ESP32 Thing Motion Shield Hookup Guide

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Contributors: MTaylor
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Hardware Assembly

In this section, we'll prepare the shield for a development environment by adding headers. This section also shows what the GPS module, battery, and SD card look like when properly inserted.

ESP32 Stacked on ESP32 Thing Motion with GPS and battery

The completed stack.

Attach the Stackable Headers to the Motion Shield

Solder a single pin on each header. Make sure the headers are straight, and lined up. You can use perf board, or an already populated ESP32 Thing to help with alignment.

ESP32 Thing Motion Shield

Solder the rest of the pins focusing on getting nice, even, conic fillets.

Finished Soldering

Attach the Headers to the ESP32 Thing

Put the pin headers in the shield, and set the ESP32 Thing on top. Then, apply solder and build up nice fillets making sure to not bridge any pins.

ESP32 Headers

Adding an Optional Sensor

If you're using a BME280 to try out the I2C or SPI port, install headers on it as well. See the BME280 Hookup Guide for more information.


For generic operation solder both headers (left). If you only need I2C (middle), or SPI (right), only attach those headers.

3-Pin JST and microSD Card

Make sure the JST and microSD cards are installed properly.

  • If the JST connectors feel like they're not going in, don't force them, try wiggling them instead. They will hang out a bit when properly seated.

  • The microSD card slot is dual position with click feature, and the PCB has a recess. The card should easily click in and out.

The JST connectors are seated properly, protruding slightly from their sockets (left). When the SD card is inserted properly (right), it should be flush with the edge of the board.


Stack and Connect Additional Parts!

Stack the ESP32 Thing on the ESP32 Thing Motion Shield.

Completed Installation

ESP32 Thing, motion shield, GPS receiver, and battery installed. The ESP32 Thing is ready for code!

You can also install the stack in a breadboard, letting the antenna hang off the end so you have the most room left to work with when prototyping. If using the BME280, install that on the breadboard as well and wire the sensor as explained in the "Using the I2C and SPI Buses" example.