Summary of Control ESP8266 over the internet
This article provides a step-by-step guide to configuring an ESP8266 NodeMCU as an Arduino-based web server accessible via the internet. It covers hardware selection, installing necessary drivers and boards in the Arduino IDE, and uploading custom code to enable remote control and data access.
Parts used in the ESP8266 Web Server Project:
- ESP8266 NodeMCU (specifically V3 with CH340)
- PC or Computer
- Arduino IDE software
- Code file (downloaded txt file for upload)
There are but a few things better than (succesfully) programming and using your Arduino. Surely one of those things is using your ESP8266 as an Arduino with WiFi!
In this instructable I will show you an EASY way to get the ESP8266 working as a web server AND accessing that server from anywhere (over the internet)
Also if you find this instructable interesting, perhaps you’ll like some of my others:
EASY Arduino OLED sensor data display
How to make a high voltage power supply
How to send data from Arduino to excel (and plot it)
How to display Arduino sensor readings on Nokia 5110 display
Step 1: What You’ll Need:
Since the esp8266 NodeMcu is so cheap, I highly recommend buying one. You can simply plug it into your PC and use it as an Arduino. No weird commands or anything “unknown”.
I hightly recommend buying the ESP8266 NodeMcu from this link:ESP8266
If you use the code (send the seller a message when you buy it) saying “Instructables“, he will make sure to quickly send you a top quality ESP8266.
Step 2: Arduino IDE+ESP8266:
Open up the Arduino IDE
-Go to File->Preferences->Additional Boards Manager URLs: http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266c… ->click OK
-Close the IDE and open it up again
-Go to Tools->Board (where you’d select your version of Arduino)->Boards Manager, find the ESP8266 and click Install
You now should be able to use the ESP8266 as an Arduino. Simply select the NODEMCU 1.0 as your board and you should be ready to code. (if it doesn’t work, try the 0.9 version)
Step 3: “Arduino” Code:
Since the code gets messed up when pasted, I have included it as an txt file. Download it and paste it into your Arduino IDE.
The code is commented, so you should have no trouble understanding what to change to suit your needs.
Read more: Control ESP8266 over the internet
- What is recommended for building this project?
The author highly recommends buying the cheap ESP8266 NodeMCU. - How do you install the ESP8266 board support in Arduino IDE?
Add the URL http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266c... to Additional Boards Manager URLs, restart IDE, then install via Boards Manager. - Which board should be selected in the Tools menu?
Select NODEMCU 1.0, or try version 0.9 if it does not work. - Can you use the ESP8266 without unknown commands?
Yes, the article states you can plug it into your PC and use it as an Arduino with no weird commands. - Where can I find the code for this project?
The code is included as a downloadable txt file because pasting it directly causes formatting issues. - Is there a specific seller tip mentioned for the hardware?
Send the seller a message saying Instructables when buying to ensure quick shipping of top quality hardware. - Does the provided code require complex modifications?
No, the code is commented so users should have no trouble understanding what to change. - What is the primary function of the finished setup?
To get the ESP8266 working as a web server and accessing that server from anywhere over the internet.
