Nicer ESP8266 programmer

Just like many of the those using the ESP-01 (the simplest of the ESP8266 modules) I built a simple circuit to simplify uploading programs to the chip. Essentially you need something to connect a USB to serial adapter, and two buttons that will start the ESP in programming mode.

I built mine years ago and it is most often on my desk as I use it so frequently that it is pointless to store it away.

Barebone version.

However, the weight of the USB cord connecting the serial adapter makes it fall onto its side unless one holds the contraption with one hand. And...it is not that visually pleasing; at least not on an otherwise neat desk.

When I bought my 3D printer I could easily do something nicer!

Nicer enclosure for the circuitry, sporting a snap fit lid for easy access.

About the circuit

Nowadays there are several options to buy a similar circuit and you really don’t have to make your own.

But not wanting to disappoint anyone finding this post in the search for information on how to make something similar the least I can do is to provide a link to an overview of how it works and how to build one. There are many more, but this one does a good job.