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jimblom Programming the ThingThe ESP8266 has a built-in serial bootloader, which allows for easy programming and re-programming. You don't need a specialized, expensive programmer -- just a simple, USB-to-Serial converter. We use a 3.3V FTDI Basic to program the Thing, but other serial converters with 3.3V I/O levels should work (e.g. FT231X Breakout, CH340G Basic Breakout). Just make sure to install the respective drivers for your converter and get the compatible USB cable. The converter does need a DTR line in addition to the RX and TX pins.
SparkFun FT231X Breakout BOB-13263Introducing the SparkFun FT231X Breakout board, complete with the full UART hardware handshake feature! The pin-out of this b…
Note: While programming the Thing, it's best to power it off USB. We've noticed programming is more likely to fail if the Thing is only powered via the battery.
Depending on your setup, there is a few methods of programming the ESP8266 Thing. Below are a few ways to program the ESP8266 Thing using a serial-to-USB converter.
Method 1: Two USB CablesThe FTDI Basic's 6-pin header matches up exactly to the Thing's 6-pin serial port header. To set up for programming, simply connect the FTDI directly to this port -- take care to match up the DTR and GND pins! If you solder female headers to the Thing, plugging a 6-pin row of right-angle male headers between the FTDI and header helps create a temporary programming interface. The header pins are small on one side, so make sure that there is contact between the two boards while uploading.
If you're short on USB ports, the SparkFun Cerberus Cable might be just what you need. Method 2: One USB Cable with Jumper WireIf you only have one USB cable, you can connect a USB-to-serial converter to the ESP8266 Thing's serial programming header. You will just need to connect 3V3 on the serial programming header side to the 3V3 on the I2C header together with a jumper wire. Below is an example of the CH340G serial basic connected with the jumper wire connecting the 3.3V pins.
Note: If the ESP8266 Thing is not connected to a breadboard, you can directly connect the female header of your USB-to-serial converter to the male header side of the ESP8266 Thing instead of using 6x jumper wires to connect the boards together. You will still need to connect the 3.3V pins using a jumper wire.
⚡ Warning: Make sure to disconnect the LiPo battery from the ESP8266 Thing when connecting a USB-to-serial converter if you decide to add a jumper wire between the 3V3 pins to prevent conflicting voltages.
Method 3: One USB Cable with Solder JumperA third method is to add a solder jumper to the jumper pads labeled as "FTDI VCC" to connect the 3V3 pins together between the serial programming header and the I2C header. You can then connect a USB-to-serial converter to the serial programming header as stated earlier.
⚡ Warning: Make sure to disconnect the LiPo battery from the ESP8266 Thing when connecting a USB-to-serial converter if you decide to add solder to the jumper pads to prevent conflicting voltages.
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