Arduino sending data to ESP8266 (Not using AT commands)?

Projects General Guidance
1

I've recently had a lot of success using the ESP8266 and programming it via the Ardiuno IDE to do simple tasks like reading temperatures from DS18B20 and sending to a local web server.

For my next project I now need more pins than the rsp8266 offers. Need multiple inputs, pwm, and adc. Perfect for the Arduino Uno. However I still need to send data via the esp8266 to the web server.

I've seen lots of posts on connecting this up and sending data serially to the ESP however from past experience I've never had much luck on this and found it to very unstable.

Is the any other methods I can look into in getting the Arduino Uno to send data to the ESP?

2

I2C, but if Serial is hard, I2C is no easier. I have used software serial to get data from an Uno to ESP and found it not dificult and reiable. I2C as well. Serial input basics might help you get reliable comms going. You will need level shifting between the Uno TX (5V) and ESP RX (3.3V). I have used a resistor voltage divider successfully.

3

The ESP8266 I bought defaults to 116200 baud when first powered up, but that is really too fast for software serial transfers from an UNO. You can use one of the AT commands at startup to set the baud rate lower. However, it will change back when you power the EPS8266 down and then back up.

4

Thanks - I was also looking at i2c but that looks as equally as difficult to serial. I will give serial another bash, failing that will buy a decent wifi shield.

5

Have you considered using the IDE to program the ESP? The ESP Arduino core makes it almost like programming another Uno . In fact, sometimes you can do the whole project with just the ESP. The ESP has a faster processor and more memory than most any Arduino. The libraries that come with the core have many examples to get you started.

6

GregM:
I've recently had a lot of success using the ESP8266 and programming it via the Ardiuno IDE to do simple tasks like reading temperatures from DS18B20 and sending to a local web server.

For my next project I now need more pins than the rsp8266 offers. Need multiple inputs, pwm, and adc. Perfect for the Arduino Uno. However I still need to send data via the esp8266 to the web server.

I've seen lots of posts on connecting this up and sending data serially to the ESP however from past experience I've never had much luck on this and found it to very unstable.

Is the any other methods I can look into in getting the Arduino Uno to send data to the ESP?

Hi, I need your help. I want to read temperature same as you and post to my local web server, and after that exactly as you I need to communicate between my Arduino and my ESP8266 without using AT Commands.

I will really appreciate your help on how to read temperature using ESP8266 and post to server.

Thanks

7

You can find pretty much everything you need to know in my Beginner's guide to the ESP8266.

Pieter

8

GregM:
For my next project I now need more pins than the rsp8266 offers.

Port expanders seems more logical than adding a slow Arduino.
Leo..

9

What ESP8266 board are you using? How many of what pins do you need?