Getting started with Microcontrollers at MMS

Many Manchester Makerspace members have experience in programming, using, and debugging microcontrollers, whether the classic Arduino, the more capable ESP32, or other purpose-specific models.

We have a wealth of knowledge and supporting components to help make your microcontroller dream a reality, you supply your favorite dev board and we’ve got you covered for soldering and testing, as well as 3d printers for custom enclosures!

Choosing a development board — which chip reigns supreme?

Each microcontrollers has its own strengths, so weaknesses, here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between three popular choices: ESP8266, Arduino Uno, and ESP32. So, grab your favorite beverage and let’s embark on this journey!

ESP8266 – The Underdog with Wi-Fi Powers

Let’s kick things off with the ESP8266. This tiny beast is your go-to if you crave connectivity. What sets it apart? Well, it comes with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, making it perfect for projects that demand wireless communication. Think IoT devices, home automation, or anything that needs to exchange data over the airwaves.

Arduino Uno – The Reliable Workhorse

Enter the Arduino Uno, a household name in the realm of development boards. It’s the friendly neighbor you can always count on. With its simplicity and ease of use, the Arduino Uno is fantastic for beginners. Usually programmed in the popular (and free!) Arduino-IDE with a modified variant of C++, there are hundreds if not thousands of pre-written support libraries compatible with Arduino.

ESP32 – The Powerhouse with Dual Cores 🚀

Now, brace yourselves for the ESP32 family, the powerhouse of the trio. If you want more muscle for your projects, the ESP32’s got your back. With not one, but dual cores, it can handle multitasking like a pro. This makes it ideal for projects that require a bit more computational oomph. While Arduino-IDE has board support for most ESP32 products, hardcore programmers looking for support for the latest variant may prefer to use the official ESP-IDF compiler.

Voltage Dilemma: Arduino Uno vs. ESP32 🔌

One of the critical differences lies in the voltage levels. Arduino Uno operates at 5V, while ESP32 boards run at 3.3V. Why does it matter? Well, it’s all about compatibility. Make sure your peripherals and sensors play nice with the voltage requirements of your chosen board. Some devices will need a logic level converter, e.g. if using a 3.3v LCD display via Arduino, or driving 5V addressable LEDs from ESP32.

Clock Speed, CPU Cores, and Memory Showdown ⚔️

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details:

ESP8266: Single core, clock speed around 80MHz, and a moderate memory capacity.
Arduino Uno: Single core, clock speed around 16MHz, and a bit more conservative on the memory side.
ESP32: Dual cores, clock speed up to 240MHz, and more RAM, PSRAM, and as much as 8MB of flash. Some variants even come with onboard MicroSD!

If you’re juggling complex tasks or running resource-intensive programs, the ESP32 emerges as the superhero with its dual-core prowess and higher clock speed. Beware — it can also be power-hungry and some development boards run hot!

The Final Verdict? 🏆

Choosing the right board ultimately depends on your project’s needs. If Wi-Fi is your jam, go for the ESP8266. Need reliability and simplicity? Arduino Uno is your buddy. Craving power and multitasking capabilities? The ESP32 is your go-to hero.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s all about finding the perfect match for your unique project. So, gear up, experiment, and lets see what you make!