ESP8266 ESP-01 (WiFi relay module) Usage Help Request

[Asheekay]

Hi guys. It's been a lot of time since I was last here.

So, after my cellphone activated cupboard lock project (it worked, but the headache maintaining it was immeasurable) I stopped being an intrepid mad electrician and bought a proper remote relay module ESP8266 ESP-01 which they said allows switching on and off through WiFi.

The issue is, I can't figure out at all how to:

1- assemble this thing at all. It comes as 2 pieces. See attached pics. How to attach them?

2- the big blue relay on the board reads 5v dc powered but internet manuals say the module ought not be powered by more than 3.3v 500mA DC supply. I'm lost here. How should I power it with a 9v or 12 v (23A sized) battery?

Once i get to understand these, I'd want to learn how to connect to it and use it.

 

[Pommie]

Do you have links to both or either board?

Mike.

 

[Asheekay]

Do you have links to both or either board?

Mike.

Links, as in?

 

[Pommie]

Links, as in?

An internet link. Pictures aren't much good.

Mike.

 

[Asheekay]

If you mean user guides and tech manuals, then yes I found plenty online. None of which I could comprehend.

https://maker.pro/esp8266/tutorial/how-to-program-esp8266s-onboard-gpio-pins is the best I could source.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAAegQIBRAC&usg=AOvVaw0qSHZT_3H_JrtL2lRDf4V6 is the tech reference guide I downloaded.

 

[rjenkinsgb]

Looking on ebay, the small module just plugs in to the relay board, over the top of it.
Don't worry about the 3.3V part, the relay board will have a voltage regulator on to to drop the 5V down to the correct level.

**broken link removed**

I'd expect the ESP module to be pre-programmed when included in a dedicated function device such as that?

 

[Asheekay]

Ok, so I plug in the main input to 5v DC power and I plug in the smaller module into the larger one. Got it.

What do I do after that though ...?

I'm praying this is a standalone chip for controlling circuits through WiFi and doesn't turn out to be yet another bleeding Arduino module.

I know C so I guess I could program some basic Arduino functionality, but I'd have no idea how to install the instructions in this circuit.

All I wanted was to control a cupboard lock through my smartphone and look what I got myself into ...

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

An ESP-01 is simply a small (smallest?) ESP8266, can be programmed via the Arduino IDE, but is a pain to program due to it's lack of pins and required programming hardware.

This site seems to imply that you need to program it before use?

ESP01/01S RELAY MODULE TUTORIAL

ESP01/01S RELAY MODULE TUTORIAL: Description This WiFi relay based on AI-Thinker ESP-01/ 01S WiFi module, we use the GPIO0 of ESP-01/ 01S to control the relay by low level. It’s easy to DIY your smart switch to any device by your phone anywhere with this smart relay. Specification…

www.instructables.com

 

[Asheekay]

An ESP-01 is simply a small (smallest?) ESP8266, can be programmed via the Arduino IDE, but is a pain to program due to it's lack of pins and required programming hardware.

This site seems to imply that you need to program it before use?

ESP01/01S RELAY MODULE TUTORIAL

ESP01/01S RELAY MODULE TUTORIAL: Description This WiFi relay based on AI-Thinker ESP-01/ 01S WiFi module, we use the GPIO0 of ESP-01/ 01S to control the relay by low level. It’s easy to DIY your smart switch to any device by your phone anywhere with this smart relay. Specification…

www.instructables.com

Ah.

Here goes one day's worth of wage down the drain ...

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

An ESP-01 is simply a small (smallest?) ESP8266, can be programmed via the Arduino IDE, but is a pain to program due to it's lack of pins and required programming hardware.

This site seems to imply that you need to program it before use?

ESP01/01S RELAY MODULE TUTORIAL

ESP01/01S RELAY MODULE TUTORIAL: Description This WiFi relay based on AI-Thinker ESP-01/ 01S WiFi module, we use the GPIO0 of ESP-01/ 01S to control the relay by low level. It’s easy to DIY your smart switch to any device by your phone anywhere with this smart relay. Specification…

www.instructables.com

Just plug it in the relay board, apply power to the board, and then hunt for a WiFi access point on your phone.

 

[Asheekay]

All right! It's time for some feedback. Specially for the good rjenkinsgb and Nigel Goodwin, both of whom were very helpful.

So ... this thing is amazing!! Yes, it does need to be programmed, but the site I got it from, they sell preprogrammed modules so there's absolutely nothing in programming I needed to do. Just plugged the smaller circuit into the receptacle of the larger circuit and I was all set.

Now for the powering up. I used a 5v-1A supply and simply plugged the output into the circuit.

For the connection, yes Nigel was right. There was indeed a new WiFi connection available once the module was up and running. Once I connected (using the password given by the supplier), I opened the app they had told me to download. Then I had to give in the IP address of the module (I ordered two, and both operate on separate IPs, I assume) and ta da! All set. Now I would just use the On and Off buttons in the app to turn the relay on or off. I tested it with a small LED.

The relay is rated up to 220vac and 10A so yes. The fun is going to be endless!

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Now the question: how do I power this thing using a 9 or 12 volt battery?