How to Use ESP32-C6 Feather: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-C6 Feather is a versatile and powerful development board that integrates the ESP32-C6 microcontroller, designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The board is part of the Feather ecosystem, known for its compact size, ease of use, and extensive community support. The ESP32-C6 chip offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 (LE) capabilities, making it suitable for modern wireless applications.

• Smart home devices
• Wireless sensors and actuators
• IoT nodes with cloud connectivity
• Wearable electronics
• Energy management systems
• DIY electronics projects

• Microcontroller: ESP32-C6
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage: USB 5V or via LiPo battery
• Wi-Fi: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5 (LE)
• Flash Memory: 4MB
• SRAM: 520KB
• GPIO Pins: 21
• Analog Inputs: 6 (12-bit ADC)
• UARTs: 2
• SPIs: 2
• I2Cs: 2
• PWM Channels: 16
• Dimensions: 51mm x 23mm x 7.8mm

Note: This table is not exhaustive and serves as an example. Refer to the ESP32-C6 Feather datasheet for the complete pinout.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the USB cable to the board and your computer to power the board.
   • Alternatively, connect a LiPo battery to the JST connector for portable applications.

2. Connecting to Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals.
   • Ensure that the peripherals are compatible with the board's operating voltage.

3. Programming the Board:

   • Install the required drivers and the Arduino IDE or other compatible development environments.
   • Select the ESP32-C6 board from the board manager and the correct port.

4. Uploading Code:

   • Write your code or use an example sketch.
   • Click the upload button in the IDE to program the board.

• Always ensure that the input voltage does not exceed the recommended levels to prevent damage.
• When using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, consider the power consumption and plan for adequate power supply.
• Use proper decoupling capacitors close to the board to minimize power supply noise.
• Avoid placing the board near metal objects or in enclosures that can block Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signals.

#include <WiFi.h>

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "your_SSID";
const char* password = "your_PASSWORD";

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  
  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.println("Connecting to WiFi...");
  }
  Serial.println("Connected to WiFi");
}

void loop() {
  // Put your main code here, to run repeatedly:
}

• Board not recognized by the computer:

  • Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and the board is powered.
  • Check if the correct drivers are installed.

• Unable to connect to Wi-Fi:

  • Verify the SSID and password are correct.
  • Ensure the board is within the range of the Wi-Fi router.

• Sketch not uploading:

  • Check the selected board and port in the IDE.
  • Press the boot button on the board when initiating the upload if required.

• If the board is not recognized, try using a different USB cable or port.
• For Wi-Fi issues, restart the router and ensure other devices can connect.
• When uploading fails, double-check the connections and ensure no other programs are using the same COM port.

Q: Can the ESP32-C6 Feather be powered by a battery? A: Yes, it can be powered by a LiPo battery connected to the JST connector.

Q: Does the board come with pre-installed firmware? A: The board typically comes with factory-installed firmware, but it's recommended to update to the latest firmware for your specific use case.

Q: How do I enable Bluetooth functionality? A: Bluetooth can be enabled using the appropriate libraries in your development environment. Refer to the ESP32-C6 documentation for specific instructions.

Q: What is the maximum range of the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signal? A: The range depends on various factors, including obstacles, antenna design, and power output. Typically, Wi-Fi can reach up to 50 meters indoors, while Bluetooth range is around 10 meters.

For more detailed information, refer to the ESP32-C6 Feather datasheet and the official documentation provided by the manufacturer.