Programmer for ESP-12 & ESP-03 modules

Last crawled date: 4 years, 2 months ago

This make allows the programming of the widely used ESP-12 module and its smaller brother the ESP-03 module. The ESP-12 module is commonly found on WeMOS D1 and NodeMCU boards to name a few. By using Pogo pins, these modules can be programmed without any need to solder pin headers etc. The box holds an AVR ISP programming board set to 3.3V. This allows you to connect it to your PC via a USB cable. The module can be programmed as a "Generic ESP8266 Module" via the Ardunio IDE. The ESP-12 or ESP-03 modules will always be in programming mode when using this programmer. (GPIO0 is always held LOW).
Pogo pins used are P75-B1 1.02mm spear ends. Pogo pins are very fragile and will bend easily. I made by board using the Toner method (Eagle files provided). Using solder paste, a hot air gun and a good pair of tweezers, careful solder each pin one at a time. I recommend you do one side first and measure where the pins should be soldered on the other side based on the amount of pressure you want on the connections. You don't need a lot of pressure on each connection. Too much pressure will mean it will be hard to insert the module.
NOTE: An improved version of this make is available at https://www.hackster.io/john-bradnam/esp-12-esp-03-development-kit-421631 It supports both programming and run modes and makes the GPIO pins available via a simple header so you can connect it to a breadboard.