Arduino mini connection with pc and ESP8266

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,
I have a problem with my Arduino mini. When I plug the Arduino in, the LED is on but my pc doesn’t always recognizes the Arduino. If it does, it doesn’t display data in the serial monitor. I think it should do that, like it is described in this Video: 5$ Arduino WiFi Module!? ESP8266 mini Tutorial/Review - YouTube . The wiring is also like shown in the Video, but I am using a logic level shifter for tx and rx. The Wifi module also lights up at the beginning, so I should work. The USB port is ok too.
My problem is that I can’t connect to the Arduino. I tried uploading a sketch, but the Arduino IDE shows this error:

Arduino: 1.6.12 (Windows 10), Board: "Arduino Mini, ATmega328"

Sketch uses 928 bytes (3%) of program storage space. Maximum is 28,672 bytes.
Global variables use 9 bytes (0%) of dynamic memory, leaving 2,039 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 2,048 bytes.
avrdude: ser_open(): can't set com-state for "\\.\COM3"
An error occurred while uploading the sketch

If I try opening the serial monitor and changing the Baut rate, it shows this:

Error while setting serial port parameters: 115,200 N 8 1

I found out that my Arduino uses a chip made by a company called WCH, and I downloaded the driver for it. I think the installation worked. I’ve also got a problem because I can’t find “Ports” in my device manager. I can only tell if the Arduino is connected or not by the “Port” thing in “tools” in the Arduino IDE.
Ps: I am using Windows 10 and I am a noob.

2

In case you connected the module to RX and TX, you have to disconnect it for uploading a sketch.

3

Is Pro-Mini a +5 or +3.3v version?

I'm guessing 5 since you mention a (logic) level shifter?

So you have a Pro-mini.. an ESP8266...correct?

Show us pics of the wiring (your set-up)

If you remove the ESP8266 module from the equation, does your Arduino output to the serial monitor correctly?

4

Thanks for your replies.
It's the 5v version of the Arduino. By the way, it's an Arduino clone.

I figured out how to use the ESP8266 with a Arduino mega. My focus is now on getting the other Arduino to work. I don't have any idea what to do. I removed all the wires from the Arduino, but it didn't help. I've got 3 Arduino minis with the same problem.

5

If you cannot upload any sketches, you may have to flash the boot loader first. How do you program the Minis at all?

6

I made a stupid mistake. I was using an Arduino nano, not an Arduino (pro) mini. I've also tryed selecting the nano, but i did that before installing the WCH drivers. I'm so sorry for wasting your time. :frowning: