Donald asked 5 months ago
My trusty Logitech USB-A to micro USB cable doesn’t seem to work for a few ‘new’ ESP32 boards I got through Amazon. This cable has worked just fine for my first ESP32 board (branded ESPRESSIF WROOM-32 These boards’ red/power LED never comes on, and I can’t get any sketches to upload. (Also, these new boards’ push buttons are labeled RST and FLASH, not the usual EN and BOOT, respectively.) Mostly I get the timeout error. I’ve been told not all USB data cables are the same quality. Do the Santos’ or anyone else have a recommendation for these USB cables? thank you
Sara Santos Staff answered 5 months ago
Hi Donald.
If you use the same cable with other ESP32 boards and it works well, the problem shouldn’t be the USB cable. Maybe your computer isn’t providing enough power??
But can you use it just fine with your “old” boards?
What are the “new” ESP32 boards you are referring to?
Do you use an USB hub, or do you connect it to your computer directly?
Regards,
Sara
Steve Mercer answered 5 months ago
I would recommend searching Amazon for a Micro USB data cable. It’s the “Data” that makes a difference. Most manufacturers create cheap cables just for charging that don’t have the data pins as well.
My last cable was a USB-C to Micro USB from Cable Matters. Worked like a dream from my MacBook Pro.
If you can get it use one with gold plated connectors and nylon braided. That generally means a quality cable.
Donald answered 5 months ago
Here’s the link to the amazon item page: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0718T232Z
Actually, amazon goofed up and sent me *four* of these boards for $7.72. (purchased via amazon “Wharehouse Deal”) If anyone can confirm (what I suspect) that all boards’ onboard red LED should light up when they’re correctly powered on. None of these 4 boards display their red LEDs when powered up, either through a direct USB connection to my laptop, or via a 9v power supply board set tp either 5v or 3.3v.
Yes, the Logitech USB-A/micro-USB cable has served well for the first ESP32 board I purchased, but it’s not on these four.
And Steve, thanks for the advice on quality. Nylon braided, preferably with gold plated connectors, I hear you. I’ll spend a little more to get quality, since USB cables are an important spoke in this wheel.
Thank you
Don
Steve Mercer answered 5 months ago
I don’t have the Wroom board so can’t confirm/deny whether the LED should be on/off. If you check some of the images on Amazon you will see one where the LED is on and one where the LED is off so no help there. There is a couple questions about the red LED and it appears it’s directly powered from USB so should be on when plugged into USB. I’m guessing this great deal was because they don’t actually work. Do they appear as a USB device in your device manager? If not I would say no good.
Sara Santos Staff answered 5 months ago
Hi again.
I have on of those (at least it seems the same – an ESP32S), and the LED should light up when it is powered on.
Regards,
Sara