Grade 9 · From USB to Field System: ESP32 water quality

Power the ESP32 externally

Follow the student handout to build, test and document this stage of the water-quality system.

Prepared lesson material. Start this task when your teacher introduces it; it is not currently assigned homework.

For this lesson

2 pages · Use the handout for the complete instructions, examples and response spaces.

Read the handout text online

For diagrams, visual examples and the full layout, open the handout above.

Lesson 5: Powering the ESP32 Independently

External power and Serial Monitor test

Grade 9 MYP Design | From USB to Field System

Name: __________________

Class / team: __________________

Date: __________________

Today’s goals • Connect verified 5V power to ESP32 5VIN/GND. • Distinguish power, programming, and serial communication.

Pre-power checkpoint Buck output has already been measured at 4.9–5.1V. Power is OFF while 5VIN and GND wires are installed.

LM2596.OUT+ -> ESP32.5VINLM2596.OUT- -> ESP32.GND

☐ OUT+ wire is in 5VIN, not 3V3.

☐ OUT− wire is in GND.

☐ No raw battery wire reaches the ESP32.

☐ Connections are secure and polarity has been checked.

void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); delay(2000); Serial.println("ESP32-S3 serial test OK");}void loop() { Serial.println("hello"); delay(1000);}

Test	Expected evidence	Observed
Upload	IDE reports successful upload
Boot	Board powers from external 5V
Serial	Readable “hello” at 115200
Reset	Output restarts after reset

Power, programming/data transfer, and Serial Monitor are related but separate. Explain each.

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