This guide is not a complete set of instructions. Rather it points to other links and guides that are already out there and works well. It's mainly for my own reference in the future but it might be useful to others too.
I'm using the ESP8266 module with header pins already attached and basic components that came with SparkFun Inventor's Kit + FTDI breakout board with lots of clips.
- ESP8266 module https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13678
- Redboard https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12757
- FTDI Breakout v3.3 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9873
Useful links:
- For pinout labels and connection: http://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/863.14/tutorials/Programming/serialwifi.html
- For power, connect vcc to 3.3V pin on Redboard
- Also refer to this link for hardware setup for firmware http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/update-the-firmware-in-your-esp8266-wi-fi-module/
- AT Commands https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Wireless/WiFi/Command%20Doc.pdf
Notes:
- Initially I connected the vcc to FTDI breakout but it kept resetting and it wasn't responding etc. Turns out FTDI breakout doesn't provide enough current. Make sure to connect it to Redboard for power.
- Baudrate was kind of funny but it was just due to not enough current.
- Mine was set to 115200 by default.
- To scan for nearby networks:
AT+CWLAP - To connect to a network:
AT+CWJAP="ssid","password" - To get IP address and other info:
AT+CIFSR - Try ping from cmd