The NodeMcu is an open-source firmware and development kit based on the ESP8266 Wi-Fi module. It enables rapid prototyping of IoT (Internet of Things) products with just a few lines of Lua script or by using the Arduino IDE with the ESP8266 Arduino API. It integrates modern development tools and APIs, making it ideal for quickly turning ideas into working prototypes.

Features

• Open-source: Fully open-source, allowing customization and adaptation.
• Interactive: Easily programmable and interactive.
• Programmable: Supports programming in Lua script or the Arduino IDE.
• Low cost: Affordable development kit for IoT projects.
• Simple: Easy to use and configure.
• Smart: Comes with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
• Wi-Fi enabled: Supports Wi-Fi, ideal for IoT applications.
• Arduino-like hardware IO: Similar to Arduino in terms of input/output capabilities.
• USB-TTL included plug & play: Integrated USB-to-TTL converter for easy connection.
• 10 GPIO: Includes 10 general-purpose input/output pins, each of which can support PWM, I2C, and 1-wire communication.
• PCB antenna: Built-in PCB antenna for Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Advanced API for hardware IO: Simplifies hardware configuration and manipulation.
• Code in Arduino IDE: Fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for coding.
• Nodejs style network API: Provides an event-driven API for network applications similar to Node.js.

Specifications

• Microcontroller: ESP8266
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Digital I/O Pins: 10 (can be used for PWM, I2C, 1-wire)
• Analog Input Pins: 1 (ADC)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
• USB-TTL converter: Included
• Antenna: PCB Antenna

Pinout

• Vin: External power input (5V)
• 3V3: Regulated 3.3V output
• GND: Ground
• D0-D10: GPIO pins, which can be used for PWM, I2C, and 1-wire.
• A0: Analog input pin
• RST: Reset pin
• EN: Chip enable pin

How to Install on Arduino IDE

1. Install the Arduino IDE if you haven't already.
2. Add the ESP8266 Board Manager:
   • Open the Arduino IDE.
   • Go to File > Preferences.
   • In the "Additional Board Manager URLs" field, add this URL: http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json.
   • Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager.
   • Search for "ESP8266" and install the package.
3. Select the NodeMcu Board:
   • Go to Tools > Board > ESP8266 Boards (3.0.0) > NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module).
4. Connect the NodeMcu to your computer using a USB cable.
5. Select the COM Port:
   • Go to Tools > Port and select the appropriate COM port.
6. Upload Your Sketch:
   • Write or load your code in the Arduino IDE.
   • Click the upload button to flash the code to the NodeMcu.

Useful links:

• How to install USB driver
• 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
• microPython for ESP8266

Package Includes

• 1 x NodeMcu Development Board (with ESP8266 module)