Introduction to ESP32 - Getting Started

Today we will get started with the ESP32, a low-cost and extremely versatile microcontroller with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. I’ll show you how to set up your Arduino IDE for the ESP32 and then we’ll try out several example sketches.

I apologize for the delay in getting another video out for you, the current situation has greatly impacted me as I’m sure it has you. Please stay safe and isolate!

After many requests, I am finally bringing the ESP32 into the workshop, and it’s here to stay - I’ll be doing a lot of ESP32 projects going forward. And when you see all of the features that this incredible microcontroller has I’m sure you see why!

The ESP32 is a microcontroller from Espressif Systems that has a wealth of features, including multiple I/O ports, analog inputs AND outputs, WiFi, Bluetooth and BLE, touch switches, timers, and real-time clocks, and much more.

This inexpensive processor is available on a number of modules, some of which include displays, microSD card sockets or even cameras.

Today we will get started using the ESP32. And the first thing we will do is set up our Arduino IDE to add the ESP32 boards to it.

After we get our programming environment ready we'll write the obligatory “hello world” program, which for microcontrollers is the good old Blink sketch. You’ll see how uploading code to the ESP32 differs from the Arduino AVR boards we are used to using.

After that, we will go through some of the many example sketches that get installed with the ESP32 board manager, including examples for WiFi and Bluetooth.

It’s a long video (like always LOL) so here’s a breakdown if you want to skip directly to a specific section:

0:00 - Intro
1:56 - ESP32 Introduction
6:11 - ESP32 Boards
10:24 - Setting up the Arduino IDE
12:33 - ESP32 Hookup
14:10 - ESP32 Blink Sketch
19:04 - WiFi Introduction
21:05 - WiFi Scanner
24:23 - WiFi Access Point
26:51 - WiFi Simple Server
30:09 - Bluetooth Introduction
31:20 - Serial to Serial Bluetooth
34:37 - Simple Time
39:17 - Hall Sensor
40:48 - LED Software Fade
42:27 - Repeat Timer
43:40 - Touch Read

You can use just about any ESP32 board with these experiments, and the only other components you’ll need are an LED (with dropping resistor), a push-button switch and something metal to use as a touch sensor.

This is just the first of many ESP32-related videos, so be sure to subscribe for more!

I hope you enjoy the video and please stay inside and stay safe!

Bill

[BerndSchmitt-Martinique]

You are an extremely capable teacher. It's a pleasure to be your student, even as a retired seventy years old German engineer. Thank you Bill.

[robertorusso]

this is a real academic lesson on ESP32 you deserve a Standing Ovation from us all

[georgem]

A couple of notes for the complete beginners:
1)The Hall effect sensor will not work at all if the Baud rate is the default value. You must change the Baud rate to 9600.
Values may get as low as -300 or as high as +350. No magnet values are between (30, 60) for my board at least.

2) Not all ESP32 modules have an onboard LED (for the blink sketch), mine does not have one and was driving me mad when in fact it was working as it should. So check the serial for the "Hello World".


3) Do not get frustrated if your exact board does not show in the Board Manager. Instead try the "ESP32 Dev Module"

PS. Great video, helped me a lot. Thanks

[owenthomas]

Bill, thank you so much! I have been chugging through your videos and it is clear to me and clear to anyone who stumbles upon your content that you are not only a master at robotics and electronics BUT, you are also a master educator! You understand the mind of a novice, and that is one of the most important things when teaching, so many educators, unfortunately, overlook this crucial aspect when trying to convey complex concepts. You have single-handedly propelled my robotics knowledge unlike no other, thank you again for your hard work and commitment to spreading this valuable knowledge!

[Dan-xrue]

Bill, I just wanted to say that you are without a doubt one of the best instructors I have ever watched, or had, in my 63 years. Your method of explanation and your awesome use of diagrams is truly unmatched on YouTube when it comes to electronics (or anything for that matter). I am old school electronics trained and you have rekindled my desire to learn about the updated technology. Thank you again.

[gabrielg]

Thanks for this video! I've had an esp32 sitting around the house since last Xmas and haven't touched it until I watched this video. Now I am suddenly enthralled by being able to turn a light on and off using the browser in my smart phone. :) I'm eagerly awaiting more of the esp32..

[Kai-Made]

I am absolutely happy that you have done a very thorough break down of the esp32. I am working in iot and recently started working with a variety of esp32 containing MCs and this has been very helpful, and is a great way to digest information while I am actually doing work. I know I could read all the datasheets but I find that I retain information better when someone explains it compared to just reading.

Thanks man.

[fayfeld]

Exemplary video - like always. Precise information, presented on a level, that you were neither bored nor overstrained. Well done, Bill!

[EvileDik]

Awesome! Thanks so much for carrying out all this research, this thing is so comprehensive, it's easy to miss something even if you are quite experienced with it already.

[johnburgess]

I'm only 10 minutes into this video, but I have to say that I love your presentation style! Clear delivery, speaking clearly and at a pace that's easy to follow. I'm just getting started with the ESP32 and watching/doing all I can.

[laytonmiller]

What a phenomenal overview. I have done an extremely small amount of microcontroller programming and this really got me off to a flying start. Bravo!!!

[SVSunnyJim]

5 months later and I've nailed it. You are indeed the only electronics tutor I'll ever need. Amazing resources you provide, great skill, bravo..

[TheSamwongms]

By closely following the procedures, I was able to complete all the projects without much difficulty. I didn't even need a shorter USB cable for those wifi projects. A big thank you to your hard work for making the video.

[nkronert]

Fantastic tutorial as always! You're a really gifted teacher, sir!

[creeek]

A brilliant tutorial, REALLY good. no massive intro!! no excessive words, very clear and quite concise. I have had 2 of these boards for years and just got round to using them and you have cleared the way. Who would have guessed some of the steps.
Pressing the button, github download, I would never have done that.
Some of the pinouts were different, but all working. Great !

[gerdsfargen]

I love your series on the ESP32. It's simply clear and easy to follow, not because you have "dumbed" it down...but because you communicate the basic concepts so well. May your subscriber count climb and climb :)

[faselblaDerte]

Your tutorial videos are worth their bytes in gold!
Clear, easy to follow, professional, and thorough.

[danieljquinn]

Thank you for this new video, Bill! I'm learning so much from your videos: clear, exhaustive and encouraging! Can't wait for the next ones...! I really appreciate all the work you do!

[pieandpeas]

All these tutorials are just superb. Very clearly explained. The only issue I have with all of DroneBot's videos, is that I cannot finish one video before going on eBay and ordering all the parts and modules Bob uses in order to follow his examples!

This has really rekindled my interest in digging out all my old boards I lost interest in some years ago with excellent guides like these..

Keep up the great work Bob!

[stevedonkers]

I love my ESP32's. I have a severely autistic son that can't be outside by himself (he's been brought home in a squad car a few times -- he's 10 but has no danger sense) and I've had to install a magnetic lock on our front door (he can just unlatch or unlock normal locks and latches). That lock came with some garage door opener buttons that would allow us to unlock the door, but I thought it would be good to have a cell phone app that could do it, so I built a circuit with an ESP32 that controls a relay that will unlock the door, and it's accessible through both bluetooth and wireless, so I can unlock the door from my desktop or phone.