How to Use ESP32-C3-MINI LaskaKit Meteo Mini: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-C3-MINI LaskaKit Meteo Mini is a compact weather station kit designed for measuring temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Built around the ESP32-C3-MINI microcontroller, this module is ideal for educational purposes, DIY projects, and IoT applications. Its small form factor and integrated sensors make it a versatile tool for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• DIY weather monitoring stations
• IoT-based environmental data logging
• Educational projects for learning about sensors and microcontrollers
• Smart home automation systems
• Agricultural and greenhouse monitoring

1. Powering the Module:

   • Connect the VIN pin to a 5V USB-C power source or an external 3.3V regulated power supply.
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of your power source.

2. Connecting to Sensors:

   • The onboard sensors (temperature, humidity, and pressure) are pre-wired to the ESP32-C3-MINI via the I2C bus.
   • Use the SDA and SCL pins to connect additional I2C devices if needed.

3. Programming the ESP32-C3-MINI:

   • Use the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF to program the module.
   • Install the necessary libraries for the onboard sensors (e.g., Adafruit BME280 library for pressure, temperature, and humidity).

4. Data Logging and Communication:

   • Use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transmit sensor data to a cloud platform or local device.
   • Alternatively, log data to an SD card or display it on an OLED screen.

• Ensure the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range to avoid damaging the module.
• Avoid exposing the module to extreme environmental conditions beyond its operating range.
• Use pull-up resistors (typically 4.7kΩ) on the SDA and SCL lines if additional I2C devices are connected.
• When programming, ensure the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE or ESP-IDF.

Below is an example code snippet to read temperature, humidity, and pressure data from the onboard sensors and print it to the serial monitor.

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_Sensor.h>
#include <Adafruit_BME280.h>

// Create an instance of the BME280 sensor
Adafruit_BME280 bme;

// Define I2C address for the BME280 sensor
#define BME280_I2C_ADDRESS 0x76

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize serial communication
  while (!Serial);      // Wait for the serial port to connect

  // Initialize the BME280 sensor
  if (!bme.begin(BME280_I2C_ADDRESS)) {
    Serial.println("Error: Could not find BME280 sensor!");
    while (1); // Halt execution if sensor initialization fails
  }

  Serial.println("BME280 sensor initialized successfully.");
}

void loop() {
  // Read temperature, humidity, and pressure from the sensor
  float temperature = bme.readTemperature();
  float humidity = bme.readHumidity();
  float pressure = bme.readPressure() / 100.0F; // Convert to hPa

  // Print the sensor data to the serial monitor
  Serial.print("Temperature: ");
  Serial.print(temperature);
  Serial.println(" °C");

  Serial.print("Humidity: ");
  Serial.print(humidity);
  Serial.println(" %");

  Serial.print("Pressure: ");
  Serial.print(pressure);
  Serial.println(" hPa");

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

1. The module does not power on:

   • Verify that the power supply is providing the correct voltage (5V via USB-C or 3.3V).
   • Check the connections to the VIN and GND pins.

2. Sensor readings are incorrect or not updating:

   • Ensure the onboard sensors are properly initialized in the code.
   • Verify the I2C address of the sensors (default is 0x76 for the BME280).
   • Check for loose or faulty connections on the SDA and SCL lines.

3. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues:

   • Ensure the ESP32-C3-MINI is within range of the Wi-Fi router or Bluetooth device.
   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code for Wi-Fi connections.

4. Arduino IDE cannot detect the module:

   • Install the ESP32 board package in the Arduino IDE.
   • Select the correct board (ESP32C3 Dev Module) and COM port in the Tools menu.

Q: Can I use this module with a battery?
A: Yes, you can power the module with a 3.7V LiPo battery and a 3.3V regulator. Ensure the battery provides sufficient current for the ESP32-C3-MINI and sensors.

Q: What is the maximum range for Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: The Wi-Fi range depends on environmental factors but typically extends up to 30 meters indoors and 100 meters outdoors.

Q: Can I add external sensors to this module?
A: Yes, you can connect additional sensors via the I2C, SPI, or GPIO pins, provided they are within the module's voltage and current limits.

Q: Is the module compatible with other microcontrollers?
A: While designed around the ESP32-C3-MINI, the onboard sensors can be interfaced with other microcontrollers using I2C or SPI communication.