Post #1962697
2026-03-31 13:13 UTC
Don't be tempted to use ESP32-C3 SuperMini modules. I found out too late that the WLAN PCB antenna is utterly mince on some very cheap copies.
Out of 5x modules, not one would reliably broadcast a visible AP, nor connect.
Even this promising antenna hack only got one on the network... intermittently. 😞
https://peterneufeld.wordpress.com/2025/03/04/esp32-c3-supermini-antenna-modification/
ESPsomfy , ESPhome , and Tasmota all failed due to hardware over two days of testing.😡
Trying again with better ESP32's... later!
#HomeAssistant #RFisBlackMagic
Replies (2)
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@jamesderrick@mastodon.social 2026-04-03 11:18
What a difference when you use a proper ESP-WROOM-32. Flashed and connected immediately - no wasted two days of wondering what was going wrong. On the bright side; I now know how to use a wire-wrap gun, and v2 #ESPsomfy will be a neater job for #HomeAssistant . **REMEMBER** Friends don't let friends use crappy ESP32-C3 SuperMini clones with a ground plane almost touching the chip antenna! 🤦 Instant ewaste.
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@chksome@hachyderm.io 2026-03-31 17:13
@jamesderrick Thanks for the PSA!