# ESP8266 standalone

{% hint style="warning" %}
This documentation is for the LEGACY version of Blynk platform which is no longer supported and will be shut down. 

You can sign up for the current version of Blynk platform [here](http://blynk.cloud/dashboard/register).

The new mobile apps can be downloaded from [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blynk-iot/id1559317868) and [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cloud.blynk\&hl=en\&gl=US).

The actual Blynk documentation is [here](https://docs.blynk.io/).
{% endhint %}

![](https://camo.githubusercontent.com/38e041c5e75007dc2b15300d41d13d364cd6695a/68747470733a2f2f73746174696373332e736565656473747564696f2e636f6d2f696d616765732f313133393930313035253230312e6a7067)

ESP8266-based boards, like `NodeMCU, Huzzah, WeMos D1, Seeed Wio Link, ...` can run Blynk directly on the chip, using this board support package: <https://github.com/esp8266/Arduino>

### Tutorials <a href="#tutorials" id="tutorials"></a>

* Getting started with Blynk: <https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/esp8266-thing-development-board-hookup-guide/example-sketch-blink-with-blynk>
* Getting started with ESP8266: <http://www.esp8266.com/wiki/doku.php?id=getting-started-with-the-esp8266>

### Troubleshooting <a href="#troubleshooting" id="troubleshooting"></a>

* ESP8266 can't be powered directly from 3v3 pin on most Arduinos, as it requires more than 400 mA current supply.&#x20;
* ESP8266 flash might get broken. The code executes without problem right after flashing, but stops working after first reboot.
* This WiFi module can somehow interfere with PIR sensors -> PIR sensor starts producing random values ;)
* ESP8266 currently has troubles with connecting to **WPA2-Enterprise** networks, and WiFi hotspots that have **Captive Portal** (webpage that requires you to sign-in to get Internet access).<br>

### Low level debugging <a href="#low-level-debugging" id="low-level-debugging"></a>

1. In the IDE switch to **Generic ESP8266** board.
2. In setup() add the following as the first line:\
   &#x20;   `Serial.setDebugOutput(true);`
3. In the IDE set **Debug port** to `Serial`  and **Debug level** to `All` .

You will see a huge amount of debugging information in Serial Monitor.