Skip to content

README.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
142 lines (85 loc) · 7.23 KB

README.md

File metadata and controls

142 lines (85 loc) · 7.23 KB

Maker-ESP32 Board

Product Image

Maker-ESP32

Introduction

The Maker-ESP32 is a high-performance controller developed by NULLLAB, based on the Espressif ESP32-WROOM-32E module. It is specifically engineered for Maker education, STEAM projects, and advanced robotics, combining powerful processing with heavy-duty motor driving capabilities.

Key Features

  1. Integrated High-Power Drive: Built-in Toshiba TB67H450FNG motor driver chip with a maximum current of 3.5A, eliminating the need for an external motor drive module.
  2. Plug-and-Play Connectivity: Features dedicated PH2.0 motor ports and specialized headers for Servos, I2C, and SPI. No breadboards or messy jumper wires required.
  3. Mechanical Compatibility: The PCB features M4 holes designed specifically for LEGO Technic integration, allowing for rapid structural prototyping.
  4. Smart Feedback: 4 onboard integrated RGB LEDs provide immediate visual status indication.

Technical Specifications

Feature Details
Core Module ESP32-WROOM-32E (Integrated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi & Dual-mode Bluetooth)
Memory 448KB ROM, 520KB SRAM, 4MB Flash
Input Voltage DC 6V – 16V (Standard 5.5-2.1mm DC Jack)
Motor Driver Toshiba Professional Driver Chip
Max Current Up to 3.5A (Single Motor)
Dimensions 80mm × 57mm (PCB Thickness: 1.6mm)
Weight 35g (Net)
Mounting M4 Holes, LEGO Compatible
Motor Pin M1(27, 13) M2(4, 2) M3(17, 12) M4(14, 15)
Servo Pin 25, 26, 32, 33
Stepper Motor Pin Stepper Motor1(27, 13, 2, 4) Stepper Motor2(17, 12, 14, 15)

Hardware Interface Map

Click here to view the schematic

Click here to view the 3D model diagram

The board is rich with specialized ports to minimize messy wiring.

Notes:  Motor and IO Switch: When the switch is toggled to the "IO" side, the corresponding pins (17, 12, 14, 15) function as general-purpose input/output ports; when the switch is set to the "Motor" side (M3A/M3B/M4A/M4B), these pins switch to motor drive functionality.

Driver Installation

CH341SER.ZIP - Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics Co., Ltd.

Motor Control

  • 4 x DC Motor Ports (PH2.0 Interface).

  • 2 x Stepper Motor Ports. Notes: stepper1 shares the same IO pins with M1 and M2, and stepper2 shares pins with M3 and M4, so they cannot be used simultaneously. When using the motors, ensure the DC jack is powered externally (6-16V) and, if using the M3/M4 motors, set the toggle switch to the motor side.

Actuators & Display

  • 4 x Servo Interface (connected to GPIOs 25, 26, 32, 33).
  • Dedicated OLED Interface (I2C).

Expansion Ports

  • 5 x I2C Header Interfaces.
  • 1 x SPI Header Interface(5, 18, 19, 23).
  • 8 x General IO Pins (12, 14, 15, 17, 34, 35, 36, 39).

Onboard Visuals

  • 4 x Programmable RGB LEDs (connected to GPIO 16).

Examples(ESP32 Version >= 3.0.0)

Click to download the motor sample program

Click here to download the RGB light sample program

Click to download the servo sample program

Click to download the comprehensive sample program for motor servos

Click to download the stepper motor sample program

Maker-ESP32 driver NEMA 17 Stepper motor

Install the library: In the Arduino IDE, go through "Project" → "Load Library" → "Manage Library", search and find AccelStepper, select version 1.64, and click Install.

Click to download the NEMA 17 stepper motor sample program

Port Correspondence

Motor line function Stepper1 pin Stepper2 pin
A+ A01 (27) B01 (17)
A- A02 (13) B02 (12)
B+ A03 (2) B03 (14)
B- A04 (4) B04 (15)

Wiring Steps

  1. Connect the four motor wires to the corresponding ports according to the table above.

  2. Dial the Motor and IO Switch on the board to ON (motor direction).

  3. Connect the 6-16V power supply with the DC head and turn on the power switch.

  4. If the motor rotates in the opposite direction as expected, the two wires of any phase can be swapped (e.g. A+ and A- interchangeable) or the direction can be modified via software.

Advanced Features & Critical Notes

Motor and IO Switch (Multi-purpose Selector)

The board features a specialized DIP switch to toggle the function of the M3 and M4 ports

  1. IO Position: The M3 and M4 motor ports are disabled. The associated pins act as standard General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ports for sensors.
  2. Motor Position (M3A/M3B/M4A/M4B): Enables full motor driving capability for the M3 and M4 ports.

Input/Output Restrictions (Hardware Constraints)

Due to the native architecture of the ESP32 chip, users must be aware of the following when using the Arduino framework

  1. Input Only: Pins 34, 35, 36, and 39 can only be used as inputs. They cannot be configured as outputs.
  2. No Internal Resistors: These specific pins (34, 35, 36, 39) do not support internal pull-up or pull-down modes. If using these for buttons or digital signals, external resistors are required.

Software & Programming

Maker-ESP32 is cross-platform compatible, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced developers

  • Arduino IDE: Use the ESP32 board manager to upload C++ code.
  • MicroPython/Python: Ideal for rapid prototyping and AI-based logic.

Reference Links

ESP-IDF Programming Guide

ESP-IDF Extension for VSCode - - — ESP-IDF Extension for VSCode latest documentation

MicroPython language and implementation — MicroPython latest documentation

micropython/ports/esp32/README.md at master · micropython/micropython

Welcome to ESP32 Arduino Core’s documentation - - — Arduino ESP32 latest documentation