How to Use FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E (N16R2) IoT Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E (N16R2), manufactured by DFRobot, is a compact and powerful IoT development board based on the ESP32-E chip. It is designed for wireless communication and seamless integration with sensors, making it an excellent choice for building smart devices and IoT applications. The board supports dual-mode Bluetooth (BLE and Classic) and Wi-Fi, offering robust connectivity for a wide range of projects.

• Smart home automation systems
• IoT sensor networks
• Wearable devices
• Wireless data logging
• Robotics and remote control systems
• Prototyping for AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) applications

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E (N16R2) is packed with features that make it versatile and efficient for IoT development. Below are its key technical details:

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E features a well-labeled pinout for easy prototyping. Below is the pin configuration:

For a detailed pinout diagram, refer to the official DFRobot documentation:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Use a USB-C cable to connect the board to your computer or a 5V power source.
   • Alternatively, supply 3.3V-5V to the VIN and GND pins.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the ESP32 board package via the Board Manager.
   • Select "FireBeetle-ESP32" as the board type.
   • Connect the board to your computer and upload your code.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other peripherals.
   • Ensure that the voltage levels of connected devices are compatible with the 3.3V logic of the board.

4. Wireless Communication:

   • Use the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless data transmission.
   • Libraries such as WiFi.h and BluetoothSerial.h can simplify development.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Use deep sleep mode to minimize power consumption in battery-powered applications.
• Pin Multiplexing: Some pins have multiple functions (e.g., ADC, DAC, UART). Refer to the pinout diagram to avoid conflicts.
• Firmware Updates: Keep the ESP32 firmware updated for optimal performance and security.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to pin D2:

// Define the pin for the LED
const int ledPin = 2; // D2 on the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E

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

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
}

The following example demonstrates how to connect the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E to a Wi-Fi network:

#include <WiFi.h>

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

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password); // Start Wi-Fi connection

  // Wait for the connection to establish
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("\nWi-Fi connected!");
  Serial.print("IP Address: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP()); // Print the assigned IP address
}

void loop() {
  // Add your main code here
}

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB-C cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Install the required USB-to-serial driver for the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E.

2. Code upload fails:

   • Check that the correct board and COM port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press and hold the "BOOT" button on the board while uploading the code.

3. Wi-Fi connection issues:

   • Verify the SSID and password are correct.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range and operational.

4. Peripherals not working as expected:

   • Double-check the wiring and pin assignments in your code.
   • Ensure the peripherals are compatible with 3.3V logic levels.

Q: Can I power the board using a LiPo battery?
A: Yes, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E supports LiPo batteries via the JST connector. Ensure the battery voltage is within the supported range.

Q: Does the board support OTA (Over-The-Air) updates?
A: Yes, the ESP32-E chip supports OTA updates. Use libraries like ArduinoOTA to implement this feature.

Q: Can I use the board with MicroPython?
A: Yes, the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E is compatible with MicroPython. Flash the MicroPython firmware to get started.

Q: What is the maximum current output of the 3.3V pin?
A: The 3.3V pin can supply up to 500mA, depending on the input power source.

This concludes the documentation for the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-E (N16R2) IoT Board. For further assistance, refer to the official DFRobot resources.