How to Use Lonely Binary ESP32-S3 DevKitC: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Lonely Binary ESP32-S3 DevKitC is a versatile development board built around the ESP32-S3 chip. This board is designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, offering integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It is ideal for prototyping and developing smart devices, wearables, and other connected systems. The board supports a wide range of peripherals and interfaces, making it a powerful tool for both beginners and experienced developers.

• IoT devices and smart home systems
• Wearable technology
• Wireless sensor networks
• Industrial automation
• Prototyping AI and machine learning applications at the edge
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and gateways

The following table outlines the key technical specifications of the ESP32-S3 DevKitC:

The ESP32-S3 DevKitC features a 2x19 pin header layout. Below is the pin configuration:

For a complete pinout diagram, refer to the official datasheet provided by Lonely Binary.

1. Powering the Board:
   Connect the board to your computer or a power source using a USB Type-C cable. The board operates at 3.3V internally but requires a 5V input via USB or an external power source.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the ESP32-S3 board support package in the Arduino IDE or use the ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework) for advanced development.
   • Select the correct board and port in the IDE.
   • Write your code and upload it to the board.

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 ESP32-S3.

• Boot Mode Selection: To enter bootloader mode, hold the BOOT button while pressing the EN button.
• Voltage Levels: Avoid applying voltages higher than 3.3V to the GPIO pins to prevent damage.
• Power Supply: If using an external power source, ensure it provides a stable 5V input.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Antenna: Keep the onboard antenna area clear of obstructions for optimal wireless performance.

Below is an example of how to use the ESP32-S3 DevKitC to read data from a DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor and send it to a serial monitor:

#include <DHT.h>

// Define the GPIO pin connected to the DHT11 sensor
#define DHTPIN 4  // GPIO4 on the ESP32-S3

// Define the type of DHT sensor
#define DHTTYPE DHT11

// Initialize the DHT sensor
DHT dht(DHTPIN, DHTTYPE);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);  // Start the serial communication
  dht.begin();           // Initialize the DHT sensor
  Serial.println("DHT11 Sensor Example with ESP32-S3");
}

void loop() {
  // Read temperature and humidity values
  float humidity = dht.readHumidity();
  float temperature = dht.readTemperature();

  // Check if the readings are valid
  if (isnan(humidity) || isnan(temperature)) {
    Serial.println("Failed to read from DHT sensor!");
    return;
  }

  // Print the readings to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Humidity: ");
  Serial.print(humidity);
  Serial.print("%  Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.println("°C");

  delay(2000);  // Wait 2 seconds before the next reading
}

1. Board Not Detected by the Computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Verify that the correct drivers for the ESP32-S3 are installed.

2. Code Upload Fails:

   • Check that the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.
   • Enter bootloader mode by holding the BOOT button while pressing the EN button.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity Issues:

   • Ensure the antenna area is unobstructed.
   • Verify that the correct SSID and password are used for Wi-Fi connections.

4. GPIO Pin Malfunction:

   • Confirm that the connected peripherals are operating within the 3.3V logic level.
   • Avoid using reserved pins for general-purpose I/O.

• Use a multimeter to check power supply voltages and continuity of connections.
• Refer to the official datasheet and pinout diagram for detailed information on pin functions.
• Update the ESP32-S3 firmware and development tools to the latest versions for improved stability and compatibility.

For further assistance, consult the official documentation and support resources provided by Lonely Binary.