ESP32 Thing Plus (USB-C) Hookup Guide

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Contributors: santaimpersonator, Brudnerd
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Hardware Assembly

USB Programming

The USB connection is utilized for programming and serial communication. Users only need to plug their ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus into a computer using a USB-C cable.

ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus USB connection
The ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus with USB-C cable attached. (Click to enlarge)

Battery

For remote IoT applications, a Li-Po battery can be connected. Additionally, users may be interested in utilizing a solar panel and USB-C cable to recharge their battery.

Battery connected to the ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus
The ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus with a battery connected. (Click to enlarge)
Solar Panel Charger - 10W

Solar Panel Charger - 10W

PRT-16835
$18.95 $14.21
1
USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

CAB-14743
$5.50
4

Note: DO NOT remove batteries by pulling on their wires. Instead, it is recommended that pair of dikes (i.e. diagonal wire cutters), pliers, or tweezers be used to pull on the JST connector housing, to avoid damaging the battery wiring.

Disconnect battery w/ dikes
Using a pair of dikes to disconnect a battery. (Click to enlarge)

Headers

The pins for the ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus are broken out to 0.1"-spaced pins on the outer edges of the board. When selecting headers, be sure you are aware of the functionality you need. If you have never soldered before or need a quick refresher, check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering guide.

Soldering headers
Soldering headers to the ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus. (Click to enlarge)

The Feather Stackable Header Kit is a great option as it allows users to stack shields (w/ Feather footprint) or it can be placed on the a breadboard; while, the pins are still accessible from the female/male headers.

µSD Card Slot

The ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus (USB-C) includes a µSD card slot on the back of the board. The card holder functions through a push/pull operation. (The card slot doesn't include a spring retention mechanism; cards are held in place through friction.)

Inseting an SD card
Users can slide-in or pull-out a µSD card from the card holder. (Click to enlarge)

Qwiic Devices

The Qwiic system allows users to effortlessly prototype with a Qwiic compatible I2C device without soldering. Users can attach any Qwiic compatible sensor or board, with just a Qwiic cable. (*The example below, is for demonstration purposes and is not pertinent to the board functionality or this tutorial.)

Qwiic devices connected to ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus
The BME688 environmental and VL53L1X distance Qwiic sensor boards connected to the ESP32-WROOM Thing Plus. (Click to enlarge)