ESP32 WiFi Configuration

A simple ESP32 WiFi connection project with secure credential management and LED signal strength indicator.

Features

• Secure WiFi Configuration: Credentials stored in separate file (gitignored)
• Auto-reconnection: Automatically reconnects if WiFi drops
• Signal Strength LED: Built-in LED shows WiFi signal strength via blink patterns
• Serial Monitoring: Real-time connection status and debugging
• Arduino IDE Compatible: Easy to use with Arduino IDE

Prerequisites

• Arduino IDE installed
• ESP32 board package installed in Arduino IDE
• ESP32C3 development board

Installation

1. Install Arduino IDE

Download and install Arduino IDE from arduino.cc

2. Install ESP32 Board Package

1. Open Arduino IDE

2. Go to File → Preferences

3. Add this URL to Additional Board Manager URLs:

   https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json
   

4. Go to Tools → Board → Boards Manager

5. Search for "ESP32" and install "ESP32 by Espressif Systems"

3. Open Project in Arduino IDE

1. Open Arduino IDE
2. Go to File → Open
3. Navigate to this project folder
4. Open esp32-wifi-config/esp32-wifi-config.ino

4. Configure Board Settings

1. Go to Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino → ESP32C3 Dev Module
2. Set CPU Frequency to 80MHz
3. Set Flash Mode to DIO
4. Set Partition Scheme to Default 4MB with spiffs
5. Set Upload Speed to 115200
6. Set USB CDC On Boot to Enabled

WiFi Configuration

WiFi Credentials

1. Copy wifi_config_template.h to wifi_config.h:

   cp esp32-wifi-config/wifi_config_template.h esp32-wifi-config/wifi_config.h

2. Edit esp32-wifi-config/wifi_config.h with your WiFi credentials:

   const char* WIFI_SSID = "YourWiFiNetwork";
   const char* WIFI_PASSWORD = "YourWiFiPassword";

Note: wifi_config.h is gitignored for security.

Usage

1. Connect ESP32

• Connect your ESP32C3 to your computer via USB
• Select the correct COM port in Arduino IDE

2. Upload Code

• Click the Upload button (→) in Arduino IDE
• Wait for upload to complete

3. Monitor Serial Output

• Open Tools → Serial Monitor
• Set baud rate to 115200
• Watch for connection status and signal strength

LED Signal Strength Indicator

The built-in LED shows WiFi signal strength:

• Fast blink (100ms): Strong signal (-30 to -50 dBm)
• Medium blink (500ms): Medium signal (-50 to -70 dBm)
• Slow blink (1000ms): Weak signal (below -70 dBm)
• LED off: No WiFi connection

Project Structure

esp32-wifi-config-cpp/
├── esp32-wifi-config/
│   ├── esp32-wifi-config.ino    # Main Arduino sketch
│   ├── wifi_config.h            # WiFi credentials (gitignored)
│   └── wifi_config_template.h   # Credentials template
├── .gitignore                   # Git ignore rules
└── README.md                    # This file

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Board not found

• Check USB connection
• Install correct drivers
• Verify COM port selection

2. Upload fails

• Press and hold BOOT button while uploading
• Check board settings (CPU frequency, flash mode)
• Try different USB cable

3. WiFi connection fails

• Verify credentials in wifi_config.h
• Check WiFi network availability
• Ensure 2.4GHz network (ESP32 doesn't support 5GHz)

4. Serial monitor shows boot loop

• Check board settings, especially CPU frequency (must be 80MHz for ESP32C3)
• Verify flash mode is set to DIO
• Try different partition scheme

5. No serial output

• Set USB CDC On Boot to Enabled
• Check baud rate (115200)
• Try different COM port

Board Settings for ESP32C3

• Board: ESP32C3 Dev Module
• CPU Frequency: 80MHz
• Flash Mode: DIO
• Flash Size: 4MB
• Partition Scheme: Default 4MB with spiffs
• Upload Speed: 115200
• USB CDC On Boot: Enabled

Security Notes

• WiFi credentials are stored in wifi_config.h which is gitignored
• Never commit real credentials to version control
• Use the template file for new deployments
• Change default credentials before production use

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.