How to Use SparkFun ESP32 Thing: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing is a versatile development board built around the powerful ESP32 chip. It features integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it an excellent choice for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, wireless communication, and smart devices. The board is designed to be compact and user-friendly, with a USB interface for programming and power, as well as a variety of GPIO pins for connecting sensors, actuators, and other peripherals.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wireless data logging and monitoring
• Bluetooth-enabled applications
• Prototyping and development of connected devices
• Robotics and sensor networks

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing is packed with features to support a wide range of applications. Below are its key technical specifications:

• Microcontroller: ESP32-D0WDQ6
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage (via USB): 5V
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth: v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE
• Flash Memory: 4MB
• GPIO Pins: 21 (including ADC, DAC, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART)
• Analog Inputs: 18 (12-bit ADC)
• Analog Outputs: 2 (8-bit DAC)
• Clock Speed: Up to 240 MHz
• Power Consumption: Ultra-low power consumption in deep sleep mode (~10 µA)
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 0.9" (58.4mm x 22.9mm)

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing has a variety of pins for different functionalities. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

The SparkFun ESP32 Thing is easy to use and program, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced developers. Below are the steps to get started and some best practices for using the board.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer using a micro-USB cable. This will provide both power and a programming interface.
   • Alternatively, you can power the board using an external 5V source connected to the VIN pin.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the ESP32 board support package.
     • Go to File > Preferences and add the following URL to the "Additional Board Manager URLs" field:
       https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
     • Open the Boards Manager (Tools > Board > Boards Manager), search for "ESP32," and install the package.
   • Select "SparkFun ESP32 Thing" from the Tools > Board menu.
   • Write your code and upload it to the board.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins to connect sensors, actuators, or other devices.
   • Ensure that all connected devices operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to GPIO5:

// Define the GPIO pin for the LED
const int ledPin = 5;

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
}

• Voltage Levels: The ESP32 operates at 3.3V. Avoid connecting 5V signals directly to the GPIO pins.
• Boot Mode: GPIO0 must be pulled low during boot to enter programming mode.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power source to avoid unexpected resets or malfunctions.
• Deep Sleep Mode: Utilize the deep sleep mode for battery-powered applications to conserve energy.

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Install the necessary USB-to-serial drivers (e.g., CP2102 driver).

2. Upload fails with a timeout error:

   • Check that the correct board and COM port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Hold down 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 (ESP32 does not support 5 GHz).

4. GPIO pin not working as expected:

   • Confirm that the pin is not being used for another function (e.g., boot mode).
   • Check for shorts or incorrect wiring in your circuit.

• Can I use the SparkFun ESP32 Thing with a 5V sensor?
  Yes, but you will need a level shifter to convert the 5V signal to 3.3V.

• What is the maximum current output of the GPIO pins?
  Each GPIO pin can source or sink up to 12 mA safely.

• How do I reset the board?
  Press the RST button on the board to perform a hardware reset.

• Can I use the ESP32 Thing for Bluetooth audio applications?
  Yes, the ESP32 supports Bluetooth audio, but additional libraries and configurations may be required.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the SparkFun ESP32 Thing for a wide range of projects and applications.