Programming the Thing
The ESP8266 has a built-in serial bootloader, which allows for easy programming and re-
programming. You don’t need a specialized, expensive programmer – just a simple, USB-to-
Serial converter.
We use a 3.3V FTDI Basic to program the Thing, but other serial converters with 3.3V I/O
levels should work (e.g. FTDI SmartBasic, FTDI Cable 5V VCC-3.3V I/O, FT231X Breakout.
The converter does need a DTR line in addition to the RX and TX pins.
The FTDI Basic’s 6-pin header matches up exactly to the Thing’s 6-pin serial port header. To
set up for programming, simply connect the FTDI directly to this port – take care to match up
the DTR and GND pins!
If you’re short on USB ports, the SparkFun Cerberus Cable might be just what you need.
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