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ESP32-C3 SuperMini Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Board $3.92 + $3.00 Delivery @ Zaitronics

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ESP32-C3 on sale for $3.92, which is 50% off it's original price of $7.85. Great development board for small projects that require wifi.

Description:

The ESP32-C3 SuperMini is a tiny yet powerful development board designed for makers, hobbyists, and IoT enthusiasts.

Details:

Compact Size: At just 22.5mm x 18mm, this board is truly miniaturized. It won’t take up much space in your projects, making it ideal for wearables, sensor nodes, and compact gadgets.
Wireless Connectivity: The ESP32-C3 SuperMini supports both WiFi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5.0. Whether you need to connect to your local network or communicate with other devices, this board has you covered.
RISC-V Architecture: The heart of the board is a 32-bit single-core RISC-V processor running at 160MHz. It’s efficient, capable, and ready to handle your code.
Memory and Flash: With 400KB of SRAM, 384KB of ROM, and 4MB of onboard Flash memory, you’ll have plenty of space for your applications and data.
Versatile I/O: The ESP32-C3 SuperMini offers a wealth of I/O options:
1x I2C
1x SPI
2x UART
11x GPIO (including PWM)
4x ADC
Easy Soldering: The castellated module design allows you to solder the board directly onto your carrier board. No bulky connectors needed!
Blue LED Indicator: There’s an onboard blue LED to give you visual feedback during testing and debugging.

Common Accessories:

Breadboards 400 or 830 tie-point breadboard would be fine
Breadboard Power Supply Can operate at 3.3V & 5V
Jumper wires Great for connecting off-board components & modules to the circuit

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Comments

  • Can this be shipped to parcel locker with the cheap shipping?

    • Unfortunately no. Auspost doesn't let us. You'll have to select parcel post.

  • Great timing, I needed another ESP32.
    I haven’t played around with the supermini before but I have some little WLED projects in mind that it should be ok with

    • These do work with WLED but you have to flash Tasmota first if i remember correctly. It was quite a proceedure to get WLED flashed. The info is out there though.

      • +1

        Nah it's easy peasy

        • Maybe things have changed since I did it then, it was a while back. You definitely couldn't just flash it straght up like other boards. Took me ages to find the post on Reddit where someone worked out a way to make it work.

          • +3

            @Stevesie76: It's dead simple nowadays, just one click, you don't need any local software or intermediate firmware. Plug it into your PC and go to install.wled.me and press 1 button, it uses the browser serial API.

          • +1

            @Stevesie76: yep it became super easy nowadays. First time I flashed it was 4-5 years ago on an esp with a serial adaptor and I don't remember using tasmota first. I used to do it via esptool python script which may have involved manual flash erasing, flashing bootloader and then the main image.

  • +1

    Can anyone help me understand how to choose between ESP32, ESP32-C3, ESP-S3? I can see S3 is dual core where C3 is single core. But do these differences translate to very distinctive differences of functionality?

    • It really entirely depends on your project. What do you want to do with it?

      My advice would be, look up someone who has done a similar project to what you want, and see if anyone has done it on those boards.

    • +3

      ESP32-C3 is meant to be the more cost-effective solution and straight up replacement for ESP8266.
      But I think ESP32 is more popular (i.e. mass produced) so there are usually good deals for ESP32 on AliExpress.
      Wait for a Choice/special day where you can get e.g. US$2 off US$15 spend. Plus a further 2-5% off with coins. If you use the AliExpress app and go to the Coins page, most of the time (my experience anyway), they'll upgrade your coin discount to 20-40% off (though there's usually a cap).
      Best price I managed to get for an ESP32 with built-in Lithium Ion battery support/charger is ~AU$3.60. Less with cashback.

    • +1

      Different numbers of cores, ULP support and form factor (number of GPIO pins) are the biggest differences I'm aware of.

      • Thanks to everyone who has responded to my question. I now recognise I didn't ask the question well.

        So far I have mostly used these to run ESPHome to provide some simple sensor feeds and activating relays so frankly the ESP8266 Wemos D1 mini was more than enough.

        But the other day I was using a mmWave LD2410c with ESP8266 and there were some unexpected behaviour. Troubleshooting with Reddit someone suggested some mmWave sensors generate a lot more data feed and perhaps ESP32 would work better. But i don't know how to diagnose this. It's not like a PC where I can get a CPU utilisation reading to confirm.

        Ordered a Xiao ESP32-C6 and this caused grief as I didn't realise it wasn't supported by ESPHome natively. Eventually got ESPHome to run but then some adc function didn't work.

        Being a noob I feel like I am learning these pitfalls the hard way. Understanding the compatibility and differences between these boards are something that I wish I had found some better beginner guides on.

  • seriously asking, what kind of projects can you do with 400kb of ram? I can code in c no problem, but I just dont know what id actually build with this board 🤷‍♂️

    • -1

      Then nothing to see here.

    • +3

      I use them for espresence and wled

    • +4

      The software that runs on chips like this use extremely small amounts of RAM. Its not holding images, just variables and working data.
      You can flash them with code others have made such as Tasmota, ESPresense, ESPHome, WLED, DoorsignEPD, PedalinoMini, ESP32-Radio, (There are thousands of projects out there)
      Or you can write your own software with tools such as the Arduino framework. Awesome broads if you want to take code into the real world by turning on switches, reading sensor values etc.

      • Fair enough, I guess I’m more of the type who would buy this to build smth specific for, more than run stuff that’s already been built by others (if you do that tho then more power to you, it’s still neat), but yeah for myself maybe I’ll try brainstorm some fun things I could do with this. Maybe part of the fun is also just trying to get the project running under these constraints ;)

    • causally asked my best friend , instantly got the following answer:

      1. Espressif's ESP-IDF

        ESP-IDF (Espressif IoT Development Framework) is the official development framework provided by Espressif, the manufacturer of the ESP32 series chips. It is designed specifically for developing applications with the ESP32 platform.
        It offers a real-time operating system (RTOS) based environment (FreeRTOS), and it includes libraries and tools for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and peripheral interfacing.
        This is the most common way to develop firmware for ESP32-C3, allowing access to the chip’s full features.

      2. Arduino Core for ESP32

        The Arduino Core for ESP32 allows you to write code for the ESP32-C3 using the Arduino IDE. It provides a simplified environment for development and is very beginner-friendly.
        With the Arduino environment, you can take advantage of a large number of libraries and the straightforward syntax of Arduino sketches while still using ESP32's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
        It uses the same underlying FreeRTOS provided by the ESP-IDF framework but simplifies the development process.

      3. MicroPython

        MicroPython is a lightweight version of Python designed for microcontrollers. It has a port specifically for the ESP32 series, including the ESP32-C3.
        Using MicroPython allows you to write Python scripts directly on the ESP32-C3, which can be useful for quick prototyping and educational purposes.
        It is ideal if you prefer Python over C/C++ and want a rapid way to test and deploy scripts.

      4. FreeRTOS

        While FreeRTOS is embedded in ESP-IDF, you can also use it separately for more customized RTOS-based applications.
        It provides real-time operating system capabilities like task management, synchronization, and inter-task communication.
        It is suitable if you are looking for a lightweight operating system with robust real-time capabilities.

      5. NuttX

        NuttX is a real-time operating system that is POSIX-compliant and supports many microcontroller families, including ESP32-C3.
        It provides more of a traditional OS feel with POSIX-like APIs, making it suitable for developers familiar with Linux or Unix-like systems.
        It is typically more complex than the Arduino core or MicroPython but offers more advanced OS-like features.

      Summary

      Most of the time, the choice will be between ESP-IDF (for full control and access to features) and Arduino Core (for simplicity and rapid development). MicroPython is great for rapid prototyping or for those who prefer Python, while FreeRTOS and NuttX are better suited for more complex, RTOS-centric applications.

      • +9

        Are you best friends with ChatGPT?

    • +5

      I use these to add cheap custom built sensors to home assistant https://esphome.io/

      • Is there any trick to getting the C3 into programming mode with ESPHome or ESP Easy?
        I have had no problems with ESP8266 or ESP32. I hold the Boot button down while plugging in. In ESPHome it just sits there saying it is preparing installation using Windows 10. ESP Easy doesn't even find the device.

        No problems using the C3 with Arduino.

        • +1

          Yes - press and hold the BOOT button and then press the RESET button once. After that release the BOOT button.

    • KB**

    • mostly simple IoT sensors and switches. You don't need much memory to read a pin value attached to some sensor (proximity, reed switch, light sensor, contact etc) and send a http or mqtt message, or read a http/mqtt message and set a pin attached to a relay/mosfet which turns something on. You can then integrate this with a smart home to be able to know that your garage door is open, plants need watering, washing machine finished, fish tank running dry, lock the cat flap etc etc.

    • +1

      Ask NASA

  • +4

    i have no idea what this is, but at this price in for 1.

  • +6

    wifi, bluetooth, low energy—they make great IoT devices. I've got a bunch of these for espresense (room presence for home assistant) and hooked up to cheap mmWave sensors. You can also use the ESPhome platform to hook up many other sensors easily. $4 is unbeatable for aussie stock, but you can also get them from aliexpress for about $2.2 USD.

    just keep in mind that there is an upgraded version of the ESP32C3 super mini that has an integrated RGB LED that costs about $3 USD. worth it if your project needs an RGB as a status light or something.

    • +1

      What mmWave sensors are you using?

  • +1

    $9.00 shipping for me!

    • +2

      Delivery fee is $9 for orders over $15. This is to reduce the risk of lost or damaged items in transit. The $9 delivery fee is for parcel postage while $3 is for untracked letter.

  • +5

    Not huge things, but keep on mind that these C3 and S3 ESPs are based on a RISC-V core and have some…. quirks.

    There are quite a few things in the standard ESP libraries that don't quite work right with them yet, which can be a real pain to track down. They also don't have Bluetooth classic support, it's BLE only which doesn't easily support some profiles such as serial (SPP).

  • +3

    Aliexpress has them for 3 bucks with free shipping if you buy 3. Shipping takes about a week though.

    • ……..at least a week you mean but often much longer.
      It's good to see a local Australian based store with a nice variety of thing's. Local pick up is avail if in Melbourne (so says their site) if rushed and local.

      • +3

        at least a week you mean but often much longer.

        No, they're sold with free guaranteed 10-day shipping which in my experience arrives consistently within (you guessed it) 10 days. With international tracking and even AusPost tracking number being automatically added to your AusPost app if you're registered with them.

        • +1

          Yep, Aliexpress shipping times are excellent these days, particularly if you buy from the Choice selection.

        • +1

          I order all the time….as in at least 10 items a month and is very much a mixed bag. Choice items are around 7 days but if ordering say a $3 item one usually pays shipping via Choice unless order are over $xx.xx amount. Other orders (non choice) can and still do take up to 30 days.
          Regardless my point remains i.e. it's nice to have a local supplier at decent price.

  • are these good for making robots?

    • Definitely! You can even use them to make robots that communicate with each other wirelessly.

  • +1

    Honestly not a bad price for local stock, this almost gets close to prices on AliExpress, though Ali gives you shipping with tracking and comes out cheaper in bulk.

    That said it's a fun little chip, migrated an ESPHome project from a full ESP32 devkit to an ESP32-C3 SuperMini, it required a bunch of changes as those chips are quite different from full ESP32, but serves just as well once those have been made.

  • New to ESP, would the C3 work with this project? https://smarthomescene.com/guides/how-to-integrate-inkbird-i…

    Or do I need the full ESP23 board (not C3 model)?

    • +2

      Yep, the C3 works with that project/ESPHome and HA. I have this setup running at home.

      • Great thank you

  • OOS, tried to get some.

  • +1

    Now set as a backorder. New stock will arrive Thursday/Friday and will be prepared during the weekend.

  • I tried to get 3 but then when i'm about to pay 2 got removed! so I assume its 1 per customer.

    • +1

      Was out of stock. Sorry about that

  • +3

    I'm not suggesting these particular ones are affected but there is a bad batch of these getting around with horrendous wifi performance due to poor RF isolation during PCB design.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/esp32/s/zmZWZVNtmX

    I had some from an AliExpress seller affected by this and was able to confirm the batch using the methods linked above. I also tried the fix suggested and didn't have any joy with that either.

    • From the product page, picture #2 looks fine, but picture #3 looks sus. I think it would be nice if people posted pictures of theirs when it arrives, just to confirm

    • I had the same problem with a batch of ESP32-S2 boards (from an eBay seller). It is also of the type where the CPU is visible on the PCB - like this ESP32-C3 listing.

      I think it's best to buy boards that have the traditional metal shield (mini module that I believe is from espressif themselves, soldered onto a bigger board). Never had a problem with those.

      I also read somewhere that, if I remember correctly, the metal shield is required to pass FCC regulation of not causing interference (USA).

    • Thanks for the link, I wasn't aware there were issues. It turns out all of mine are dodgy but I haven't had any wifi issues yet, I will have to do some tests

  • If you want to get going more easily, and are prepared to pay $30 more, these prebuilt versions might be worth it for you:

    https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stickc-plus-esp32-pico-m…

  • Long shot question, does this allow me to convert a capacitive touch to a momentary switch? I bought a clone UNO board and a touch sensor before but didn't know how to code it to do this as I got busy.

    Basically I want to use the touch sensor to turn the computer on and off via the motherboard switch header but my understanding is that the signal needs to be converted via code.

  • I was going to use these for WLED but there's this information on the WLED website, emphasis mine—

    ESP8266 and ESP32 (with dual core) are fully supported. Some of the newer types like ESP32-C3, ESP32-S2 and ESP32-S3 are experimentally supported, but productive use is not recommended yet because some bugs are suspected.

    So something to keep in mind

    • Do you know any seller for ESP32 (with dual-core) ? There are so many varieties and I'm confused.

      I found this one ESP32 Development Board WiFi+Bluetooth Ultra-Low Power Consumption Dual Core ESP-32 ESP-32S ESP 32 Similar ESP8266
      CH340C-TYPEC-30Pin x2 for USD 9.38. correct one for WLED?

  • A decent deal finally.

  • Can it run pi-hole?

    • Most likely not

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