ESP32 Board Selection

[hardware_boss]

Hi all, I am making a simple device based on ESP32 module that talks to GPS unit and transmits the data over Bluetooth to connected device.
There are so many ESP32 different versions that are blows my head and am confused what to select for such simple projects. What dev board and PCB module you guys can recommend?

So far I stopped on ESP-WROOM-32 ESP32 ESP32S 2.4GHz WiFi Bluetooth Development Board for Arduino US as development board and not sure about what PCB module to use yet.

There are ESP32-C3 Series, S2 series, ESP32 series. Not sure what series should I use for my needs? I think S2 does not have BLE module ..

[ESP_Minatel]

Hi,

You have a lot of different dev boards to choose! Espressif offers several different kits here.

In my opinion you need to choose one with ESP32 according to the local availability and price range for your budget. Since they all use the same SoC, your code should be the same in any of the boards.

For the GPS you can choose any with NMEA over serial and active antenna for a better reception.

[hardware_boss]

Hi, thanks for the answer; however, the question is still open, there are lot to choose from, this is what was my concern, which board will be cheapest one to pick that will fulfill my basic needs that was described.

You have mentioned that for GPS choose NMEA, that means my GPS can use ESP32 antenna ?

[ESP_Minatel]

Hi,

About the dev kit I can't say about the cheapest one where you live. At some US suppliers you can find the ESP32-DevKitC for about $10 (USD).

My suggestion: ESP32-DevKitC or ESP32-PICO-KIT

The ESP32-S2 has no BLE as you already mentioned and the ESP32-C3 isn't available yet on most of the suppliers, but it's a good candidate for your project.

About the GPS, I don't know if you are going to use some module or a product that talks BLE or something else. If it's a DIY module, you need to pick one with serial interface, talking in NMEA standard.
The GPS antenna is different from the ESP32 and you can't reuse the same antenna used for the ESP32.


Hope it can help you on your decision!

[hardware_boss]

ESP32-WROOM-32D and ESP32-WROOM-32U the only difference i assume is antenna. That's wifi antenna only right? ESP32-WROOM-32U is more compact since it doesn't have PCB antenna, will it be ok for my needs without connecting anything to that socket?
Thanks again

[ESP_Minatel]

The difference is the WiFi/Bluetooth antenna and its size. If you need to use WiFi/Bluetooth, you'll need to attach the 2.4GHz external antenna on that small socket/connector.