MEAM.Design - NodeMCU - Getting Started


Install Arduino IDE

Download and install the latest Arduino IDE. Arduino.cc e.g. version (1.8.3) or later.

  1. Open the program.
  2. Go to: File -> Preferences.
  3. Into the ‘Additional Board Manager URLs’ box paste or type: http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
  4. Click OK.

Extra Step for Mac OSX: Mac's need the silabs usb to uart driver

  1. Go to: http://www.silabs.com/products/development-tools/software/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers
  2. Download the driver
  3. Install the driver

Configure Arduino for ESP8266

  1. Go to: Tools -> Board -> Board Manager…
  2. Search esp8266
  3. Select ESP8266 Community
  4. Click Install

Set up Arduino communications with board.

  1. Close and restart the Arduino IDE
  2. Plug in your microcontroller
  3. Tools -> Board -> NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module).
  4. Tools -> CPU Frequency: -> 80MHz
  5. Tools -> Upload Speed: -. 115200
  6. Tools -> Port -> /dev/cu.SLAB_USBtoUART (or this may default to the correct COM Port, check your device manager).

Compile and Download Example

  1. File -> Examples -> ESP8266 -> Blink
  2. Plug in your microcontroller to your computer
  3. Confirm the Port
  4. Click the ‘check’ <Verify> to compile the code
  5. Click the ‘arrow’ <Upload> to Flash the Blink code to the memory of your microcontroller
  6. View the results on the microcontroller (blinking LED)