How to Use FireBeetle OSD: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The FireBeetle OSD, developed by DFRobot, is a compact and energy-efficient microcontroller board designed for embedded applications. It features an integrated OLED display, making it ideal for real-time data visualization. This board is well-suited for projects requiring a combination of low power consumption, compact size, and an easy-to-use interface for programming and debugging.

• IoT (Internet of Things) devices
• Wearable electronics
• Data logging and monitoring systems
• Portable devices with real-time display requirements
• Educational and prototyping projects

The FireBeetle OSD is equipped with robust features that make it versatile for a wide range of applications. Below are its key technical specifications:

The FireBeetle OSD features a simple pinout for easy integration into projects. Below is the pin configuration:

The FireBeetle OSD is designed for ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Below are the steps and best practices for using the board:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect a power source (3.7V-5.5V) to the VIN and GND pins. Alternatively, you can power the board via the micro-USB port.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Install the Arduino IDE and add the ESP32 board support package.
   • Select "FireBeetle-ESP32" as the board in the Arduino IDE.
   • Connect the board to your computer using a USB cable and upload your code.

3. Using the OLED Display:

   • The integrated OLED display can be controlled using the Adafruit_SSD1306 library. Install this library in the Arduino IDE for easy display management.

The following example demonstrates how to display "Hello, FireBeetle!" on the OLED screen:

#include <Wire.h>
#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>
#include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h>

// Define the OLED display dimensions
#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128
#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 64

// Create an instance of the SSD1306 display
Adafruit_SSD1306 display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, -1);

void setup() {
  // Initialize the display
  if (!display.begin(SSD1306_I2C_ADDRESS, 0x3C)) {
    // If initialization fails, halt the program
    Serial.println(F("SSD1306 allocation failed"));
    for (;;);
  }

  // Clear the display buffer
  display.clearDisplay();

  // Set text size and color
  display.setTextSize(1); // Text size multiplier
  display.setTextColor(SSD1306_WHITE);

  // Set cursor position
  display.setCursor(0, 0);

  // Display text
  display.println(F("Hello, FireBeetle!"));
  display.display(); // Render the text on the screen
}

void loop() {
  // No actions required in the loop for this example
}

• Power Supply: Ensure the input voltage does not exceed 5.5V to avoid damaging the board.
• Pin Usage: Avoid exceeding the current limits of GPIO pins (typically 12mA per pin).
• OLED Display: Use the appropriate library and ensure the I2C address matches the display's configuration (default: 0x3C).
• Heat Management: While the board is energy-efficient, prolonged use at high loads may generate heat. Ensure proper ventilation.

1. The board does not power on:

   • Verify the input voltage is within the 3.7V-5.5V range.
   • Check the connections to the VIN and GND pins or the USB cable.

2. OLED display is blank:

   • Ensure the Adafruit_SSD1306 library is installed and correctly configured.
   • Verify the I2C address (default: 0x3C) matches the display's configuration.
   • Check the SDA and SCL connections for proper wiring.

3. Code upload fails:

   • Ensure the correct board and port are selected in the Arduino IDE.
   • Press and hold the RST button while uploading the code.

4. GPIO pins not functioning as expected:

   • Confirm the pin mode is correctly set in the code (e.g., pinMode(pin, OUTPUT)).
   • Check for short circuits or incorrect wiring.

Q: Can I use the FireBeetle OSD with a battery?
A: Yes, the board supports battery input via the VIN pin. Ensure the battery voltage is within the 3.7V-5.5V range.

Q: What is the maximum current output of the 3.3V pin?
A: The 3.3V pin can supply up to 500mA, depending on the input power source.

Q: Is the OLED display replaceable?
A: The OLED display is integrated into the board and is not designed to be replaced.

Q: Can I use the FireBeetle OSD with other microcontrollers?
A: While the FireBeetle OSD is a standalone microcontroller, its GPIO pins can interface with other microcontrollers for specific applications.