical control pins:

• EN (Chip Enable): Enables/disables the ESP8266 chip.
• RST (Reset): Resets the ESP8266 chip.
• WAKE: Wakes the chip from deep sleep.

USB to Serial Converter - CH340

NodeMCU comes with a built-in USB to Serial Converter, commonly featuring the CH340 chipset. While genuine boards use the CP2102 chipset, the CH340 is common in cost-effective modules like the OSOYOO NodeMCU v1.0. Both chips require specific drivers, depending on your operating system. WCH maintains and updates the CH340 drivers regularly.

How to Write Code for NodeMCU?

NodeMCU offers two primary methods for code development:

• ESPlorer IDE with Lua: Write Lua scripts and send them directly to NodeMCU for execution. Great for Lua enthusiasts.
• Arduino IDE with C/C++: Compile and upload complete firmware, ideal for those familiar with Arduino development.

Choosing Your IDE: ESPlorer vs. Arduino IDE

• ESPlorer (Lua): Ideal for Lua enthusiasts, rapid development, but limited to Lua scripting.
• Arduino IDE (C/C++): Familiar for Arduino developers, greater capabilities, but slightly longer development time.

FAQ

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to support@vership.com for technical support. Here are a few common questions:

My NodeMCU stops working when I connect stuff to certain pins, what's happening?

• Certain pins have specific boot modes; ensure you're configuring them correctly.
• My NodeMCU stops working when I connect stuff to certain pins, what's happening?Certain pins have specific boot modes; ensure you're configuring them correctly.

My NodeMCU keeps crashing and resetting, what's the issue?

• Power supply quality is vital; ensure a stable ~5V power source.
• My NodeMCU keeps crashing and resetting, what's the issue?Power supply quality is vital; ensure a stable ~5V power source.

I can't find the Serial port on my computer for NodeMCU. What should I do?

• Install the Serial port driver (CP2104 driver / CH340 driver) as required.
• I can't find the Serial port on my computer for NodeMCU. What should I do?Install the Serial port driver (CP2104 driver / CH340 driver) as required.

Lua isn't responding to my commands; what could be wrong?

• Ensure your terminal software sends correct line endings (CRLF "\r\n").
• Lua isn't responding to my commands; what could be wrong?Ensure your terminal software sends correct line endings (CRLF "\r\n").

Getting Started with Your NodeMCU: A Quick Guide

Welcome to the world of NodeMCU! Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started with this powerful development board.

1. Connect Your NodeMCU to the Computer:

Using a USB cable, connect your NodeMCU to your computer. You'll notice the blue onboard LED flickering when powered up, but it won't stay lit.

2. Install the COM/Serial Port Driver:

To upload code and use the serial console, connect a data-capable micro USB cable to your NodeMCU and your computer's USB port. The NodeMCUv0.9 comes with the CH340 serial chip. You can download and install the driver here.

3. Install the Arduino IDE 1.6.4 or Greater:

Download the Arduino IDE from Arduino.cc (version 1.6.4 or later). If you already have it installed, you can use your existing IDE.

You can also try downloading the ready-to-go package from the ESP8266-project if you encounter proxy issues.

4. Install the ESP8266 Board Package:

• Step 1: Enter http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json into the "Additional Board Manager URLs" field in the Arduino v1.6.4+ preferences (Open Arduino IDE –> File –> Preferences –> Settings).

Enter the link and click "OK" to save your changes.

• Step 2: SELECT CORRESPONDING SERIAL PORT

It's crucial to select the correct Serial port. Fortunately, if you have a board compatible with Arduino UNO, the name will appear next to the serial port menu item, making it easy to choose!

• Step 3: Use the Board Manager to install the ESP8266 package

Enter the Boards Manager and find the board type as below:

Scroll the Boards Manager screen down to the bottom; you will see a module called "esp8266 by esp8266 Community" (see the following picture). Select the latest version and click "Install."

The ESP8266 package has been installed successfully. Note: You'd better close the Arduino IDE and restart it again.

• Step 4: Setup ESP8266 Support

Select "OSOYOO NodeMCU" from the Tools->Board dropdown->ESP8266 Boards(3.1.1)->NodeMCU1.0(ESP-12E Module)

Select Debug port from Tools->Debug port:Serial Configure the Board menu and choose the right Port for your device.

• CPU Frequency: 80MHz,
• Flash Size: 4M (FS: 2MB OTA: ~1019KB),
• Upload Speed: 115200

5. Start Coding:

Now you're ready to start coding! Let's use an example that comes with the IDE to see how it works. Navigate to File->Examples->ESP8266 WiFi->WiFiScan.

You will see the sketch windows, click "√" or "->" to Verify/Compile it.

After a few seconds, you should see the message "Done uploading." Then click the Serial Monitor button.

Make sure the serial monitor's COM port corresponds to your port, and check if the serial monitor Baudrate matches your sketch setting. If yes, you will see serial output displaying information like the IP address.

Note: 115200 baud upload speed is a good place to start. You can try higher speeds later, but 115200 is a safe starting point.

If you've completed all these steps and your program is running successfully, congratulations! You're up and running with NodeMCU. If you encounter any problems, please refer to the troubleshooting suggestions on Arduino's official website.