NodeMCU ESP8266 WiFi Development Board (V3 Lolin CH340)

Low-cost ESP8266 WiFi board with CH340 USB, breadboard-friendly; extremely popular entry point for WiFi-connected sensor projects.

₹180 + 18% GST

SKU: BOTBIT-IOT-03 · Best for: WiFi sensor nodes posting to ThingSpeak, Blynk or MQTT

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Overview

About NodeMCU ESP8266 WiFi Development Board (V3 Lolin CH340).

The NodeMCU ESP8266 V3 (Lolin, CH340 variant) is the classic entry point into WiFi-connected microcontroller projects. It carries Espressif's ESP8266 (ESP-12E/12F module), adds a CH340 USB-serial bridge, a voltage regulator and a breadboard-friendly layout, so beginners can plug it into a laptop and be online in minutes.

At roughly Rs 180 it is one of the cheapest ways to get a WiFi-capable board, which made it the launchpad for a whole generation of Indian IoT learners. It runs the same Arduino IDE workflow as the ESP32, has huge library support, and is more than enough for reading a sensor and posting data to the cloud, Blynk, ThingSpeak or an MQTT broker.

The 'V3 Lolin' label is a marketing name for the wider, CH340-based NodeMCU layout. It has a single-core processor and fewer usable GPIOs than an ESP32, but for simple WiFi sensor and automation tasks it remains a favourite thanks to its low cost and simplicity.

Key features

Why it stands out.

ESP8266 (ESP-12E/12F) with integrated 2.4GHz WiFi 802.11 b/g/n

Onboard CH340 USB-to-serial bridge with micro-USB connector

Breadboard-friendly with onboard 3.3V regulator and reset/flash buttons

Programmable via Arduino IDE, NodeMCU Lua firmware or MicroPython

Multiple digital GPIOs plus one analog input (A0) and hardware SPI/I2C/UART

Deep-sleep support for low-power battery sensor nodes

Specifications

Selection facts.

SoC	Espressif ESP8266 (ESP-12E/12F module)
CPU	Single-core Tensilica L106, 80MHz (up to 160MHz)
Wireless	WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
Flash	4MB SPI flash
USB bridge	CH340G
Digital GPIO	11 usable digital pins (labelled D0-D10)
Analog input	1x 10-bit ADC (A0), 0-1.0V internal / 0-3.3V on board divider
Operating voltage	3.3V logic; powered via 5V micro-USB or VIN
Input voltage (VIN)	4.5-10V (regulated to 3.3V on board)
Dimensions	Approx 58 x 31 mm (V3 wide layout)

Applications

Where it is used.

WiFi sensor nodes posting to ThingSpeak, Blynk or MQTT
Home automation (WiFi relays, smart plugs, light control)
Weather stations and temperature/humidity loggers
Simple web-server controlled gadgets and dashboards
OTA-updatable ESP-based DIY smart devices
Learning WiFi/IoT programming on a low budget

Buying guide

How to choose.

The NodeMCU ESP8266 is the right pick when you need cheap WiFi and only light processing — a sensor or two, a relay, and a cloud connection. It is perfect for students and first-time makers who want to learn IoT without spending much.

This V3 variant uses the CH340 USB chip, so install the CH340 driver if the COM port does not appear. If you need Bluetooth, more GPIO, dual cores or heavier compute, step up to the ESP32 DevKit — but for straightforward WiFi tasks the ESP8266 costs less and does the job.

Pair it with a stable 5V/1A supply, a DHT11/DHT22 or BME280 sensor, and a relay module for automation. Remember it has only one analog pin, so for multiple analog sensors add an ADS1115 ADC over I2C.

FAQ

Common questions.

How do I set it up in the Arduino IDE?

Add the ESP8266 boards URL in Preferences, install 'esp8266 by ESP8266 Community' in the Boards Manager, then select 'NodeMCU 1.0 (ESP-12E Module)'. Set the correct COM port and upload — no manual reset is usually needed.

The board isn't detected on my PC. What's wrong?

This V3 uses the CH340 USB chip, so you must install the CH340 driver. After installing and reconnecting the micro-USB cable, a COM port will appear. Also try a data-capable cable, as some cables are charge-only.

How many GPIOs and analog pins does it have?

It exposes 11 usable digital GPIO pins (D0-D10) and a single 10-bit analog input (A0). For more than one analog sensor, add an external I2C ADC like the ADS1115. Some pins (D3/D4/D8) must be at the right level at boot.

Are its pins 5V tolerant?

No, the ESP8266 runs at 3.3V logic and its GPIOs are not 5V tolerant. Use a level shifter or divider for 5V signals. You can, however, power the board itself from 5V via the VIN/USB because it has an onboard 3.3V regulator.

Is it available in India and what comes in the box?

Yes, it is extremely common and cheap across Indian electronics shops. The package contains just the NodeMCU V3 board; the micro-USB cable and any sensors are usually bought separately.