ESP8266 Flashing Problem

Projects
1

I am trying to flash an ESP8266-01(http://www.kynix.com/Detail/732620/ESP8266.html). I connect GPIO0 to GND, and toggle reset to ground and back, to put the ESP01 into flash mode. The blue led on the ESP flashes once, not twice. It used to flash twice, and I could send AT commands via a serial monitor, and it worked well. I connected to my router and got online. All good.

I am using a 5v 1A wallwart to power the ESP via LM1117 3.3v.

After trying to upload a program to the ESP via Arduino IDE, things changed. Now it flashes once, and I get no response to AT commands. No echo at all.

When I put the ESP into flash mode (GPIO0 low), I just get:
ets Jan 8 2013,rst cause:2, boot mode:(1,7)

When I toggle reset (GPIO0 high), I just get:
ets Jan 8 2013,rst cause:2, boot mode:(3,7) ets_main.c

I tried the following:

Clinic:esptool-master fedfull$ sudo python esptool.py --baud 921600 --port /dev/tty.usbserial-A50285BI write_flash -fm dio 0x00000 /esptool-master/v20ATFirmwareESP.bin
esptool.py v1.3-dev
Connecting...
Auto-detected Flash size: 8m
Running Cesanta flasher stub...
A fatal error occurred: Timed out waiting for packet header

I have Tried changing the baud to 9600, 19200, 57600, 74880, 38400, 115200, and 345600. The lower rates don’t include the ‘Auto-detected Flash size: 8m’ or ‘Running Cesanta flasher stub…’

On further testing:

Clinic:~ fed$ esptool.py --baud 115200 --port /dev/tty.usbserial-A50285BI flash_id
esptool.py v1.3-dev
Connecting...
Manufacturer: e0
Device: 4014

Clinic:~ fed$ esptool.py --baud 115200 --port /dev/tty.usbserial-A50285BI chip_id
esptool.py v1.3-dev
Connecting...
Chip ID: 0x001eb645

Clinic:~ fed$ esptool.py --baud 115200 --port /dev/tty.usbserial-A50285BI read_mac
esptool.py v1.3-dev
Connecting...
MAC: 5c:cf:7f:1e:b6:45

Clinic:~ fed$ esptool.py --baud 115200 --port /dev/tty.usbserial-A50285BI erase_flash
esptool.py v1.3-dev
Connecting...
Running Cesanta flasher stub...
A fatal error occurred: Timed out waiting for packet header

I have rechecked my connection many times.

Does the blue led flashing once only mean anything? Any idea what I’ve done wrong.

2

When you reset in flash mode you should see only one short blink. If you have a terminal attached at the correct speed (probably 74880) you may see a short message saying it is waiting for data. The LED flashes when there is activity on the serial line.

I assume you are using the correct serial interface at 3.3v as it does work for some commands.

The failures could be an indication that it has trouble writing to the flash. The link you provided goes to a chip and not to a module (esp-01 you say?). If you built your own board with this chip then I suggest you check the voltage delivered to the flash chip you are using.

Maybe try the latest esptool v2.2?
https://github.com/espressif/esptool/

Good luck.