Summary of Memory upgrade for ESP8266
This article details upgrading ESP-01 modules and Sonoff controllers by replacing their original flash chips with 32Mb (4MB) units to enable Over-The-Air (OTA) programming for larger software. The author, motivated by the high cost of new hardware versus cheap upgrades, successfully replaced the standard 4Mb chip on an ESP-01 and ordered more for Sonoff devices. The process involved desoldering the old chip using a fine-tipped soldering iron and tweezers, noting that the new chips are slightly wider than the originals.
Parts used in the Memory Upgrade:
- ESP-01 module
- 32Mb (4MB) Flash chip
- Sonoff mains controller
- Fine soldering iron
- Tweezers
Some time ago I passed comment in here about converting an ESP-01 to 32Mb (or 4MB). And here it is in the flesh – a 32Mb ESP-01 – and also – at last – Sonoff Upgrades.
Now, why would you want to do all of that? I would suggest only if you happen to have lots of ESP-01 units lying around – and I’ll bet quiet a lot of you do. As for the Sonoffs – well, put it this way, I just ordered another 10 chips!
I stopped using the ESP-01 a while ago because the standard 4Mb (512K) of FLASH was simply no longer good enough. Richard of RBOOT fame set me using using his RBOOT program so I could easily flash my home control code (see Home Control 2016 and Blowing the Home Control 2016 Code). Partly because I keep adding new stuff and partly because of the size of the Espressif SDK, Although my code will still run in an ESP-01, it certainly won’t OTA (remote over the air programming). And so my little ESP-01 boards have been sitting gathering cobwebs. The Sonoff mains controllers on the other hand are VERY useful but it annoys the hell out of my that my software is now too big for the limited FLASH in these units – at least, for doing OTA remote updating anyway. All of that, for me, is now history.
A few weeks ago I noticed the Flash chips available for very little money and thought “go on then, why not” despite never having thought of updating Sonoffs – well, today, weeks later, they arrived, all five of them. I mean, at £1.86 for 5, or 37p each – you have to give it a go.
I got my fine soldering iron out (who’s bit is so fine it looks like it will last all of a week) and opened up the package.
The first thing I noticed is that these chips are slightly wider than the one in my little ESP-01 – chips shown side by side in the photo above. To remove the originals, I took my tweezers, put the side of the bit along the side of the chip – and when the solder melted, just lifted the chip a little – then did the other side. Came off a treat.
Read more: Memory upgrade for ESP8266
- Why upgrade the flash memory?
To enable OTA remote updating for larger software that exceeds the capacity of the standard 4Mb chip. - How much did the new chips cost?
The author paid £1.86 for five chips, which is 37p each. - What tool was used to remove the old chips?
A fine soldering iron and tweezers were used to lift the chips after melting the solder. - Is the new chip size different from the old one?
Yes, the new 32Mb chips are slightly wider than the original 4Mb chips found in the ESP-01. - Can the existing code still run after the upgrade?
Yes, the code will still run, but it allows for future additions and OTA updates. - Did the author use RBOOT before this upgrade?
Yes, Richard of RBOOT fame helped set up the device using his RBOOT program previously.
