A few questions about the MeWifi module

#1

Yes, it’s me again!
I installed and included in my testing script the MeWifi module. It fired up just fine, I got into the config and had it connect to my home network. All of that worked just peachy. No problems at all. Now it broadcasts it’s own ap and is a client on my network.

That said:
I’ve just read (and reread) the MeWifi “manual” and it’s sorely lacking. They used a ESP8266 chip, which is FANTASTIC, since it’s so much more powerful than the Orion (Uno) chip. But I don’t understand, at least, from the manual, how on earth we use it.

They mention the switch with Work and Prog settings and tell you that’s what they are for: work for working and prog for programming. OK… So when we’re doing the initial setup, are we in Work mode since (I imagine) we’re using the programming Makeblock has obviously done on the chip?

So I’ve two questions:

  1. If used as programmed, what are we able to do from the Orion (and Arduino IDE) once we’ve completed configuration? How do I get/receive info from the module? All by serial interface? If so, is there a list of functions available? Seems this module’s been available for awhile, so is there updated documentation?

  2. If we want to program the module, can we use an FTDI cable on the “DIY” pins mentioned in the manual? Can we access the module from the Arduino IDE without a cable (ie, from the IDE with the module attached to the Orion)? And of course, can we return it to factory?

In the manual, it mentions some software for communicating - USP-TCP232 something… where is this software? It didn’t come in the download for the manual.

As it’s configured, I’m curious as to what we’re able to do with it. I’d really like to ask for more than just a two sentence reply here. If you can send me to a site which answers my questions in two lines, great! On the “learn” page, it says this is a complex module so refer to the web site… Which?

Thanks in advance!

#2

Can’t answer your questions, but addressing them to @tec_support will get a faster response. :slight_smile:

#3

I sent them an email with a few questions last week. Haven’t heard anything. I was hoping that putting the Post here would get responses from both members and support.

#4

Hi BigAl,

Did you send the email to tec-support@makeblock.com? Sorry to say that we have searched the inbox while didn’t get it.
For personal projects, we may not have all the ability to help,while we will try our best to provide the info to customer for reference and hope it helps.
As for your above question, here is a design report from one of our colleagues to you for reference, hope it can help.Me WiFi module Design Report.zip (117.9 KB)

Sine you use the me wifi module with the Orion board, you do not need to use the FTDI cable, but it is decided by yourself if you want to use it. And also it is decided by yourself if you want to connect a USB cable or not between PC and Orion.
For factory reset the me wifi module, please refer to following steps:
1.Put the swtich on WORK side. The blue light blink slowly.
2.Unplug the RJ25 cable from WiFi module to power off it
3. Plug in the RJ25 cable to WiFi module to power on
4. Pull the switch to PROG side.
5. Wait for a while, normally, the blue light will quick flash.
6. Then pull the switch back to WORK side and restart the WiFi module by unplud and replug the RJ25 cable from WiFi module.
As for the USP-TCP232, it canbe searched and downloaded online directly.

#5

I did send the email there. I’ll resend it today. It was not about personal projects.
Thanks very much for the info on returning the module to factory. I appreciate the suggestions for programming, as well. I’m guessing that the functions available are the AT functions.
With the exception of the comment on the manual, there’s no criticism of the support. I acknowledge whenever I post that Makeblock is doing a great job making improvements in site, product and support.
EDIT: I sent it to makeblock.cc, sorry!! I’ve resent it today.

#6

I’ve read over the manual and the documentation you sent me. Thank you! Most of the documentation is concerned with the setup or configuration using the browser. My module worked fine - I was able to establish a connection using my browser and get it setup as both on my home network and as an AP.

The documentation lists five functions - the creation of the object, .begin, .available, .read and .write. Without reprogramming the MeWifi, what data can we get from it? Do we use AT commands? I’m not asking for help building my project, rather just what is the available functionality? I’ve read that if the module has been reprogrammed, then a new interface between the Orion and the module needs to be created and that AT commands may be wiped out.

I’ve been searching the Web looking for information on how to get Arduino and ESP to talk to each other. Most forum threads end up being about the physical connection. Makeblock has solved that! Very little information out there contains working sketches and examples.

Is the MeWifi just a stock ESP8266 or have you guys reprogrammed it? It’s hard to know what it can do without any other documentation. I have a number of other ESP modules (like the Adafruit Huzzah Feather) and I understand how to write sketches for them.

You mention that we don’t need the FTDI cable to program the MeWifi. Can I upload a sketch directly to the MeWifi from the Orion when I’m connected?

Can you also please explain the PROG vs WORK switch settings?

Thanks so much for your help!

#7

Hi BigAl,

Our ESP8266 can only be used for the serial port transparent transmission, no AT command, no other function as well, this is a special firmware
Esp8266 has two firmwares, one is SDK IOT, the other one is the AT firmware. we do not use the MCU + AT implementations and firmware. The Prog mode is only used when you are going to reprogram for the me wifi module.

#8

Hi @tec_support

We have the same problem that ESP8266 is not working as access point. How we can fix this issue?
We used already the configuration through the ME wifi browser but is not let us to have it as station ip, even is not appear in the router side as a wifi network. Also after configuration as a wifi network, it appearing as a hidden network! which is strange!

Thank you in advanced.

#9

Hi ahedali

Do you mean the SSID from the Me wifi module is no longer available now?
Please factory default reset the Me wifi module have a try refer to one of my reply above. Then the default SSID of the Me wifi module will come back and you can configure it again.
You may keep the wifi mode as both have a check when you reconfigure it:
image

#10

Hi @tec_support

Yes I did what you say, to Both button is checked. I just have the router name connected but with 0.0.0.0. And when i go through the router is not appearing my ESP8266.

Regards

#11

Hi ahedali,

Please try more time. You may pay attention to following points:

  1. Make sure the baud rate is 9600
    image

  2. In the AP name and PASSWORD, please make sure you have typed in exactly the same user name and password of your router wifi.
    image
    If it still can’t get an IP address, you can restart the Me wifi module and connect again have a check!

#12