This “C” tutorial series will combine both the hardware and software together. It will also use ESP32 instead of ESP8266. The ESP8266 is adequate, while more expensive ESP32 allows for more expansion in the future.
| Specification | NodeMCU | ESP32 | Arduino UNO R3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPUs | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V | 3.3V | 5V |
| Input Voltage | 3.5-12V via VIN | 3.5-12V via VIN | 5-12V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 16 | 34 | 14 (6 PWM) |
| Analog Input Pins | 1 | 18 | 6 |
| PWM Pins | 11 | 21 | 6 |
| UARTs | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| SPIs | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| I2Cs | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Flash Memory | 4 MB | Varies (typically 4 MB) | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB | 520 KB | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | None | None | 1 KB |
| Clock Speed | 80 MHz | 160 or 240 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 b/g/n | None |
| Bluetooth | None | v4.2 BR/EDR and BLE | None |
| USB | Micro-USB | Micro-USB/ USB C | USB-B |
| Power Consumption | Low | Ultra-low power | Low |
| Dimensions | Varies by model | Varies by model | 68.6mm x 53.4mm |
| Programming | Arduino IDE, Lua | Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, MicroPython | Arduino IDE |
| Special Features | Integrated Wi-Fi, Deep Sleep mode | Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Dual-core CPU | Replaceable ATmega328P chip, Robust design |
I have chosen to use all the pins on one side of the ESP32. This allows all the data pins to be on the same side.
ESP32 Circuit Diagram:
Installing the Arduino Software
Go to the Arduino website and Click on Software and choose the right download option for your computer. When installing the software, make sure you allow all the drivers to install. Do not cancel any of the requests, or you will have difficulty making a connection to your ESP32.
Installing the ESP32 Board
Click on the Board’s manager icon and then search for esp32. Select esp32 by Espressif Systems.
Connect your board
Connect your computer to the ESP32 via usb
Then select the dropdown from the toolbar and select the DOIT ESP32 DEVKIT V1, and the port on the right hand side should have (USB) in the name.
Christian Content
This tutorial focuses on the proper setup of our software and provides a brief overview of the circuit required for the laser tagger to function. Proper planning is essential to position ourselves for successful project completion.
When God created the universe, He did so with intention and care. He methodically crafted an environment capable of sustaining life before placing humans within it. The sequence of creation itself reflects divine planning—light was created before plants, plants before animals, and habitats before their inhabitants.
Psalm 104:24 states, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
Even more revealing is God’s response to His own work. After each day, “God saw that it was good.” He did not rush; instead, He took time to evaluate each stage of creation, illustrating the importance of careful assessment and appreciation of progress. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
The creation account concludes with a powerful statement in Genesis 1:31: “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Note the shift from “good” to “very good”—the completion of His planned work brought special satisfaction.
Why not take a moment today to observe the ordered nature of God’s creation around you. Notice how complex systems work together in perfect sequence—the water cycle, the food chain, the changing of seasons. And give thanks to God for the wonderful world he designed and created.