NodeMCU boards are popular among DIY enthusiasts for their versatility and compatibility with various Internet of Things (IoT) projects. Tasmota, an alternative firmware for ESP8266-based devices, offers a rich set of features, making it an excellent choice for NodeMCU. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of porting Tasmota to a NodeMCU board.
### Prerequisites
1. NodeMCU board
2. USB-to-Serial adapter
3. Arduino IDE installed on your computer
4. Tasmota firmware source code
### Step 1: Install Arduino IDE and ESP8266 Board Support
Make sure you have the Arduino IDE installed on your computer. Open the Arduino IDE, go to "File" -> "Preferences," and add the following URL to the Additional Boards Manager URLs:
```
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
```
Now, navigate to "Tools" -> "Board" -> "Boards Manager," search for "esp8266," and install the "esp8266 by ESP8266 Community" board package.
### Step 2: Connect NodeMCU to USB-to-Serial Adapter
Connect your NodeMCU to the USB-to-Serial adapter using jumper wires. Ensure proper connection of TX, RX, GND, and VCC pins.
### Step 3: Connect USB-to-Serial Adapter to Computer
Connect the USB-to-Serial adapter to your computer. Take note of the COM port assigned to the adapter.
### Step 4: Download Tasmota Source Code
Clone or download the Tasmota source code from the official Tasmota GitHub repository: https://github.com/arendst/Tasmota
### Step 5: Configure Arduino IDE for Tasmota
Open the Arduino IDE, go to "File" -> "Open," and select the `sonoff.ino` file from the Tasmota source code directory. In the Arduino IDE, set the board type to "NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module)" under "Tools" -> "Board."
### Step 6: Customize Tasmota Settings
Navigate to the `my_user_config.h` file in the Tasmota source code. Customize settings such as WiFi credentials, MQTT server details, and other parameters according to your project requirements.
### Step 7: Upload Tasmota Firmware to NodeMCU
Connect your NodeMCU to the computer, select the correct COM port in the Arduino IDE, and click the "Upload" button to flash the Tasmota firmware onto the NodeMCU.
### Step 8: Monitor Serial Output
Open the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE to monitor the output. This helps in troubleshooting and ensuring a successful firmware upload.
Congratulations! You have successfully ported Tasmota firmware to your NodeMCU board. Now, your NodeMCU is ready to be integrated into your IoT projects, benefitting from the extensive features offered by Tasmota.