Lolin C3 problems

[cicciocb]

Hi Robin,
try these 2 bins (no USB) and let me know

[Electroguard]

I only tried the 2 corresponding modes.
The QIO mode failed during flashing after reaching 17%, and again at exactly the same point even after dropping the baud rate (see screendump).
The DIO mode reported successful flash as usual, but still no SSID - so I tried again with serial monitor enabled, which shows it keeps on endlessly rebooting until the device is powered off.
ESP-ROM:esp32c3-api1-20210207
Build:Feb 7 2021
rst:0x3 (RTC_SW_SYS_RST),boot:0xd (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)
Saved PC:0x40383ac6
SPIWP:0xee
mode:DIO, clock div:1
load:0x3fcd6100,len:0x38c
load:0x403ce000,len:0x6ac
load:0x403d0000,len:0x24e4
SHA-256 comparison failed:
Calculated: 697c37ed1f62ec376bac84a4be3161309fd96b67171cac136349db0d3925a5d8
Expected: ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Attempting to boot anyway...
entry 0x403ce000
ESP-ROM:esp32c3-api1-20210207
Build:Feb 7 2021

QIOmode.jpg

[cicciocb]

Hi Robin,
I bought recently the same module as you, the C3 Mini 1.0.0 - LOLIN

image.png

This is what was present before flashing it (MicroPython v1.18)

Capture.PNG

I simply flashed with Annex32-C3 BLE CAN USB 1.49.2 qio and it worked without any issue

Capture4.PNG

This is the final result :

Capture3.PNG

So it seems to work BUT I cannot find the WIFI AP ESP60........
Interesting ....

[bugs]

It's not just you - Google says it is common problem (no wifi) with C3.
Most cures seem to involve either mod to aerial feed or a change to wifi power.
e.g https://github.com/arendst/Tasmota/discussions/15443

[cicciocb]

It's not just you - Google says it is common problem (no wifi) with C3.
Most cures seem to involve either mod to aerial feed or a change to wifi power.
e.g https://github.com/arendst/Tasmota/discussions/15443

Thanks bugs, I bought this board JUST for supporting this post.
Thanks for the link, I'm doing little reading ...

[cicciocb]

First report :
I removed the component (a capacitor) as indicated in the link you posted

image.png

Still not OK.

I reduced the TX power with

Code: [Local Link Removed for Guests]

WiFi.setTxPower(WIFI_POWER_8_5dBm);

and it worked.
But, as suggested, I do not think that this is a real solution, the best is to stay away from these boards.
Apparently there is a revised version 2.1.0 that seems to work well

[bugs]

Yes - the hardware mod seemed a bit random.
I wonder if the 3v3 regulator is a bit weak for the RF power - perhaps try a direct 3 volt feed from a better supply?

[cicciocb]

Maybe, I have a very similar ESP32-S2 that seems to have the exact output antenna circuit
On this module the voltage regulator is labelled "S2UH" while it is labelled "S2TH" on the ESP32-C3.

I'll try to find a reference and understand

[Electroguard]

Thanks CiccioCB and Bugs, it is a shame cos could have been a handy low-cost D1 Mini footprint 32 bit device with serial and bluetooth.
But at least it's reassuring to have a problem confirmed after speaking up about it to make others aware.

Wifi power seems a bit of a 'catch 22' situation - how to connect in order to reduce the wifi power in order to connect...

[cicciocb]

Thanks CiccioCB and Bugs, it is a shame cos could have been a handy low-cost D1 Mini footprint 32 bit device with serial and bluetooth.
But at least it's reassuring to have a problem confirmed after speaking up about it to make others aware.

I already asked for a refund; however, reducing the TX power, seems to fix the problem.