Testing is Complete!
We're pleased to report that the ESP32-M1 board has undergone thorough inspection, testing, and measurement procedures. Similarly, the ESP32-A1 boards have also been prepared. Read the full update.
A1 Boards Manufactured, M1 Production Almost Complete
We are pleased to inform you that the manufacturing of the A1 board is complete, and the M1 board is in its final stage of production. Read the full update.
Manufacturing Schedule Confirmed
Dear backers, We would like to apologize for the delay and provide you with some important manufacturing updates regarding the ESP32-M1 Reach Out. We would like to inform you that we have scheduled the production for August. Read the full update.
Manufacturing Status
Another update towards manufacturing. The PCB has been ordered and manufactured and is currently on the way for PCB assembly. Read the full update.
TI Part Arrived at Manufacturer, PCB Order in Progress
Hi backers, Another update, but this one is good news. The long waiting TI part is now available and finally arrived at the manufacturer. All the parts for the ESP32-M1 board are now purchased, and final BOM checking is in process. Read the full update.
Ordered TI Parts
The ESP32-M1 PCB with Analog Devices low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator design were received and built. The board was tested and the range was verified. The test shows similar results to TI LDO. The latest TI stock shows the TI LDO available in approximately three months' time, almost similar to Analog Devices LDO, but ultimately Bison Science has decided to use TI LDO. Read the full update.
Modified PCB Design for Replacement Chip
It's not possible to enter manufacturing for the ESP32-M1 design with the TI part due to the part shortage issue and with the price hike. A suitable replacement for this chip was found, after some search, from Analog Devices. Read the full update.
Procuring Parts and Manufacturing Schedule
All the parts for ESP32-M1 have been purchased and are almost all currently on the way to the manufacturer. There is one part still out of stock at all major parts suppliers, including from Mouser. It is only available through manufacturers and third-party vendors at an extremely high price, even higher than the ESP32-M1 board, just for a single part. The lead time at Mouser for this part is June/July 2022 at the earliest. Unfortunately without this part, the manufacturing cannot start as planned on December 2021, and the closest date to produce the board is after June/July next year. Read the full update.
Validating Replacement Parts
Following up on the part-shortage issue and on finding alternatives, we have successfully completed testing and validation with replacement parts. Our extensive tests show the replacement parts meet our ESP32-M1 design goals and requirements. Read the full update.
Part Shortage Causing Delay
Bison Science would like to apologize for not meeting the original shipping date because of the worldwide part shortage. We are currently working on this issue and the potential replacement parts have been identified. The new shipping date will be around winter. Read the full update.
Parts Availability Issues
A shout out to our backers and an update on our parts procurement during a global shortage. Read the full update.
Communication Setup & Testing
We recently published a document called ESP32-M1 Internet Communication Setup with NAT and Speed Test. It provides basic setup instruction for AP/STA communication with routers, including topics such as Internet access, repeater setup, speed testing, and range testing. Read the full update.
Transmitter Power Settings Guide Published
We recently published a Transmitter Power Settings Guide for Wi-Fi communication using ESP32-M1 Reach Out. It explains the power table, related code, and the steps required to increase or decrease transmitter power using the RFFE. It also covers bypass mode and provides measurements. Read the full update.
Technical Manual Published
We recently published an updated Technical Manual for ESP32-M1 Reach Out. You can find it in our GitHub repository, and we invite you to come have a look! The manual contains schematics, technical explanations, and sample code, including techniques for switching antennas and enabling Wi-Fi RFFE Bypass Mode. Read the full update.
We Are Live!
The Bison Science team is pleased to announce that the ESP32-M1 Reach Out project is ready to launch. We are committed to delivering an excellent product with a level of quality and performance that will exceed your expectations. In addition to the board itself, we are offering three different antennas for you to choose from: a 3 dBi Dipole antenna, a 5 dBi dipole antenna, and our own ESP32-A1, which includes two planar antennas on a single substrate and is designed to mount directly on the ESP32-M1 Reach Out board. Read the full update.