How to Use freenove-esp32-wroom: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Freenove ESP32 WROOM is a versatile microcontroller board designed for a wide range of applications, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain. Manufactured by Freenove, this board is based on the ESP32-WROOM-32 module, which features a dual-core processor, integrated Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities. Its robust design and compatibility with various sensors and modules make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers.

• IoT Projects: Smart home devices, environmental monitoring, and connected appliances.
• Wireless Communication: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based data transmission.
• Robotics: Control systems for robots and drones.
• Prototyping: Rapid development of embedded systems.
• Educational Projects: Learning microcontroller programming and hardware interfacing.

The Freenove ESP32 WROOM board is packed with features that make it suitable for a variety of applications. Below are its key technical details:

• Microcontroller: ESP32-WROOM-32 module
• Processor: Dual-core Xtensa® 32-bit LX6 CPU
• Clock Speed: Up to 240 MHz
• Flash Memory: 4 MB
• SRAM: 520 KB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2 (Classic and BLE)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage: 5V (via USB) or 7-12V (via VIN pin)
• GPIO Pins: 36 (including ADC, DAC, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART)
• Analog Input Pins: 18 (12-bit ADC)
• Digital Output Pins: 36
• PWM Channels: 16
• DAC Channels: 2 (8-bit resolution)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
• Dimensions: 54 mm x 25 mm

The Freenove ESP32 WROOM board has a total of 36 GPIO pins, each with multiple functionalities. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

The Freenove ESP32 WROOM board is easy to use and can be programmed using the Arduino IDE or other development environments like PlatformIO. Below are the steps to get started:

1. Power the Board: Connect the board to your computer via a USB cable or use an external power source (7-12V via VIN pin).
2. Install Drivers: Ensure that the necessary USB-to-serial drivers (e.g., CP2102) are installed on your computer.
3. Set Up the Arduino IDE:
   • Install the ESP32 board package in the Arduino IDE by adding the following URL to the Board Manager:
     https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
   • Select "ESP32 Dev Module" as the board type.
4. Connect Components: Use jumper wires to connect sensors, actuators, or other modules to the GPIO pins.
5. Upload Code: Write and upload your code to the board using the Arduino IDE.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure that all connected components operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Pin Multiplexing: Many GPIO pins have multiple functions. Check the datasheet to avoid conflicts.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power source to prevent unexpected resets or malfunctions.
• Boot Mode: If the board does not boot, ensure that GPIO0 is not pulled low during startup.

Here is an example of how to blink an LED connected to GPIO2:

// Define the pin for the LED
const int ledPin = 2;

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

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  
  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  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 (e.g., CP2102).
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 in your code.
   • Ensure the router is within range and supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

• Reset the Board: Press the "EN" button to reset the board if it becomes unresponsive.
• Check Power Supply: Use a stable and sufficient power source to avoid brownouts.
• Debugging: Use the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE to print debug messages and identify issues.

By following this documentation, you can effectively utilize the Freenove ESP32 WROOM board for your projects. Happy tinkering!