SparkFun Forums

[FlightRisk]

I have the ESP8266-01. I read that I can't just use my SparkFun FTDI Basic Breakout - 3.3V like I do with my 8266 "Thing". The docs say that it can draw 700-800mA when programming it. Is that true? Where can I find some docs that show options to power it? Do I need to build something or is there a product that can help? Would the "SparkFun Breadboard Power Supply Stick - 5V/3.3V" and a breadboard be what I need?

[Valen]

I doubt that the ESP8266-01 takes that much current. But yeah, more than the 50 mA or so than the FTDI Basic breakout can supply. That breadboard power supply stick would easily power it. But if it needs to be small you could also make your own 3.3 volt linear voltage regulator with the neccesary capacitors. Way back Sparkfun had some tutorials on how to make a simple linear voltage regulator for 5 volt. A 3.3 volt should be similar.