This NodeMCU development board contains a full ESP8266 WiFi module with all the GPIO broken out, a full USB-serial interface, and a power supply all on the one breadboard-friendly package. The NodeMCU is an open-source project and you can find all the design files and so on from their github page. 

This board is pre-flashed with NodeMCU - a Lua-based firmware for the ESP8266 which allows easy control via a neat scripting language - Lua - so you're ready to go in just a few minutes. However it would be a good idea to flash it with the latest version avaiable, as the firmware may update during the time we hold the stock.

Using with Arduino? Click here

Please note that there is no "formal" structure for ESP8266-based software environments, and everything provided is by the community of users and not the creator or suppliers of ESP8266-based hardware. Due to this we cannot offer detailed support for coding and only offer a hardware warranty.  

Useful links:

• ESPlorer - multi-platform IDE (Integrated Development Envinroment) for LUA for NodeMCU and MicroPython
• NodeMCU home page
• NodeMCU github page
• Lua home page
• Arduino and ESP8266

Installing the USB drivers

This board uses a Silicon Labs CP2102 USB to serial converter IC. You can download USB drivers from here. Once installed - in Windows, the device will appear under Ports (COM & LPT) --> Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx) in Device Manager.

Note - You need to use a data/power USB cable ("5 wire cable"), a simple USB charging cable will not be enough. 

Re-flashing the NodeMCU firmware

First install your USB driver (above). Then download a copy of the latest firmware file from here. If you have a Windows-based computer then use the flash tool from here. Otherwise if you have a Mac or other system or like the command line then use the ESPtool with python. 

Of course if you have any questions please ask in the forum or email support@tronixlabs.com