I need an esp board however I don't know which one to choose. I will only use it to control the relay module and connect via wifi to the esp32 board. It also has to be relatively as small as possible. Does anyone have an idea which module would be suitable for this?

Probably the best would be the ESP12E or F. They have 4MB of flash, a lot of software goes in and they are easily accessible. It is so small that there is no room for goldpins. I would avoid the ESP01 modules as they have 512kB and very little Gpio output and are similarly priced to the above. Supposedly 512kB should be enough to control relays, but it varies, new functions and ideas come along. The system itself takes up most of this flash. However, these are bare modules, requiring power and an external programmer. Also consider how much Gpio you need and evaluate the modules from that side. If you are looking for a small devboard then I recommend the Wemos D1 mini. It has power and programming via microUSB and is not much bigger than the bare modules.

I was referring more to something like the arduino pro mini, only with wifi.

On Wemos, the control solution would be limited to adding a transistor to the Gpio controlling the relays. The code would take a few dozen lines of Lua code on the NodeMCU software. Here examples And that's it. But you can always try around attaching an additional AVR to the 32 bit mcu.

How about this tile in my opinion it would be perfect.

If you want to use the ESP8266 as an executive module for a remote relay over WiFi, there are even ready-made modules for this - they use the ESP-01S. .

And how do you programme it then?

The ESP-01 can be extracted from this module and programmed using a suitable programmer for this - the subject of the programmer for the ESP-01 is covered in this thread .

Ok, so he needs this But how to program the esp with the programmer and control the relay, because I can't find this on the internet. How to control this esp with the esp32?

This is where you need to learn programming to achieve full flexibility. I don't know if you have any experience with this, but since you are writing about ESP32 you probably already know something. You can program either in C in the Arduino environment or in Lua scripts on the NodeMCU firmware. If you want to do it without programming, then read about the EasyESP firmware on the internet.

I will definitely be programming on the arduino platform, as I already have that one in my little finger.

Best ESP Board for Relay Module Control with WiFi and Compact Size?

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#1 17814024 02 Mar 2019 07:15

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #1
17814024 02 Mar 2019 07:15

I need an esp board however I don't know which one to choose. I will only use it to control the relay module and connect via wifi to the esp32 board. It also has to be relatively as small as possible. Does anyone have an idea which module would be suitable for this?
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#2 17814043 02 Mar 2019 07:57

rafels rafels

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Post #2
17814043 02 Mar 2019 07:57

Probably the best would be the ESP12E or F. They have 4MB of flash, a lot of software goes in and they are easily accessible. It is so small that there is no room for goldpins.
I would avoid the ESP01 modules as they have 512kB and very little Gpio output and are similarly priced to the above. Supposedly 512kB should be enough to control relays, but it varies, new functions and ideas come along. The system itself takes up most of this flash.
However, these are bare modules, requiring power and an external programmer.

Also consider how much Gpio you need and evaluate the modules from that side.

If you are looking for a small devboard then I recommend the Wemos D1 mini. It has power and programming via microUSB and is not much bigger than the bare modules.
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#3 17814064 02 Mar 2019 08:20

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #3
17814064 02 Mar 2019 08:20

I was referring more to something like the arduino pro mini, only with wifi.
#4 17814096 02 Mar 2019 08:48

rafels rafels

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Post #4
17814096 02 Mar 2019 08:48

On Wemos, the control solution would be limited to adding a transistor to the Gpio controlling the relays. The code would take a few dozen lines of Lua code on the NodeMCU software. Here examples http://www.nodemcu.com/index_en.html
And that's it.
But you can always try around attaching an additional AVR to the 32 bit mcu.
#5 17814191 02 Mar 2019 10:00

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #5
17814191 02 Mar 2019 10:00

How about this tile in my opinion it would be perfect.
https://nettigo.pl/products/modul-wifi-wemos-...9_weBLhkSKoUmZMeZQoF_9__-7BkyVIxoCDjcQAvD_BwE
#6 17814583 02 Mar 2019 13:22

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #6
17814583 02 Mar 2019 13:22

If you want to use the ESP8266 as an executive module for a remote relay over WiFi, there are even ready-made modules for this - they use the ESP-01S.

.
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#7 17814595 02 Mar 2019 13:27

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #7
17814595 02 Mar 2019 13:27

And how do you programme it then?
#8 17814627 02 Mar 2019 13:42

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #8
17814627 02 Mar 2019 13:42

The ESP-01 can be extracted from this module and programmed using a suitable programmer for this - the subject of the programmer for the ESP-01 is covered in this thread .
#9 17814718 02 Mar 2019 14:25

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #9
17814718 02 Mar 2019 14:25

Ok, so he needs this
https://allegro.pl/oferta/modul-przekaznika-5v-z-esp8266-wi-fi-7760440204
But how to program the esp with the programmer and control the relay, because I can't find this on the internet. How to control this esp with the esp32?
#10 17814861 02 Mar 2019 15:40

rafels rafels

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Post #10
17814861 02 Mar 2019 15:40

This is where you need to learn programming to achieve full flexibility. I don't know if you have any experience with this, but since you are writing about ESP32 you probably already know something. You can program either in C in the Arduino environment or in Lua scripts on the NodeMCU firmware.

If you want to do it without programming, then read about the EasyESP firmware on the internet.
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#11 17814892 02 Mar 2019 15:57

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #11
17814892 02 Mar 2019 15:57

I will definitely be programming on the arduino platform, as I already have that one in my little finger.
#12 17814925 02 Mar 2019 16:08

rafels rafels

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Post #12
17814925 02 Mar 2019 16:08

Except that there is a completely different set of libraries for ESP. Actually, only the editor is the same.
#13 17814938 02 Mar 2019 16:13

Kiboooo Kiboooo

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Post #13
17814938 02 Mar 2019 16:13

And where can I find these libraries?
#14 17814964 02 Mar 2019 16:20

rafels rafels

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Post #14
17814964 02 Mar 2019 16:20

https://github.com/esp8266/arduino
And here's how to get started :
https://majsterkowo.pl/programowanie-esp8266-w-arduino-ide/
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers around selecting a suitable ESP board for controlling a relay module via WiFi, with an emphasis on compact size. Recommendations include the ESP12E or ESP12F for their 4MB flash memory and GPIO availability, while the ESP01 is discouraged due to its limited 512kB memory and GPIO outputs. The Wemos D1 Mini is suggested as a small development board with microUSB power and programming capabilities. For those seeking a ready-made solution, the ESP-01S is mentioned as a viable option. Programming can be done using the Arduino IDE or NodeMCU firmware, with resources provided for library access and setup. The conversation also touches on the need for additional components like transistors for relay control and the importance of understanding programming for flexibility in control.
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Best ESP Board for Relay Module Control with WiFi and Compact Size?

FAQ

TL;DR: ESP‑12E/F fit compact WiFi relay builds: 4MB flash; “They have 4MB of flash.” Wemos D1 mini adds microUSB power/programming; avoid ESP‑01 for limited GPIO. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]

Why it matters: Makers choosing an ESP to drive a relay need small size, enough flash, and easy programming.

Quick Facts

ESP‑12E/F: 4MB flash; bare modules need regulated power and an external programmer. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]
Wemos D1 mini: microUSB power/programming; only slightly larger than bare modules. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]
Add a transistor driver between GPIO and relay input for reliable switching. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814096]
Ready‑made WiFi relay boards using ESP‑01S are available. [Elektroda, khoam, post #17814583]
ESP8266 Arduino core and libraries are on GitHub; setup guide linked. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814964]

What’s the best ESP board for a compact WiFi relay module?

ESP‑12E/F suits minimal builds with 4MB flash and small footprint. Wemos D1 mini adds microUSB power and programming, easing prototyping. Avoid ESP‑01 for its limited GPIO and smaller flash. “I recommend the Wemos D1 mini.” [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]

Is there an ESP board like an Arduino Pro Mini, but with WiFi?

Yes. Wemos D1 mini behaves like a tiny dev board with onboard USB. It is only slightly larger than bare ESP‑12 modules. It simplifies wiring and flashing and fits tight enclosures. It is a practical Pro‑Mini‑with‑WiFi choice. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]

Can I drive a relay directly from an ESP8266/ESP32 GPIO pin?

Use a transistor between the GPIO and the relay input. With NodeMCU firmware, relay control needs “a few dozen lines of Lua.” Directly powering a relay from a pin is not advised. The transistor protects the MCU and ensures reliable switching. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814096]

Are there ready‑made WiFi relay boards using ESP8266?

Yes. Ready‑made relay modules exist that use an ESP‑01S for WiFi control. They offer a compact path to a networked relay. These boards are useful as remote, WiFi‑addressable relay endpoints. [Elektroda, khoam, post #17814583]

How do I program an ESP‑01/ESP‑01S on a relay board?

Remove the ESP‑01 from the relay module and place it in an ESP‑01 USB programmer. Flash your firmware, then reinstall the module. This approach works because the ESP‑01 is removable on those boards. [Elektroda, khoam, post #17814627]

How do I flash an ESP‑01S for a WiFi relay?

Extract the ESP‑01/ESP‑01S from the relay board and insert it in a suitable programmer.
Upload your firmware through the programmer.
Reinstall the module on the relay board and test switching. [Elektroda, khoam, post #17814627]

Can I avoid coding and still control relays over WiFi?

Yes. You can flash a ready firmware to the ESP8266 and configure it. The thread suggests using the EasyESP firmware to avoid writing code. This path fits quick proofs of concept or non‑programmers. You trade flexibility for speed of setup. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814861]

Where do I get ESP8266 support for Arduino IDE?

Install the ESP8266 Arduino core and libraries from the official GitHub repository. The linked post also includes a beginner tutorial. After installation, select an ESP8266 board and compile sketches. This is the standard Arduino‑style workflow for ESP8266. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814964]

Do Arduino AVR libraries work unchanged on ESP8266?

No. “There is a completely different set of libraries for ESP.” Only the Arduino IDE editor is the same. Plan to use ESP‑specific or compatible libraries. Test code, as some AVR‑only libraries will not compile. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814925]

Is the ESP‑01 too limited for a relay project?

It works, but expansion is constrained. ESP‑01 variants can have 512kB flash and very few GPIOs. That limits future features and OTA updates. The base system consumes much of that flash. Choose ESP‑12E/F or D1 mini for 4MB and flexibility. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]

How should I link an ESP32 master to an ESP8266 relay node?

Give the ESP8266 a simple HTTP or TCP server that exposes relay endpoints. Have the ESP32 call those endpoints over WiFi. The Arduino core provides client and server examples to implement this pattern. [esp8266/Arduino]

Do I need an extra AVR microcontroller next to an ESP8266?

No. Use the ESP8266 alone for relay control and WiFi. If desired, you can attach an additional AVR to the 32‑bit MCU. Most projects do not require the extra chip, keeping designs simpler. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814096]

How many GPIOs should I plan for when choosing a module?

Plan module choice around your GPIO needs. If you foresee adding features, pick modules with more pins. Evaluate options from the GPIO side to avoid redesigns later. [Elektroda, rafels, post #17814043]

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