Getting Started with ESP32 DOIT DevKit v1 – Complete Beginner’s Guide

Introduction

The ESP32 DOIT DevKit v1 is one of the most popular development boards for IoT and embedded systems projects. It’s a powerful microcontroller that comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, making it perfect for smart devices, automation, and sensor-based applications.

In this tutorial, we’ll set up the ESP32 for programming using the Arduino IDE, explore its features, and review the pin mapping we’ll use throughout this tutorial series.

By the end, you’ll have your ESP32 ready for coding and understand which pins are assigned to different sensors and modules for hands-on projects.

Features of ESP32 DOIT DevKit v1

• Dual-core 32-bit processor (up to 240 MHz)
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Classic + BLE)
• 30+ GPIO pins (digital, analog, PWM, I²C, SPI, UART, etc.)
• Multiple ADC channels (12-bit resolution)
• Built-in capacitive touch support
• Power supply: 3.3V (but USB can power it via 5V regulator)
• Compatible with Arduino IDE, MicroPython, and PlatformIO

Step 1: Install Arduino IDE and ESP32 Board Support

• Download and install the latest Arduino IDE from arduino Website
• Open Arduino IDE → File → Preferences.
• In “Additional Board Manager URLs”, paste this link:

https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

• Go to Tools → Board → Board Manager → search for ESP32 and install it.

Step 2: Select ESP32 DOIT DevKit v1 Board

• Go to Tools → Board → ESP32 Arduino → DOIT ESP32 DEVKIT V1
• Select the right Port (COM port where ESP32 is connected).

Step 3: Test with Blink Example

Upload the basic Blink sketch to test if your ESP32 is working.

// Blink test for ESP32 DOIT DevKit v1
int ledPin = 2;  // Onboard LED (GPIO2)

void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  delay(1000);
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  delay(1000);
}

✅ If the onboard LED blinks, your ESP32 is set up correctly.

Pin Mapping for This Tutorial Series

We’ll follow this fixed pin assignment for all upcoming tutorials in this series:

Real-Life Applications of ESP32

• Smart Home Automation (Wi-Fi control of appliances, sensors)
• Agriculture IoT (soil moisture, temperature, weather data collection)
• Robotics (autonomous navigation with sensors like HC-SR04)
• Health Monitoring Systems (IoT-enabled temperature & humidity tracking)
• Industrial IoT (monitoring warehouses, controlling machines)

Troubleshooting