ESP8266 WiFi Bee for Arduino

When it comes to Wireless Communications, there are a surprising number of options available to send data or signals through the air to achieve interoperability without any physical connections. One such way that has been gaining popularity over the past few years is the XBee or ZigBee Communications method, which is a wireless protocol for connecting devices or nodes, both directly as well as in star formations, to build low-power, low data rate and close proximity ad hoc wireless networks for small-scale projects, home automation, and other interconnected operations between multiple machines, devices and nodes.

The ESP8266 WiFi Bee for Arduino is a specialised board from DFRobot that is designed using the XBee protocol, and features a built-in 32-bit processor with onboard lwIP protocol stack capabilities and AP+STA co-existence support. It is built to a very small form factor specification for optimal space usage, and is 3.3V capable in order to work with a wide range of Development Platforms like some Arduino boards. This makes it surprisingly diverse despite, allowing Makers to use it for wireless data transfer, smart-home switching, remote access and control, as well as a few other handy projects that almost anyone could enjoy great benefits from in a home or office environment.

If you’re interested in using the ESP8266 WiFi Bee with 5V Arduino Boards and other dev’ platforms, be sure to take a look at the XBee Shield for Arduino, which fits the ASP8266 WiFi Bee and can convert 5V to 3.3V input, while also offering extra functionalities for integrating other wireless methods like Bluetooth.

Typical Applications for ESP8266 WiFi Bee for Arduino:

The ESP8266 WiFi Bee is an excellent board for Arduino projects, and allows you to create customised low-power, low data networks over a reasonably short distance. This makes it ideal for projects like home automation systems, ad hoc wireless networks at events, clever integration of various devices into existing networks, or even just for extending your WiFi network to locations in which a cable would be impractical. However, the truth is that you, as a Maker, can use this module for almost any project you like, which is the beauty of true Making, as you aren’t limited by proprietary software, and instead you can venture forth into the unknown and create something brand new!

Additional Resources:

• A Collection of Fantastic Tools by Espressif Systems to help you Make, troubleshoot and enhance your ESP8266 projects.
• Official DFRobot WiFi Bee Module Wiki, containing a range of important details and some instructions on how to set up a basic sketch.
• The Official Espressif Forum, where Makers share ideas and projects, as well as assist each other with problems and troubleshooting.

As self-proclaimed “Robo-holics”, DFRobot is a company comprised of over 100 staff members, of which 30% are engineers who love to build robots. It was started in 2008 with the goal of embracing and promoting open-source hardware, with a core focus on Arduino, Raspberry Pi and their very own LattePanda development boards. Since then, DFRobot have manufactured over 1300 unique modules, sensors and components that all work together and complement each other, allowing users like us to enjoy a full spectrum of cutting edge robotics and electronics without having to pay premium prices.

With the primary goal of developing and manufacturing great quality products, while making them accessible to as many people as possible, DFRobot are rapidly becoming one of the most common-place brands in the world of open-source robotics and electronics. With more than 1300 products developed in-house, and an impressive range of different categories and specialisations, there are few brands in the world who can compete in terms of quality, accessibility and genuine innovation.