EZ Start Kit+ (ESP32)

Hardware specifications

Software and programming	‧ SCRATCH ‧ MakeCode ‧ JavaScript ‧ Python ‧ Arduino IDE
Built-in features	‧ SCRATCH ‧ Full-color RGB LED ‧ 5 mm round LED (red / yellow / green) ‧ DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor ‧ Infrared receiver ‧ Relay module ‧ Passive buzzer ‧ 1.3-inch OLED ‧ Light sensor ‧ Buttons ‧ Potentiometer ‧ micro:bit socket (expandable with micro:bit / Web:bit / 7697:bit breakout / pixel:bit / ESP32) ‧ LinkIt 7697 socket ‧ ESP32 socket
Ports	‧ I2C port ‧ micro:bit / LinkIt 7697 / ESP32 pins
Dimensions	120 × 66 × 17 mm

Features

• Three-in-one expansion board: supports micro:bit, LinkIt 7697, and ESP32 boards. Choose the board that fits your project for more development options.
• LEGO brick holes: work with LEGO-based projects.
• Buttons A and B: two small black round buttons, about 6.5 mm in diameter, that let you enter commands and control the expansion board.
• DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor: measures temperature and humidity. It reads the air temperature (0–50 °C) and relative humidity (%), and the readings can be shown on the 1.3-inch OLED screen.
• Single-color LEDs: there are three colors—red, yellow, and green. With these three LEDs you can practice lighting an LED with code and also build a small traffic light project.
• Light sensor: uses a photoresistor to detect ambient light. Readings range from 0 to 4095, and a larger value means stronger light.
• RGB LEDs: above the single-color LEDs are the same number of RGB LEDs. Unlike ordinary color LEDs, they have a built-in driver chip, so a single signal line is enough to light them in different colors.
• Passive buzzer: can be programmed to make sounds, play music you write yourself, or serve as an alarm.
• Infrared receiver: receives signals sent by an infrared remote control. An infrared remote control is required to use this feature.
• OLED display: a 1.3-inch OLED screen that shows sensor readings and can also be used to debug programs.
• Relay: its main function is to control a high-current component with a small current. In short, it is an electronic switch: when it is powered, it connects internally, and when it is not, it disconnects.
• Potentiometer: reading the potentiometer in code returns a value from 0 to 4095, and you change the value by turning the knob. It can be used in projects that need adjustable control, for example, adjusting LED brightness with a potentiometer.

Pin reference chart

Related teaching resources

Teacher Liu Zhengji: Brother Ji’s Sharing
Teacher Huang Wenyu: Ayu’s Teaching Site

FAQ

How do I use the expansion board with an ESP32?

NodeMCU-32S is currently supported. Plug the board into the dedicated EZ Start Kit+ socket to use it.

Can the OLED display Chinese characters or specific graphics?

If you are using a micro:bit, this is not currently supported in MakeCode.

Is it normal for the program to start running after download, even though the USB cable hasn’t been moved to the expansion board and the expansion board’s power button hasn’t been turned on?

Yes, that’s normal. Some components only need power from the micro:bit to work.

Why can’t files be imported between the MakeCode online version 7.0.8 and the offline version 6.0.3?

Because the versions are different. If the newer version changes MakeCode’s internals, programs from the earlier version can no longer be imported.

Can I use an ESP32-CAM and an HC-SR04+ ultrasonic sensor with the EZ Start Kit+ for home security monitoring experiments?

The ESP32-CAM cannot be used, but the HC-SR04+ can be connected through the expansion pin headers.

What is the OLED’s X and Y pixel coordinate range?

The OLED resolution is 128 × 64 pixels.

Can I connect two micro USB cables at the same time?

With a micro:bit, you can connect two micro USB cables at once, so you don’t need to keep swapping the cable between powering the board and uploading programs. With a LinkIt 7697, just connect the cable to the EZ Start Kit to power the board and upload programs at the same time.

What other sensors can I try with the EZ Start Kit+ expansion pins?

The expansion pins on the EZ Start Kit+ supply 3.3 V. Most sensors that support 3.3 V should work.

Can the onboard relay switch 110 V power?

Yes, the EZ Start Kit+ onboard relay can.