How to Program ESP8266 with Arduino UNO

Here, learn how to Program ESP8266 with Arduino Board. You just need to install the ESP8266 board and make the circuit as per the below-given instructions. Learn the basics and features of ESP8266. We are using the Blink LED program as a sample program.

Step 1: Required Components

ESP8266 Module x 1
Arduino UNO Board x 1
3.3V Linear Voltage Regulator (LD1117) x 1
Breadboard x 1
Jumper Wires
Generic LED (for Blink LED Program)

Step 2: Installing Board to Arduino IDE

First, install ESP8266 to Arduino IDE. If you have already installed the board to boards manager of Arduino IDE, skip this step else follow the steps

1. Start the Arduino IDE
2. Go to File > Preferences
3. Add the below-given link to Additional Boards Manager URLs
   • http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
     
     
     
4. Go to Tools > Boards > Boards Manager…
5. Search ESP8266
6. Click the Install button to install the ESP8266 Board
7. Now close the Boards Manager window and select the Generic ESP8266 Module from the board selection list
8. The installation of ESP8266 in Arduino IDE is done.

Step 3: Circuit Time

Make a circuit as per the given diagram. Connect the CH_PD and VCC line to Voltage Regulator Output, GND and GPIO_0 to Ground. Also, connect the RX and TX lines of both. GPIO_0 is Grounded to enable the programming mode of ESP8266.

Step 4: Program ESP8266 using Arduino

Make the circuit as per the above-given diagram. Power up the Arduino UNO board and wait till the Arduino Board boots up successful. (It will take around 5 seconds) Connect the Arduino Reset pin to Ground. The reset pin is grounded to bypass the Arduino. It will disable the Arduino Board and upload code directly to the ESP8266. Sample program for Blink LED is as below

After the Arduino IDE shows done uploading of Blink LED program, you can connect the LED to GPIO_2 Pin of ESP8266. Please do not connect the LED before or at the time of uploading the program, it can cause some issues in uploading the program.

Note: Disconnect the power supply for one minute if it will show error in uploading the program to ESP8266.