While the Feather HUZZAH ESP8266 comes pre-programmed with NodeMCU's Lua interpreter, you don't have to use it! Instead, you can install WipperSnapper - our no-code interface for interacting with your hardware over the internet. This is a great option if you want to quickly create an IoT project which logs data to the internet or control your ESP8266 from the internet.
This will write directly to the firmware, erasing the NodeMCU firmware, so if you want to go back to Lua, use the flasher to re-install it
What is WipperSnapper?
WipperSnapper is an interface for Adafruit IO, our incredibly easy-to-use IoT platform, designed to turn any WiFi-capable board into an IoT device without programming a single line of code.
Simply load the WipperSnapper firmware onto your board, add credentials, and plug it into power. Your board will automatically register itself with your Adafruit IO account.
From there, you can add components to your board such as buttons, switches, potentiometers, sensors, and more! Components are dynamically added to hardware, so you can immediately start interacting, logging, and streaming the data your projects produce without writing code.
Sign up for Adafruit.IO
Adafruit IO is a platform designed by Adafruit to display, respond, and interact with your project's data.
You need an Adafruit IO account to use Adafruit.io Wippersnapper.
If you do not already have an Adafruit IO account set up, head over to io.adafruit.com and register for a free Adafruit IO account.
Install USB Driver for ESP8266
Start by connecting any data-capable Micro-USB cable to the Feather HUZZAH 8266 and your computer.
Next, download and install the SiLabs CP2104 Driver so your operating system can "talk to" your Feather HUZZAH ESP8266. There are drivers for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
In a Chrome browser, visit the WipperSnapper Firmware Uploader website.
From the Select Your Board: dropdown, select the Feather HUZZAH ESP8266.
On the top right of the webpage, click the Connect button. You will get a pop-up with a list of USB devices. Select the USB port belonging to your board.
- You may want to remove all other USB devices so only your board is attached, that way there's no confusion over multiple ports!
The Javascript code will now try to connect to the ROM bootloader. It may timeout for a bit until it succeeds. On success, you will see that it is Connected and will print out a unique MAC address identifying the board.
A new form will appear to enter your Adafruit IO and WiFi Network credentials.
To obtain your Adafruit IO credentials - visit Adafruit.io and click "My Key". A modal will pop up with your Adafruit IO username and the active key.
On the WipperSnapper Firmware Uploader page, enter your WiFi network and Adafruit IO credentials.
Click Install WipperSnapper.
You should see WipperSnapper being installed. Hang tight and stay on this tab, the process takes a little over a minute.
Do not disconnect your board from USB.
Once the tool completes the installation, the top form will collapse and you'll see a message in the log indicating that the operation is complete.
Navigate to https://io.adafruit.com/wippersnapper. Then, press the RST (reset) button on your board.
You should see a new modal pop-up with a picture of your board. Give it a name and click Continue to Device Page.
You should be brought to the board's interface page.
Congrats - you have successfully set up your board and connected it to WipperSnapper! Next, let's learn how to use WipperSnapper.
