Programmer for ESP8266 modules with automatic programming mode.

The need has arisen for small-scale programming of ESP8266 modules. These modules are used in many IoT devices where WiFi communication is required.

Software - programmer was developed. Physical implementation - an ordinary module with a UART-USB converter on board is taken, ESP8266 is removed from it (ESP-1, ESP12E - variants are many), and then 2 ways: putting a special pad for the module (if the module is programmed outside the board), or connecting cable to the module, soldered into the printed board of the product. Usually, these are pins: plus and minus power, EN, RESET, UART_TX, UART_RX, GPIO0. The program itself is written in a Microsoft VisualStudio environment.

The software does not require installation and can be launched from any location on the disk.

The developed programmer has a number of features different from others.

1. It can program at a high data transfer rate of 3000000 BAUD. I must immediately note that not all USB-to-UART converters support this speed (see the datasheet of the converter chip). This is not the standard speed of the module. To ensure that work at such a speed, first, before actually filling in the firmware, upload a special program to the module, which allows to work at such a speed of exchange.

2. Mode "Automatic ReStart". This mode allows you to perform small series programming. Before you start working in the program, you set the necessary settings, select the dump file, select this mode and press "Start". The software waits until the module is plugged in, performs firmware flashing of the chip, then waits until the programmed module is unplugged and a new one is plugged in for programming.

Without any operator action other than replacing the module. This significantly reduces the programming time of the modules in series production.

This program is successfully used in production.

P.S. There is a similar program for ESP32 as well, but so far it is only for internal use, passing something like a run-in.

Developer: DDN Research, Canada

https://github.com/DDN-Research

The program does not require any special installation. You need to copy it from the archive to any location on your computer's hard drive. It is not recommended to run it from a CD or a read-only storage device, as the program may need to write the configuration file. In that case, the settings will not be saved.

Preliminary preparation.

After launching the executable file, a form will appear: 

Set the active COM port and the required BAUD rate. Keep in mind that increasing the BAUD rate will also increase the programming speed, but it may introduce interference that could lead to equipment failure or write errors. Find the optimal balance.

Select the file. The file must be of the type supported by the microcontroller. If there is a mismatch, the program will display an error message.

There is also an option to choose the memory size, the write speed of the FLASH chip, and the data exchange mode. This configuration is also specified in the firmware file, and it is recommended not to modify it. Programming.

To start programming, click the "Start" button. If you plan to program multiple modules simultaneously, check the "Automatic ReStart" option. When this option is enabled, after programming one module, the program will enter a waiting mode, and upon connecting the next module, it will resume programming.

The program will automatically switch the reset and programming port outputs using the standard method, as shown in the example circuit below. 

DDN Research, Ukraine/Canada 1990-2023