How to Use FREENOVE ESP32 WROVER: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The FREENOVE ESP32 WROVER E is a powerful microcontroller board designed for a wide range of applications, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. It is based on the ESP32 chip, which integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it an excellent choice for projects requiring wireless communication. This board is well-suited for tasks such as home automation, robotics, environmental monitoring, and other embedded systems.

• IoT devices and smart home systems
• Wireless sensor networks
• Robotics and automation
• Environmental monitoring and data logging
• Wearable devices
• Prototyping and educational projects

The following table outlines the key technical details of the FREENOVE ESP32 WROVER E:

The FREENOVE ESP32 WROVER E features a variety of pins for different functionalities. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Use a USB cable to power the board via the micro-USB port (5V input).
   • Alternatively, connect a 7-12V power source to the VIN pin.

2. Connecting to Wi-Fi:

   • Use the built-in Wi-Fi module to connect to a wireless network.
   • Ensure the correct SSID and password are configured in your code.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Install the ESP32 board package in the Arduino IDE or use the ESP-IDF framework.
   • Connect the board to your computer via USB and select the correct COM port.

4. Using GPIO Pins:

   • Configure GPIO pins as input or output in your code.
   • Use pull-up or pull-down resistors as needed for stable operation.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected components operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Use deep sleep mode to conserve power in battery-powered applications.
• Pin Multiplexing: Some pins have multiple functions (e.g., ADC, PWM, UART). Check the datasheet to avoid conflicts.
• External Antenna: For better Wi-Fi performance, consider using an external antenna if supported.

Below is an example of how to connect the FREENOVE ESP32 WROVER E to Wi-Fi and blink an LED:

#include <WiFi.h> // Include the Wi-Fi library

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

const int ledPin = 2; // GPIO2 is connected to the onboard LED

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Start serial communication
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT); // Set GPIO2 as an output pin

  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  Serial.print("Connecting to Wi-Fi");
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("\nConnected to Wi-Fi");
}

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

1. Board Not Detected by Computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Install the correct USB-to-serial driver for the ESP32.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Fails:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range and not using unsupported security protocols.

3. GPIO Pin Not Working:

   • Verify the pin configuration in your code.
   • Check for pin conflicts if the pin is multiplexed with other functions.

4. Program Upload Fails:

   • Ensure the correct board and COM port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press and hold the "BOOT" button on the board during the upload process if needed.

• Reset the Board: Press the "EN" button to reset the board if it becomes unresponsive.
• Check Power Supply: Ensure the board is receiving sufficient power, especially when using external peripherals.
• Use Serial Monitor: Use the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE to debug and view error messages.
• Consult Documentation: Refer to the official FREENOVE ESP32 WROVER E datasheet for detailed technical information.