F256 WiFi

Foenix F256 Wi-fi HOWTO

Introduction

The Foenix F256 computers were designed to allow for networking either through the serial port or through an optional wi-fi module. The TinyCore MicroKernel installed by default includes support for networking using SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol). While it is possible to use SLIP through the RS-232 serial port on the F256k and F256jr, both computers include solder pads that can be used to install an ESP8266 board to serve as a SLIP wi-fi router. This document will cover the process of configuring and installing such a wi-fi module on your Foenix F256.

WARNING: The process described here requires some technical skills. It will be necessary to solder sockets to the F256 motherboard, which, if not done properly, could damage the board. Therefore, this process should only be attempted by someone comfortable soldering electronics onto PCBs. Similarly, some steps in setting up the wi-fi router can currently only be done on a Linux installation, so some experience with Linux and setting up software packages on Linux will be needed.

Supplies Needed

F256 Motherboard 

Either the F256jr mini-itx motherboard or the F256k motherboard will work.

Feather ESP8266 Huzzah 

This board will be wi-fi module when the correct firmware is installed. It is available from Adafruit (product link), either with or without the pins pre-soldered. While the firmware will run on other ESP8266 boards, the solder pads on the F256 motherboards is designed for the Feather board from Adafruit. Be sure to order the Feather with the header pins (not with the "stacking headers"), although the correct header pins are readily available from several suppliers, as they are commonly used with Arduino projects (single row, 0.1 inch (2.5mm) spacing).

Header Sockets 

Single row, 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) spacing. These are commonly available from many suppliers, but Adafruit have a kit including the correct sized headers (product link).

Soldering Supplies 

Soldering iron suitable for through-hole soldering, decent solder, flux, and cleaning supplies to remove flux residue.

USB Cable

A to B Micro : This cable will be used to connect your Feather ESP8266 to the computer you will use to install and configure the firmware.

Software Needed

ESP_SLIP_ROUTER 

The firmware to install on the ESP8266 to turn it into a SLIP/WiFi router. GitHub Repository

Linux 

While installation of the firmware on the ESP8266 can be done in Linux, Windows, or MacOS X, the configuration step seems to be possible only using a Linux install. Currently, configuration of the wi-fi router once the firmware is installed can only be done through a SLIP connection, but Windows and MacOS X do not support SLIP networking. An installation on a Raspberry Pi should be fine.

Python 3 

Needed by the esptool.py for installing firmware on the ESP8266.

PySerial 

The Python package that provides serial port access for esptool.py.

esptool.py 

Tool used to install firmware on the ESP8266. GitHub Repository

Net Tools 

A package for Linux that includes the `slattach` command, used to configure the wi-fi router. The correct link will depend on your Linux distribution, but it may already be installed.