Spurred on by the ESP8266 thread here I am looking at ways to turn one into a 4 Ch WIFI receiver. This will likely be used for my antweight kits.

The goal is to use these components:
- ESP8266 Module: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Serial-Port-WIFI-Module-Send-Receive-LWIP-AP-STA-ESP8266-Wireless-Transceiver-/291262467339?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item43d0988d0b
- USB to Serial (for programmin): http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Upgrade-PL2303HX-USB-Serial-To-RS232-TTL-Chip-Auto-Converter-Adapter-Module-/190911662447?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c7338c96f
- 3.3V Reg: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-PCS-Step-down-IC-Regulator-LDO-AMS1117-3-3V-SOT-223-Power-Supply-IC-Chip-/271718273025?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f43abd001
- 1000uF Caps: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/High-Quality-10PCS-1000uF-25V-Radial-Aluminum-Electrolytic-Fixed-Capacitors-AU-/390898643452?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item5b035ff1fc
- Some RC Connectors: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Fashion-10X-RC-Servo-Extension-Cord-Cable-Wire-150mm-Lead-JR-SA-New-/320720447193?pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Radio_Controlled_Vehicles&hash=item4aac6da6d9

The aim is to setup a HTML5 server on the ESP8266 and use that to provide a web socket connection back to the ESP8266 to send ESC commands.

Steve
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

To test the HTML5 server I setup APACHE on a linux box and have started coding up something to detect the capability of the device.

I have a few options for input:
- Touch Screen
- Accelerometer for orientation
- Keyboard input for a regular PC.

The plan is to have the page detect which forms of input are possible and then use this to send data back to the device.

I have also setup a simple Python TCP server on the linux box to see if I can send data from a web page.
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

As you know I have a few of these, if you need people to test them "in the wild" so to speak available to help if needed.........that said despite my post on the esp8266 thread re: tool chain

Cheers Tim

What voltage in are you thinking?

If you can shrink the voltage on that cap you will probably get a fair bit smaller (but don't use tantalums, they explode with fire if you look at them sideways)
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Mechanical engineers build weapons, civil engineers build targets

TBH cap is probably only needed on the 3.3V output side BEC should take care of the rest.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

I had a play with my module the other day and am able to connect to it via Wifi and also send and receive responses from AT commands.

This is a good first step but now I have my toolchain setup and a module its time to move on to something more ambitious. There is really three components to this the PWM generation, updating commands from Http and the HTML5 interface.

First step is to see if I can get it working with a PWM sweep to see if I can even generate the required signals and drive ESCs.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Flashed my module. Now working away listening to Hottest 100 trying to get PWM to work.
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Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

I'm also experimenting with this chip and have a few around. I would be happy to help test out your code. It would be interesting to use this to monitor data and send back relevant info to the pc.

Also doesn't the chip you link only have 2 GPIO pins called out wouldn't the ESP-03
be more suitable as it calls out a bunch of pins 7 I think.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESP8266-Esp-03-Remote-Serial-Port-WIFI-Transceiver-Wireless-Module-AP-STA-C-/141454423509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20ef5735d5

It has the RX and TX which can be used as outputs so gives you a total of 4.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Just got my PWM sweep working. Low resolution for now but should be able to be stepped up to work on most ESCs.

That is the first part done. Next part is to leave that running while I host a web server.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

I have web server running too now. So next step is to let the web page control the PWM out. Then setup maybe a test bot.

Should have it done tomorrow or next day in prototype version.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Web server is now hosting a virtual thumb stick which works in IOS. (No android support for anything just yet) Next step is to setup a proper PWM output and a server and see if I can actually drive something.

Probably not off a phone just yet but we are getting there.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Now controlling PWM out and driving an ESC over wifi. Now to integrate with the webserver and see if I can do it from my phone.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

man that is amazing progress.
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Mechanical engineers build weapons, civil engineers build targets

So I have run into a bit of a wall.

My initial plan was to use websockets to do the communiation unfortunately I did not realise web sockets were ther own special implementation.

So my options are to either implement the Websocket protocol on the ESP8266 or find something else that will work easily.

So what can I do at the moment:
- Output PWM and control an ESC
- Control teh PWM values over Wifi
- Host a webpage
- Generate values based on IMU readings
- Generate values based on a virtual thumb stick (only IOS)

So at this stage I am will to conclude that this is definitely a feasible project its just whether or not its worth putting the effort into finishing it.

Steve
_________________
Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com