RetroWiFiModem
About the RetroWiFiModem PCB
RetroWiFiModem is an open source ESP8266 PCB design by mecparts, published on GitHub under the GPL-3.0 license. It is a 2-layer board measuring 100 × 66.1 mm, with 29 components from 18 distinct parts.
Its main chip is the WeMos_mini, from the ESP8266 family. Other key parts include the MAX3237ECDWR, 74HCT245D, SN74HC32DR, L4931CZ33-AP and DFPlayer_Mini. By type, the board carries 9 diodes, 8 capacitors, 6 ICs, 3 resistors, 2 connectors and 1 speaker.
It belongs with the retro computing and iot & wireless designs in this gallery.
From the project
An ESP8266 based RS232 <-> WiFi modem with Hayes AT style commands and LED indicators
This project grew out of a desire to get an old Ampro LB+/Z80 hooked up to the Internet.
Right from the start, I knew I wanted a row of LED indicators at the front of the modem so that it would be reminiscent of an old Hayes Smartmodem. (I briefly considered finding an old Smartmodem on eBay, but soon remembered that the case had in fact been made of metal; they don't build 'em like that anymore.)
Main components on the RetroWiFiModem
RetroWiFiModem bill of materials (BOM)
29 components, 18 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.
| Qty | Part | Footprint | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAX3237ECDWR MAX3237CAI+ | SOIC-28W_7.5x17.9mm_Pitch1.27mm | U1 |
| 1 | 74HCT245D 74HCT245 | SOIC-20W_7.5x12.8mm_P1.27mm | U2 |
| 1 | SN74HC32DR 74HC32 | SOIC-14_3.9x8.7mm_P1.27mm | U3 |
| 1 | L4931CZ33-AP | TO-92_Inline_Wide | U4 |
| 1 | WeMos_mini | wemos-d1-mini-with-pin-header-and-connector | U5 |
| 1 | DFPlayer_Mini | DFPlayerMini | U6 |
| 1 | BarrelJack_Horizontal | BarrelJack_Horizontal | CON1 |
| 1 | CONN_02X05 | IDC_Header_Straight_10pins | P1 |
| 1 | AUD-013 Speaker | PinHeader_1x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | LS1 |
| 2 | TLPR5600 | LED-3MM | D1, D2 |
| 6 | TLPR5600 | LED-3MM | D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 |
| 1 | 1N4148 | D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_Horizontal | D9 |
| 4 | 100nF | C_Disc_D3_P2.5 | C1, C2, C4, C5 |
| 2 | 100NF 100nF | C_Disc_D3_P2.5 | C3, C8 |
| 1 | 100nF | R3 | C6 |
| 1 | 1UF 1uF | C_Disc_D3_P2.5 | C7 |
| 1 | 560R | DIP-16_W7.62mm_LongPads | R1 |
| 2 | 10K | R3 | R9, R10 |
RetroWiFiModem design files
The KiCad project lives in the mecparts/RetroWiFiModem repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.
RetroWiFiModem: common questions
What microcontroller does the RetroWiFiModem use?
The RetroWiFiModem is built around the WeMos_mini, from the ESP8266 family.
How big is the RetroWiFiModem PCB?
The RetroWiFiModem measures 100 × 66.1 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.
How many components are on the RetroWiFiModem?
29 components, from 18 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.
Where can I download the RetroWiFiModem design files?
From the mecparts/RetroWiFiModem repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.
Can I use the RetroWiFiModem design in my own project?
Yes, under the terms of its GPL-3.0 license, which mecparts chose for the repository.
Can I test firmware for the RetroWiFiModem without the hardware?
Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug ESP8266 firmware against it before you order a PCB.
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