> Would that be without your additions?
indeed, v1.3.0 is without my additions.
> - Snip EN-Enable from the header so it does not make contact with the power supply
> - solder 1k resistor between EN and 3.3V to have it always on (PS enables wifi module only in "wifi mode")
Not really needed when you use the custom FW, as it has a 'TTL + EN' setting. But yes, you will need to pull EN high for flashing (probably). And please make that 10k, 1k can be close to the limit of some MCUs. Haven't checked the ESP8266, but it is just a general rule I have.
> - In order to initially flash the Riden WiFi module, solder on three additional wires: GPIO0, EN, and 3.3V. [is GND missing here? Programming with only 1 data wire?]
Best is to power it with 5V via the pin header. You will need GND, RX, TX (the 2 latter 3v3) for the serial link, and at bootup you will need to pull GPIO0 to GND shortly. I always prefer to attach 2 small buttons: 1 to RST and 1 to GPIO0. Each to GND, with a pullup to 3v3. Just add a small perforated PCB on top of the ESP8266 housing for that, but do not cover the antenna. The "make ready for programming" sequence is: push both buttons at the same time, then release RST, then release GPIO0. After that you can send the firmware via serial with your preferred USB to TTL serial cable.
> - Download firmware
> - compile with PlatformIO (would it be possible to upload a compiled file so not everyone has to install this massive software and get used to it?)
> - connect Wifi module to PC via adapter
> - upload with PlatformIO
Well, platformio alone, or vscode with platformio. I prefer the latter, as it is so integrated and makes life a lot easier.
The Arduino IDE will not do for compiling, but may do for flashing.
You could also try it the manual way via esptool.
Latest firmware is now in
my repo (to the right, v1.4.beta1). the original repo:
https://github.com/morgendagen/riden-dongle/releases