Introduction to NodeMCU V3
Published: 2021-09-27 05:19:57

The NodeMCU V3 is centered on the ESP8266, a minute, affordable WiFi circuit which includes both a comprehensive TCP/IP framework and a microprocessor. Espressif Systems, a Shanghai-based Chinese company, which is the first to launch it.

 ![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0vq4a3tnn32cjieky908.jpg)
 
Arduino Modules and Microprocessors are famous for integrating mechanization into the works. However, because these units lack integrated Wi-Fi functionality, we must install an outside Wi-Fi standard to render them suitable with the online platform.

This is the part where the NodeMCU V3 is useful, since it includes integrated WiFi functionality, getting it simple to create IoT utilizations that meet your technological needs. 

In this article, we would go over the basics of this WiFi Development Kit, including its primary specs, pinout, and anything else you ought to understand concerning it. Let us begin discussing the NodeMCU V3.

##What is NodeMCU V3?

NodeMCU V3 is a firmware and development set that lets you create your personal IoT device with just certain lines of Lua script. 

It possesses numerous GPIO pins that could be utilized to link it to other gadgets and could produce PWM, I2C, SPI, and UART serial communications. 

The module's gadget is broken into 2 sections: firmware and hardware, with the first working on ESP8266 Wi-Fi SoC and the latter on the ESP-12 module. 

The firmware gets written in Lua, a straightforward script that promotes a fundamental programming ecosystem combined with a rapid scripting jargon that links you to a popular developer community.

It also permits you to start editing, tweaking, and rebuilding an existing module, as well as making slight adjustments to the overall gadget, till when you possess an optimized variant of the module to meet your needs. 

It includes a USB to UART converter that aids in the conversion of USB information to UART information, which primarily knows the jargon of serial communication. 

Rather than a standard USB connector, the module possesses a MicroUSB gadget that links it to the PC for two reasons: programming and getting the PCB powered up.

The PCB includes a status LED that flickers and goes off quickly, indicating the module's present condition when linked to the PC. 

The capability of the module to maintain a constant WiFi connectivity amidst two routes renders it an excellent candidate for utilization with other integrated gadgets.

##NodeMCU V3 Specifications

A cable featuring a micro USB port is utilized to link the PCB, as previously stated. LEDs would glow anytime the PCB gets linked to a PC. Suppose your PC disregards the NodeMCU board, you are going to be needed for getting certain drivers installed. This link will take you to a place where you could download the driver. The PCB is readily available to everyone to undergo all sorts of modifications.

It is programmed by utilizing the Arduino IDE software. It is crucial to highlight that the pin configuration on the PCB differs from the pin configuration we utilize in the programming of the PCB in software. For example, writing code for aiming towards pin 16 on the Arduino IDE would then actually aid in setting out the interaction with the module's D0 pin.

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/cn92d9vc9oqmvbrsrpta.jpg)

##NodeMCU V3 Pinout

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ilkpizkja634mt3hrypy.jpg)

NodeMCU V3 comprises a variety of GPIO pins. You could observe that the pinout of this PCB in the diagram featured here:
 
The distinction amidst Vin and VU is that the initial value is under the management of V, which could vary from 7 to 12 V, whilst the latter is the power V utilized in USB and should be maintained approximately 5V. 

##What is the purpose of the ESP-12E NodeMcu V3 module? 

NodeMCU is an embedded device PCB that incorporates a CP2102 TTL to USB circuit for setting up and diagnosing, is breadboard-friendly, and could be charged merely by its micro USB connector, in comparison with the $3 ESP8266 WiFi modules.
 
It is amongst the most cost-effective wifi modules on the market. The most recent release of this module is V3 or Version3. This article, on the other hand, would show you ways to link all variants of the ESP8266 NodeMcu, including V1, V2, and V3. 

Makers with an ESP-12 module could be certain that 12E is identical to its predecessor. The main distinction is that the ESP-12E has six additional GPIOs. 
⦁	Headers: GPIOs, SPI, UART, ADC, and power pins are all accessible through a 15-pin header. 
⦁	The Micro USB port provides 5V power.

##How to Power NodeMCU V3?

The PCB possesses five earth and three 3V3 pins, just like you ought to observe in the pinout graphic above. The 3 methods stated below could be utilized whenever you are attempting to ensure the PCB is charged up. 
⦁	USB Charging: It is a splendid option for running programs except in situations where the task being handled demands for an unique connection, such as one that is not attached to a PC. 
⦁	3.3V should be made available: Another excellent way to get the module fully powered up is by utilizing this method. You could provide an immediate power source for your development set if you possess a personal off-board device
⦁	Power Vin: It is a V manager that could sustain about 800 mA of current. It could withstand V ranging from 7 to 12 volts. You could not utilize this in powering up 3.3 V devices because it could not produce that low of a V.

##NodeMCU V3 Projects and Applications

![Alt Text](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/issae02ewbn4fo7b5slr.jpg)
 
The NodeMCU V3 is mostly utilized in WiFi utilizations that many similar integrated modules are unable to handle provided they are combined with an outside WiFi protocol. The following are amongst the crucial utilizations with NodeMCU V3. 
Intelligent Smoke Alarm System
Indoor GPS
ESP Warning Light
Smart Incubator
IoT House mechanization
Alarm Systems

##Conclusion

Wifi functionality, analog pins, digital pins, and serial communication protocols are all included on the NodeMCU Development PCB. 

To begin utilizing NodeMCU for IoT application fields, we must initially understand how to write/download NodeMCU firmware on NodeMCU Development PCBs. And prior to that, where would this NodeMCU firmware be customized to meet our needs?