Are these boards supposed to be able to permanently store and automatically run the sketch that has been uploaded to them even after power has been interrupted and restored? I figured this was the case but in practice mine is not doing this.
I have been playing around with the “ESP8266 Powered Propane Poofer” tutorial on the Sparkfun website. The the uploaded sketch works flawlessly right after being uploaded IF power is maintained to the ThingDev board. If I turn the board off or unplug it’s power source and then restore power, the ThingDev does not run the sketch automatically. I’ve confirmed this is the case with the “ESP8266 Powered Propane Poofer” sketch as well as the simple “Blink” example sketch. This is baffling.
What am I missing? Can anyone tell me if there is a way for the board to boot and execute the script AFTER an interruption of power?
Thank you!
I expect, as with a number of other boards, that missing a small capacitor on the reset-line is the problem. As power is provided you need to give the hardware/logic some time to stabilize. Holding the reset line low for a very short time (read mS) and then releasing it will enable a good restart. The ESP8266 does not have that. A 1 uF capacitor would do the job.
Definitely not how the board is supposed to function. You can try adding the capacitor to see if that makes it work but sparkfun should also send a replacement if you request one. (And you purchased directly from the sparkfun website)
Hit up https://www.sparkfun.com/returns and there’s a short form you can submit to get a replacement.
paulvha
I remember reading something somewhere (not in the tutorial) about adding a capacitor would be a good idea. I just couldn’t find that info when it came time to start wiring so left it out. I’m a total noob here so plz bear with me as I try to understand.
By adding a capacitor on the “reset line” (where/what is this?) will hold the reset line low for a mS fixing the startup problem, correct?
Can you tell me in obvious noob terms where/how I need to add this capacitor? Is it out of one of the pins and back in? is it between the power source and the VIN connection? Does it matter which VIN connection I use? (my board has one on either side of the on/off switch.
Thank you!
YellowDog
Thank you. I bought two of these on Sparkfun’s Amazon store. I will wire up and test the second one, too. Then I will contact support.