Using ESP8266

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

I have just discovered the existence of these ESP8266units.

I have been reading up on them but am somewhat confused as to the capability of the units.
They are is supposed to have an MCU and wifi capability.

So my particular interest would be to use one as an MCU/RF module in conjunction with a sensor.
In other words as a standalone unit hooked up to some batteries and a sensor feeding back to a master/host

Has anyone them in an application?
If so what are the limitations?
I could not find a spec that gives the amount of memory - only reference to it.

There also appears to be a series of these units e.g. esp 01, esp06 etc.

I would appreciate getting input from someone who knows these units well.
Meanwhile I will keep researching.

2

You have an Arduino IDE that allows you to write code to run directly on the ESP8266. There is also an ESP that can run LUA scripts.

The ESP-01, ESP-06 etc use essentially the same chip but break out different amounts of the I/O pins.

Have a look at http://www.esp8266.com/ to glean more information.

3

I'd also take a look at the ESP-12 module. Its slightly more convenient to prototype with than the ESP-06 and has more GPIO pins than the ESP-8266

4

Thanks for the input.
Any idea of the programming memory size of the esp-01.
I read somewhere that these units are quite power hungry and are best fed off mains.
What kind of battery life would one get from an esp-01 as a sensor running on 2xAA batteries?

5

aisc:
Thanks for the input.
Any idea of the programming memory size of the esp-01.
Sorry, don't know.
I read somewhere that these units are quite power hungry and are best fed off mains.
Maybe not mains :confused: but they can draw 200+ mA when transmitting.
What kind of battery life would one get from an esp-01 as a sensor running on 2xAA batteries?
Sorry, don't know if it would even work on 2x AA batteries due to the hight current demands.

6

Theres no way these will work off 2 AA batteries. Usually with ESP modules I accommodate for 300mA of power draw.
I know if you power them from the 3.3v pin on an Arduino they will most likely break the Arduino and thats up to 40mA and im pretty sure thats more draw than 2 AA batteries.