USB-C CH340C AUTO-RESET

USB C version of the CH340C programmer with Auto-Reset (for ESP chips).
I added the option to also have a USB-C variant, because it seems that this will be the future, for some time at least, so It will be easier to find USB-C cables around.

 

Sometimes, your ESP based project doesn't need a dedicated USB to TTL chip because you won't upload the firmware so often (especially on custom / embedded projects like this one : https://oshwlab.com/noobsmakingstuff/ledclock_controlboard ).

 

In this case you can use a dedicated USB to TTL module, to help you upload the firmware.

 

But as you know, sometimes ESP chips needs to have certain pins tied to GND in order to enter boot mode, so you have to either add a button to do that, or place some solder pads and use a tweezer to short those pins or some other methods.

 

To be honest, I hate these options, so I took inspiration from those dev boards, that use 2 NPN transistors to handle the boot/reset sequence, and made a custom PCB with the same functionality.

 

Now all you have to do is to place a 1x6 header on the ESP's PCB and use this programmer to upload the firmware (you can also use a 2x3 header if u use a dedicated programming header). Don't forget to switch RX and TX.

 

Also, make sure you have the CH340 driver installed on your PC.

 

You can also print a holder for the pins to stay in place while you use the programmer.

 

STL files can be found here : https://www.printables.com/model/378005-modular-programming-clip