ESP-01: Works when plugged into programmer but not when simply powered up

Development Tools IDE 1.x
1

I have programmed the common "Blink" sketch into an ESP-01 using a programmer as described here

I know that it is working as when powered via the programmer the onboard LED of the ESP-01 flashes as per the Blink sketch.

When I however uplug the esp-01 from the programmer and then power it through another source i.e. an Arduino's 3V &GND or use the programmer but only connecting the power and ground pins, the power light still comes on but the LED in question does not flash.

I do not understand what is happening as by my understanding, given that they code is uploaded and the light is flashing, my does it no longer do this when not plugged directly into the programmer?

2

The ESP01 must be wired up in a SPECIFIC way.

VCC AND CH-PD must both be connected to 3.3 volts.

Your power supply or battery must also have the correct current as the ESP01 may draw a little more on Wi-Fi operations.
For that reason it is not unusual to see an electrolytic capacitor across the power rails to act as a power buffer / smoothing.

Bob.

2 Likes
3

@ballscrewbob many thanks, that was it :slight_smile:

4

You are welcome.

Enjoy your boards.

Bob.

5

If I add the regulator so that I can run it off of a 5V USB charger, can I remove C1 & C2 in the diagram?

Regulator.png
Regulator.png1252×641 40.5 KB

Regulator.png
Regulator.png1252×641 40.5 KB

6

No leave them in as they provide smoothing for the regulator.

Bob.

7

@Bob, many thanks :slight_smile: I am really looking forward to playing with this board.