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I'm trying to use a FT232 (this specific one) to flash ESP-01S boards from an Ubuntu 22.04, plugging just the FT232 i can see it with lsusb, but after desconnecting, wiring up the ESP-01S, and connecting again it doesn't do anything, i don't see any dmesg/journalctl logs, it's like if i'd put a potato chip in the usb port, it doesn't see anything

The FT232 lights up all 3 LEDs but the ESP-01s doesn't do much, i've already tested all wires for continuity and tried with different ESPs, so i would discard that unless i was really unlucky and got a bad batch, but i have no idea how to test for that

The way i'm wiring this is, having the VCCO jumper set to 3V3:

FT232 -> ESP-01S

VCCIO -> 3V3 & EN
GND -> GND & IO0
TXD -> RX
RXD -> TX

This is my first project so don't assume i'm doing anything i don't say here right

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  • \$\begingroup\$ is it being recognized again if you disconnect the ESP-01S? \$\endgroup\$
    – jsotola
    Commented Aug 11 at 21:30
  • \$\begingroup\$ Are you powering the ESP from the FTDI 3V3 source? \$\endgroup\$
    – Justme
    Commented Aug 11 at 21:41
  • \$\begingroup\$ @jsotola yes, it does \$\endgroup\$
    – Tom Pierantoni
    Commented Aug 12 at 11:11

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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The FT232RL chip data sheet says you can pull only up to 50mA from the internal 3.3V regulator for external purposes.

The ESP01-S module can take more than 50mA even when receiving a wireless packet.

You can't power up such high current loads from the internal FTDI regulator.

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    \$\begingroup\$ +1 these ESPs are hungry. Normally they have an additional USB to power them up during flashing - or you have to use an external supply. In my opinion it is worth investing in an FT board with several output power options; I have one for which I can choose 5 V, 3V3, 1.8V and IIRC also 1.2 V - each rail is powered via a 100 mA+ LDO. \$\endgroup\$
    – Vladimir Cravero
    Commented Aug 12 at 7:51
  • \$\begingroup\$ it was this! after getting an external power supply and using that to power the ESP it now gets recognized, thanks! \$\endgroup\$
    – Tom Pierantoni
    Commented Aug 13 at 16:01

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