The blog post "ESP32 WiFi Superstitions" explores common practices developers employ when troubleshooting ESP32 WiFi connectivity issues, despite lacking a clear technical basis. The author argues that many of these "superstitions," like adding delays, calling WiFi.begin() repeatedly, or disabling power-saving modes, often mask underlying problems with poor antenna design, inadequate power supply, or incorrect configuration rather than addressing the root cause. While these tweaks might sometimes appear to improve stability, they are ultimately unreliable solutions. The post encourages a more systematic debugging approach focusing on identifying and resolving the actual hardware or software issues causing the instability.
Espargos is an open-source project developing a modular, expandable, and affordable WiFi sensing array based on ESP32 microcontrollers. Each node in the array passively monitors surrounding WiFi signals, and through techniques like Channel State Information (CSI) analysis, can detect subtle changes in the environment. These changes can then be interpreted for various applications like gesture recognition, presence detection, and even material identification. The project emphasizes ease of use and customization, allowing users to build arrays of varying sizes and configurations tailored to specific needs. The software platform provides tools for data collection, processing, and visualization, enabling experimentation and development of novel sensing applications using the collected WiFi data.
Hacker News users discussed the Espargos project, primarily focusing on its potential applications and limitations. Some saw promise in using it for security, like detecting intruders or monitoring elderly relatives, while others suggested applications in smart home automation or scientific research like analyzing crowd movement. Concerns were raised regarding privacy implications, the practicality of calibration, and the limited range of the ESP32's WiFi sensing. The reliance on signal strength as the primary metric was also questioned, with some suggesting incorporating time-of-flight measurements for improved accuracy. A few commenters expressed interest in the project's open-source nature and potential for customization. There was some debate on the best use cases, with some arguing its value lay more in research and experimentation than in robust, real-world applications.
A new custom firmware for the PlayStation Portable, called PSP-CFW 6.61 PRO-C Infinity 2, allows the 20-year-old handheld console to connect to modern WPA2 Wi-Fi networks. Previously limited to the outdated WEP encryption, the PSP can now access most current Wi-Fi networks, opening up possibilities for online gaming and other internet-based features on original hardware. This update builds upon existing custom firmware, adding improved compatibility and stability while retaining previous functionality like ISO loading and plugin support.
Hacker News users generally expressed excitement about the WPA2 patch for the PSP, praising the developer for their dedication and skill in reverse-engineering the system. Several commenters reminisced about their experiences with the handheld console and discussed its unique place in gaming history. Some questioned the practical applications given the availability of faster internet on modern devices, while others pointed out the benefits for preservation and playing online games on original hardware. A few highlighted the technical challenges involved in the process, appreciating the developer's deep understanding of the PSP's architecture. The potential for further development, such as implementing WPA3 support, was also mentioned.
This project showcases WiFi-controlled RC cars built using ESP32 microcontrollers. The cars utilize readily available components like a generic RC car chassis, an ESP32 development board, and a motor driver. The provided code establishes a web server on the ESP32, allowing control through a simple web interface accessible from any device on the same network. The project aims for simplicity and ease of replication, offering a straightforward way to experiment with building your own connected RC car.
Several Hacker News commenters express enthusiasm for the project, praising its simplicity and the clear documentation. Some discuss potential improvements, like adding features such as obstacle avoidance or autonomous driving using a camera. Others share their own experiences with similar projects, mentioning alternative chassis options or different microcontrollers. A few users suggest using a more robust communication protocol than UDP, highlighting potential issues with range and reliability. The overall sentiment is positive, with many commenters appreciating the project's educational value and potential for fun.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43375780
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's point about the ESP32's WiFi sensitivity, sharing their own struggles and workarounds. Several commenters emphasized the importance of antenna design and placement, suggesting specific antenna types and advocating for proper grounding. Others pointed out the impact of environmental factors like metal enclosures and nearby electronics. The discussion also touched on potential firmware issues and the value of using a logic analyzer for debugging. Some users shared specific success stories by adjusting antenna placement or implementing suggested fixes. One commenter highlighted the challenges of reliable WiFi in battery-powered devices due to the power-hungry nature of WiFi, while another speculated on potential hardware limitations of the ESP32's radio circuitry.
The Hacker News post "ESP32 WiFi Superstitions" has generated several comments discussing the author's experiences and offering additional insights into ESP32 WiFi behavior.
Some commenters agree with the author's observations. One commenter mentions encountering similar issues, especially with the ESP32 struggling to reconnect after a lost connection. They highlight the frustration of seemingly random disconnections despite having a strong WiFi signal. Another commenter concurs, pointing out the difficulty in debugging these issues due to the limited information provided by the ESP32's SDK. They also suggest the issues might stem from the ESP32's WiFi driver or power-saving features.
Several commenters offer potential explanations and solutions. One suggests that the problem could be related to the ESP32's internal antenna design and its sensitivity to orientation. They recommend using an external antenna for more reliable performance. Another commenter dives deeper into the technical details of WiFi roaming and how the ESP32 handles it, suggesting that the chip's aggressive power-saving mechanisms could be interfering with stable connections. They propose adjusting the power-saving settings or disabling them altogether.
Another line of discussion revolves around the complexities of WiFi itself. One commenter emphasizes that WiFi is a shared medium and subject to various external factors, making it inherently unreliable. They point out that interference from other devices, changes in the environment, and even microwave ovens can impact the ESP32's WiFi performance.
One commenter notes that using static IP addresses instead of DHCP might resolve some connection issues, particularly in cases with unstable DHCP servers.
Finally, a few commenters share their own experiences with different ESP32 modules and SDK versions, suggesting that certain hardware or software combinations might be more susceptible to these issues. They recommend trying different modules or updating to the latest SDK version to see if it improves stability. They also highlight the importance of careful testing and debugging to isolate the root cause of the problems.