Electronics

NodeMCU v3 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module

AED 30.45

1

Description

The NodeMCU v3 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module, equipped with the CH340 serial converter, provides a user-friendly and powerful platform for prototyping and developing IoT projects. Its combination of Wi-Fi connectivity, programmability, and ease of use makes it a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

 

Package Includes:

  • 1 x NodeMCU v3 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module

 

Features:

  1. ESP8266 Wi-Fi Chip: The module features an integrated ESP8266 Wi-Fi chip, providing reliable wireless connectivity for IoT applications.
  2. Lua Programming Language Support: The NodeMCU v3 supports the Lua scripting language, allowing developers to write code easily and efficiently for their projects.
  3. Arduino IDE Compatibility: The module can be programmed using the Arduino IDE, making it accessible to a wide range of developers familiar with Arduino programming.
  4. CH340 Serial Converter: The included CH340 serial converter chip enables seamless communication between the NodeMCU and a computer via USB, simplifying programming and data exchange.
  5. USB Connectivity: The module has a USB interface for connecting to a computer, providing power, and facilitating programming and debugging tasks.
  6. GPIO Pins: The NodeMCU v3 is equipped with a 18 General-Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins, allowing for easy connection to various electronic components and peripherals.
  7. Integrated Development Board: The module is designed as a development board, featuring an integrated power regulator, voltage divider, and other components necessary for proper functioning.
  8. Open-Source Platform: The NodeMCU v3 is built on an open-source platform, enabling the community to contribute and expand its functionalities.
  9. Breadboard-Friendly: The module's pin layout is breadboard-friendly, making it easy to prototype and experiment with different circuit configurations.
  10. Extensibility: The NodeMCU v3 supports firmware updates and has sufficient flash memory for storing code, allowing for firmware upgrades and the installation of additional software libraries.

 

Description:

The NodeMCU v3 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module is a versatile and popular microcontroller board. It features an ESP8266 Wi-Fi chip, which provides robust wireless connectivity capabilities for IoT (Internet of Things) applications. The board is designed to be programmer-friendly, with the ability to run the Lua programming language and be programmed using the Arduino IDE. One notable feature of the NodeMCU v3 is the inclusion of the CH340 USB-to-serial converter chip. This chip allows the NodeMCU to connect to a computer via USB, enabling easy programming and communication with other devices. The CH340 chip serves as a bridge between the ESP8266 microcontroller and the computer, providing a reliable and efficient serial communication interface. With the NodeMCU v3, developers and hobbyists can create a wide range of projects, from simple IoT applications to more complex systems involving sensors, actuators, and cloud connectivity. The board's built-in Wi-Fi capability allows for seamless integration into wireless networks, enabling remote monitoring and control of devices.

 

Principle of Work:

 

The NodeMCU v3 Lua-Based ESP8266 Development Module works by integrating the ESP8266 Wi-Fi chip, Lua programming language support, and the CH340 serial converter:

Internal Operation:

  1. ESP8266 Wi-Fi Chip: The heart of the module is the ESP8266 Wi-Fi chip, which handles wireless communication functionalities. It combines a microcontroller unit (MCU) with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing the module to connect to Wi-Fi networks and communicate with other devices over the internet.

  2. CH340 Serial Converter: The CH340 chip serves as a USB-to-serial converter, facilitating communication between the NodeMCU module and a computer. It converts the serial data from the ESP8266 into a format that can be transmitted through the USB connection, enabling programming and data exchange.

Compatibility with Development Environments:

  1. Lua Programming Language: The NodeMCU v3 supports the Lua scripting language, which provides a lightweight and easy-to-learn programming environment. Developers can write Lua scripts directly on the module, making it convenient for quick prototyping and experimentation.

  2. Arduino IDE Compatibility: In addition to Lua, the NodeMCU v3 can be programmed using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The Arduino IDE offers a familiar and feature-rich development platform, allowing developers to write code in C/C++ for the NodeMCU module. This compatibility expands the options for programming and enables the use of a vast library ecosystem available for Arduino boards.

 

Pinout of the Board:

 

 

Applications:

  1. Home Automation: The module can be used to build smart home systems, enabling control and monitoring of lights, appliances, security systems, and temperature sensors through Wi-Fi connectivity.
  2. IoT Prototyping: It serves as an excellent platform for prototyping IoT projects, allowing developers to connect various sensors, actuators, and devices to create smart and interconnected systems.
  3. Wireless Sensor Networks: The module can be deployed in wireless sensor networks for applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, agriculture, and asset tracking.
  4. Remote Monitoring and Control: It enables remote monitoring and control of devices and systems over the internet, allowing users to access and manage their connected devices from anywhere in the world.
  5. Weather Stations: The module can be utilized in weather stations to collect and transmit weather data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and rainfall, for analysis and forecasting.
  6. Smart Energy Management: It can be integrated into energy management systems to monitor power consumption, control energy usage, and implement smart grid solutions.
  7. Data Logging and Analytics: The module can log data from various sensors and send it to a cloud-based platform for storage and analysis, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
  8. Home Security Systems: It can be employed in building security systems, integrating with sensors, cameras, and alarms to provide real-time monitoring and alert notifications.
  9. Industrial Automation: The module finds applications in industrial automation, enabling remote monitoring and control of machinery, process automation, and data collection for predictive maintenance.
  10. Educational Projects: It is widely used in educational settings to teach IoT concepts, programming, and electronics, allowing students to create interactive projects and learn about connected systems.

 

 

Circuit:

 

No need for a circuit we will blink the builtin LED as an example.

 

First connections of the board:

  • Install the CH340 driver : The CH340 serial converter chip on the NodeMCU module might require a driver to be installed on your computer.
    • Download the CH340 Driver:

      • Visit the official website of the CH340 manufacturer, or you can use this link: CH340 Driver Download.
      • Scroll down to the "Downloads" section and click on the link that corresponds to your Windows version (32-bit or 64-bit).
    • Install the CH340 Driver:

      • Locate the downloaded driver file (usually a .zip file) and extract its contents to a convenient location on your computer.
      • Open the extracted folder and run the CH341SER.EXE file.
      • If a security prompt appears, click "Yes" to proceed.
      • The driver installation wizard will launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
      • Once the installation is finished, restart your computer to apply the changes.
    • Verify the Driver Installation:

      • After the restart, connect your NodeMCU v3 module to your computer using a USB cable.
      • Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting "Device Manager" from the menu.
      • In the Device Manager window, expand the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section.
      • Look for an entry named "USB-SERIAL CH340" or "USB-SERIAL CH341" in the list. This indicates that the CH340 driver is successfully installed and your NodeMCU module is recognized.
      • Take note of the COM port number assigned to the CH340 device (e.g., COM3, COM4, etc.). You will need this information when configuring the Arduino IDE. 
  • Connect the NodeMCU module to your computer: Use a USB cable to connect the NodeMCU module's micro-USB port to a USB port on your computer.
  • Launch the Arduino IDE: Open the Arduino IDE on your computer.
  • Configure the Arduino IDE for ESP8266: In the Arduino IDE, go to "File" -> "Preferences". In the "Additional Boards Manager URLs" field, enter the following URL: http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json Click "OK" to save the preferences.
  • Install the ESP8266 Boards Package: Go to "Tools" -> "Board" -> "Boards Manager". In the Boards Manager, search for "esp8266" and install the "esp8266 by ESP8266 Community" package.
  • Select the NodeMCU board: After the installation is complete, go to "Tools" -> "Board" and select "NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module)" from the list of available boards.
  • Choose the correct port: Go to "Tools" -> "Port" and select the appropriate port that represents the NodeMCU module. The port should be named something like "COMX" or "/dev/ttyUSBX" (X represents a number).
  • Upload a test sketch: You can now write your Arduino sketch or use an example sketch from the "File" -> "Examples" menu. Once you have your code ready, click the "Upload" button to compile and upload the sketch to the NodeMCU module. The upload process may take a few moments.
  • Verify the connection: Once the upload is complete, open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE by clicking the magnifying glass icon or going to "Tools" -> "Serial Monitor". Make sure the baud rate is set to 115200. You should see the output from your sketch or any debug messages sent through the Serial Monitor.

 

Code:

this is a basic LED blink code for the NodeMCU v3 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module using the Arduino IDE:

// Pin connected to the LED
const int ledPin = LED_BUILTIN;

void setup() {
  // Initialize the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn on the LED
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  
  // Delay for 1 second
  delay(1000);
  
  // Turn off the LED
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  
  // Delay for 1 second
  delay(1000);
}


 

  • The ledPin variable is declared and assigned the value of LED_BUILTIN, which represents the pin connected to the built-in LED on the board.
  • In the setup() function, the ledPin is set as an output using the pinMode() function. This configures the pin to send electrical signals out to control an output device.
  • The loop() function is where the main code execution occurs. It runs repeatedly after the setup() function.
  • Inside the loop() function, the LED is turned on by setting the ledPin to a high voltage using the digitalWrite() function with the HIGH parameter.
  • A delay of 1 second is added using the delay() function to keep the LED on for a specific time period.
  • The LED is turned off by setting the ledPin to a low voltage using the digitalWrite() function with the LOW parameter.
  • Another delay of 1 second is added to keep the LED off for a specific time period.
  • The loop() function continues to run indefinitely, repeating the process of turning the LED on and off with 1-second intervals, creating a blinking effect.

 

Technical Details:

  • Microcontroller: ESP8266
  • Processor: Tensilica L106 32-bit RISC at 80 MHz
  • Memory: 4 MB SPI flash
  • Operating Voltage: 3.3V DC
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n, pcb antenna
  • GPIO Pins: 11
  • Analog Input: 1 with 10-bit ADC
  • Protocols: UART, I2C, SPI, PWM
  • Operating Temp: -40°C to 125°C
  • Platforms: Lua, Arduino IDE, or MicroPython, Tasmota, ESPHome
  • Dimensions: Approx. 49mm x 24mm
  • Additional Features: Built-in USB-to-Serial converter, programmable button

 

Resources:

Tutorial1

 

Comparisons:

The NodeMCU v3 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module equipped with the CH340 serial converter and the NodeMCU v2 Lua Based ESP8266 Development Module share numerous similarities, they do have a few notable distinctions.

  1. Serial Converter: The main difference lies in the serial converter used on the board. The NodeMCU v3 incorporates the CH340 serial converter, while the NodeMCU v2 typically uses the CP2102 serial converter. These converters handle USB-to-serial communication, allowing the board to connect to a computer.
  2. USB Compatibility: The CH340 serial converter used in the NodeMCU v3 requires the installation of specific drivers (such as the CH340 driver) to enable communication with the computer. On the other hand, the CP2102 serial converter used in the NodeMCU v2 is more widely recognized and usually doesn't require additional drivers on most operating systems.
  3. Pin Layout: The pin layouts of the two modules are identical, allowing for compatibility with the same expansion boards, shields, and peripherals. Both modules have 30 GPIO pins that can be used for digital input/output, analog input, and various communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and UART.
  4. Firmware and Programming: Both NodeMCU modules can be programmed using the Lua scripting language, as the name suggests. However, they are also compatible with the Arduino IDE, allowing you to program them using the Arduino programming language and libraries.