2026-06-06

Focus

• ESP8266 MicroPython development setup

Log

Session 21:42 (general)

• Set up ESP8266 (detected as ESP8266EX, CH340 USB-serial) on Bluefin Silverblue
• Installed Thonny (flatpak), esptool + picocom (brew), MicroPython v1.27.0 firmware for ESP8266
• Diagnosed boot loop (brownout) — resolved with external 5V power supply and manual flash in DOUT mode
• Confirmed MicroPython REPL working on /dev/ttyUSB0 at 115200 baud
• Discussed wiring up a TMP36 temperature sensor (left with code example in session)
• Connected an ESP32-C3 — kernel driver (esp32_usb_serial) not available on Bluefin, no /dev/ttyACM device appeared
• Noted workaround: use the ESP8266/CH340 as a USB-UART bridge for the ESP32-C3, deferred for later
• Next: Wire the TMP36 sensor on the ESP8266; or try ESP32-C3 via USB-UART bridge

Tasks created

Decisions

• Use MicroPython + Thonny (flatpak) as the ESP8266 development workflow
• External 5V power required for reliable ESP8266 operation