How to Use SparkFun Thing Plus Wroom E: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The SparkFun Thing Plus Wroom E is a compact development board built around the ESP32 WROOM module. It is specifically designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, offering built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. This board is ideal for prototyping and embedded projects, providing a versatile platform for developers to create connected devices. Its small form factor, compatibility with the Arduino IDE, and Qwiic connector make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced engineers.

• IoT devices and smart home automation
• Wireless sensor networks
• Wearable technology
• Remote monitoring and control systems
• Prototyping Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices

The SparkFun Thing Plus Wroom E is packed with features that make it a powerful and flexible development board. Below are its key technical specifications:

The SparkFun Thing Plus Wroom E features a variety of pins for different functionalities. Below is the pinout description:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer using a USB-C cable for power and programming.
   • Alternatively, use a 3.7V LiPo battery or an external 3.3V power source via the VIN pin.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the ESP32 board support package.
   • Select "SparkFun ESP32 Thing Plus" as the board in the Arduino IDE.
   • Connect the board to your computer and upload your code.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the GPIO pins for digital and analog I/O.
   • Connect I2C devices via the Qwiic connector or GPIO21 (SDA) and GPIO22 (SCL).
   • Use UART, SPI, or other communication protocols as needed.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels to avoid damaging the board.
• Power Supply: If using a LiPo battery, ensure it is properly connected to the JST connector.
• Pin Multiplexing: Some pins have multiple functions (e.g., ADC, DAC, PWM). Check the ESP32 datasheet for details.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Avoid placing the board in metal enclosures, as this may interfere with wireless signals.

The following example demonstrates how to connect the SparkFun Thing Plus Wroom E to a Wi-Fi network and print the IP address to the Serial Monitor.

#include <WiFi.h> // Include the Wi-Fi library

const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";       // Replace with your Wi-Fi network name
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD"; // Replace with your Wi-Fi password

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200); // Initialize Serial Monitor at 115200 baud
  delay(1000);          // Wait for Serial Monitor to initialize

  Serial.println("Connecting to Wi-Fi...");
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password); // Start Wi-Fi connection

  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500); // Wait for connection
    Serial.print(".");
  }

  Serial.println("\nWi-Fi connected!");
  Serial.print("IP Address: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP()); // Print the device's IP address
}

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

1. The board is not detected by the Arduino IDE:

   • Ensure the correct USB driver is installed for the ESP32.
   • Check that the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.

2. Wi-Fi connection fails:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in your code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is operational and within range.

3. The board does not power on:

   • Verify the USB-C cable is functional and properly connected.
   • Check the power source and ensure it meets the voltage requirements.

4. Code upload fails:

   • Press and hold the "BOOT" button on the board while uploading the code.
   • Ensure no other application is using the COM port.

Q: Can I use 5V peripherals with this board?
A: No, the GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic levels. Use a level shifter if connecting 5V peripherals.

Q: Does the board support OTA (Over-The-Air) updates?
A: Yes, the ESP32 supports OTA updates. You can implement this feature in your code.

Q: Can I power the board with a LiPo battery?
A: Yes, the board has a JST connector for a 3.7V LiPo battery. It also includes a charging circuit.

Q: Is the board compatible with MicroPython?
A: Yes, the ESP32 WROOM module supports MicroPython. You can flash the MicroPython firmware to the board.

This concludes the documentation for the SparkFun Thing Plus Wroom E.