Running an ESP8266 ESP-12E module in minimum configuration (As obtained from Banggood)

It helps to master some of the oddities this module has.
Also see my blog article here:

[simio]

After 20 hopeless google searches trying to figure out why my ESP-12E wasn't flashing and finally in this video I learn GPIO 15 also has to be connected to Ground. You are my hero

[PerchEagle]

This is totally different than AVR/PIC chips. This is also considered as a module and not a chip. So this module has different boot modes from the manufacturer which either to boot from SD card or from the external flash chip.

Good job! Thanks for clarifying these essential parts of the esp world.

[saitamatechno]

I was having trouble . I didnt know gpio 15 to ground. I connected and bum! It worked and I uploaded micropython BUM BUM BUM! I am very happy now!

[MikePrice-mgpc]

Great video - thanks! I went one step further in simplicity: I powered the esp8266 from my ftdi232 - and it worked. Was able to flash ESPEasy using the Arduino IDE.
I don't think I could have got there without your simple explanation. (Both the esp8266 and the ftdi232 were cheapies from banggood.)

[hubertmargreiter]

Thanks a lot for spending your valuable time with answering my numerous questions. As a beginner I do really appreciate every advice.

[s.g.]

I think you have to use 4k7 or 10k resistors for pull up. Also you have to pull up reset to VCC to prevent random resets, and pull up gpio0 to VCC in normal mode, to prevent random enabling programming mode after start.

[albrosTeam]

Thanks AReResearch, for your tutorial, it was a very comfortable way to start connecting this system. Helped me a lot.
keep up the good work.

[xcruell]

Dont connect anything to 5v, like you said at 1:20.
This will blow the module.

[JeffsTravels]

Excellent video. This was very helpful to me for setting up these chips.

[wilwad]

Thank you for this video. Just ordered an ESP8266 so will revert to this video once it has arrived.

[Schnullerfresser]

GPIO 15 to ground... Thanks a lot! That solved my "waiting for host" problem :-)

[jensschroder]

One I/O pin to GND,
one I/O pin to 3V3,
build a 3v3 voltage regulator up
button for reset
button for programming mode
four connections for serial...

It is easier to use a WEMOS D1 or "Witty cloud".
Especially if I want to change the firmware again after a few years and then have to look for which pinheader I have serial out connected.

[ismzaxxon]

I have used this to sort a problem. Thanks for your time.

[Bender]

your intro is a bit creapy with the music ;), but your video about the ESP-12E is great and simple. Thnaks :)

[hubertmargreiter]

Thanks for your answer.
More questions (I am an absolute beginner to this 8266-stuff but find it more exciting then the 8051 derivate stuff I am familiar with):
a) Why do you favor the Esplorer?
b) I like your tiny FTDI-board. Which make is this and where did you order it from?
c) One of my first goals is the control of 2 relays via WIFI. The state of the relays should be sent back to the smart phone (active supervision of the state of the relays).
With one switch the whole setup should be enabled remotely.
Further more I want to transmit the luminosity (brightness) and temperature of a room using the FSA3157 analogue switch (2.1 multiplexer).
In summary I use 2 digital outputs, 3 digital inputs and 1 analogue input. Which GPIO´s do you recommend for the digital signals (and which one should be avoided)?
d) Which app do you recommend to be installed on the smart phone? I checked BLYNK.
I hope all these questions to not drive you into frustration!! A million thanks in advance for your assistance.

[ChrisFredriksson]

Nice short video! Will you do more on the ESP8266? projects and such? =) Also, what is the program you're using to communicating with the ESP8266? Seems quite nice with all the functions on buttons so you don't have to "type" out the commands in prompt =) Great for fast and easy control of the module connected!

[Arist_Art_Indonesia]

I try this method with Android ....ITS work good...thanks bro 👍

[felixcat]

Very nice video, very clear and concise. I would like to use one of these in my motorcycle that uses 12 to 14 volts from the battery and will use a buck converter. I have seen a very small one on ebay but am wondering if it will maintain a constant voltage despite noise and battery voltage fluctuations.

[govorilegko]

How is it possible to get RSSI from esp8266 (i.e. using esp8266 as a arduino module).
Signal goes from a smartphone to esp8266 (connected to a arduino uno)

[AgrimGrover]

Which computer software you using to send commands to esp 12