ESP-Flasher by Makerspace.lt

Description

This is the improved and modular version of our well accepted ESP-12F Flasher!

Summary

• Lets you flash and debug an ESP controller that is already soldered into the PCB (ESP-12F for now).
• Due to the use of magnets, it snaps together with the ESP and allows hands-free development.
• Integrated UART to USB converter with USB-C.
• No need for tedious soldering to flash or debug the processor.
• You can use it without the top part for probing or connecting to the oscilloscope or logic analyzer.
• Eliminates the need to use additional components for ESP programming at the PCB design stage.
• It can be used for automated testing.

Detailed description

The ESP-Flasher is designed to support multiple ESP WiFi modules with an integrated ESP8266 core processor. The purpose of this tool is to make programming and debugging a lot easier. Depending on our ESP module, it can even flash when the ESP is already embedded into the PCB.

The ESP-Flasher is made of two parts, the header and the body. Currently you can get yourself two unique interface bodies for different ESP modules: ESP-12F and ESP-01.

• ESP-12F interface body holds magnets that keep the flasher conveniently connected to the module. Spring-loaded pogo pins (type R50) ensure electrical continuity even if the tool is not situated perfectly. Finally, a 2.54mm pitch IDC header exposes all the ESP-12F pins for easy debugging.

Important! Not all ESP-12F units are made with a magnetic housing. In these cases, the flasher will function properly, but slight pressure will be needed to ensure that pogo pins make electrical contact with the ESP-12F pads. This pressure can be easily maintained by hand or a type of plastic clamping device.

• ESP-01 interface body is a lot simpler. It is intended to be used just by plugging ESP-01 2×4 2.54mm male header into the female counterpart on the interface body. It does not have pre-installed magnets and cannot be used when ESP-01 is already soldered into the PCB.

The header connects directly to the selected body via 2.54mm pitch IDC male connector. The header consists of:

• UART to USB converter
• USB protection circuit
• Protection diode
• 3.3V step-down voltage regulator
• Transistor to switch the ESP between normal and programming modes automatically
• Transistor to reset ESP module automatically after firmware flash
• Switch that controls if power is supplied to the ESP module from the header’s USB-C
• Reset button to reboot ESP module.

The primary purpose of the header is to create easy connectivity to the underlying ESP module.

Important! Voltage regulator on the header of ESP-Flasher support currents up to 0.2A. Therefore do not connect ESP-Flasher to the ESP modules with peripheral devices (like sensors etc.) that can drain more amps than that through the USB-C of the header. In such cases, when peripheral devices could drain more amps, cut-off power for your ESP module using a dedicated switch on a header. Then simply power up your ESP module externally.

Amazing Case

We did some serious job in designing the case for ESP-Flasher. Fusion 360 says there were ~140 versions of this design. So, please, appraise this work 🙂

Case for ESP-Flasher is NOT only for a nice look… It has pin labels that will definitely help using it. Moreover, it will make inserting the header to the body a lot easier. The fact that electronics will not be touched with bare hands will significantly reduce the chances of damaging it as well.

It is SLA 3D printed in our Makerspace. We use AmeraLabs XVN-50 3D printing resin for engineering applications. It is printed @ 50um layer thickness.

Case is also very easy to disassemble if needed. Just slightly bend the snap pins with a small screwdriver to split the case.

The PCB and ESP modules used in the images are for demonstration purposes only. They will not be included in the package. The listing is for this ESP programmer with selected accessories only. USB-C cable is not included.