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​RPi WiFi Hat - by ajlitt

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davedarkodavedarko 12/11/2015 at 12:178 Comments

#RPi WiFi Hat - by @ajlitt

[update 2015-03-05] new simplified design based on newest development of @ajlitt


Using an ESP8266 (ESP03) connected to a Raspberry PI over the SDI interface - that just looks too awesome! I still have an ESP03 that doesn't fit my #Ignore this ESP8266 board so I have to try this! If it works, I might be crazy enough to make a pi Hat, since the ESP8266EX does not need that many external parts.


Just for the clicks I'll add a screenshot for a mocked up panelized version of a board that isn't routed or thought through much. I should add a 3.3v converter.

https://www.adafruit.com/images/product-files/2471/0A-ESP8266__Datasheet__EN_v4.3.pdf

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13231


Oh. I have to sleep on this. If anyone wants to look over it, feel free, would make me happy :) if you have a suggestion, please leave a comment.

https://github.com/davedarko/PIzero


I panelized the board that is based on ajlitt's latest update, fitted to a 5x5 cm2 board and ordered it at dirtypcbs.com - I went with blue because I thought the ESP12F was blue, but it's actually black. Ah well.

Discussions

Alex wrote 12/12/2015 at 10:46 point

I would add an optional SMD or on-board antenna. yours is quite samller than ajilitt's. And I would laso think about to implemnt an i2s soundcrad on this too, because this the second missing thin of the zero

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davedarko wrote 12/12/2015 at 10:55 point

think of this as a prototype board ;) I wouldn't throw many unknowns on it. If it works out, it will not be in the way for another hat, because it goes on the other side. I thought about the onboard antenna, but with the sma connector I don't have to think about all the ground planes etc. for now. But your points are good for a Rev2 board! I don't need sound but others might do.

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ajlitt wrote 12/26/2015 at 19:06 point

The more I think about the layout of my board (which should be in my hands on Monday) the more I think this is the way to go.  I'm concerned that an antenna coplanar with the Pi is going to have way worse parasitic effects than something like this.

I'll have the prototypes in the oven this week, and as tempting as it is am trying not to think any more about a redesign til I've learned my lessons from rev 1.

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Craig Hissett wrote 12/11/2015 at 16:22 point

Why would you do this to me?! You of all people should know my wishlist is longer than the great Wall of China already!

Ha ha!

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davedarko wrote 12/12/2015 at 09:26 point

Oh dear, ajlitt also did one. 

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Craig Hissett wrote 12/12/2015 at 09:34 point

...I need a second job...

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Craig Hissett wrote 12/11/2015 at 15:31 point

If you do end up making this shield I'll more than likely end up buying one. Or three. Ha ha!

I have an A+ and two Zeros crying out for USB-free wifi, plus on or two of my upcoming B+ projects would benefit from a discreet internal wifi rather than having a dongle poking out :-)

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davedarko wrote 12/11/2015 at 15:34 point

I knew it would spark your interest :D

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