Veteran68:
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I'm considering the following as far as inputs/sensors go:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Door opening (from photocell or IR motion detector, or both)
- Vibration (both high frequency, such as someone drilling the safe, and low frequency pounding/banging)
- Motion (like sliding or tipping the safe)
- Water level
- Support for external Wifi antenna (inside a safe isn't the most wifi friendly atmosphere)
- Support for powering up/down a 12v LED light strip on door open/close.
Veteran68:
Ah, thanks for the heads-up on the -07 variant. I also like the idea of using a micro as a slave to the ESP for managing sensors, instead of the other way 'round.
You're into the "cart before the horse" trap...
Take your list of needs and identify the sensor(s) that fit the need. You need to extend the list to include Voltage and interface Protocol.
Depending on your sensor selections, you may find that the ESP8266 pinout I/O is adequate:
ESP8266 Pinout
Extra thought needs to be given to any sensors that are 5V only... But this is no different than using an 8-bit 5V Arduino and the ESP8266 in tandum.
My personal belief is that the ESP8266 is completely adequate for your project. I have a few projects here that show the ESP8266 diversity:
http://www.hackster.io/rayburne/projects
Ray