itp-blog

Week 14

I’m interested in hosting my own WiFi portal! This is assuming I’m getting into the Winter Show, but that might not be true…

Copilot Chat

Q: Where can I buy a Wemos D1 mini board that ships to the US as quickly as possible?

A: You can get a Wemos D1 Mini board with fast shipping to the US from several online retailers. Here are a few options:

  1. Amazon: They offer the Wemos D1 Mini with fast, free shipping for Prime members. You can find it on Amazon for around $26.49 for a pack of 10.
  2. AliExpress: They provide free worldwide shipping on orders over a certain amount. You can find the Wemos D1 Mini for a good price here.
  3. Phipps Electronics: They offer worldwide free shipping on orders over $199, with an option for express shipping.

Would you like more details on any of these options?

Q: How quick is the shipping for each option? I don’t have a Prime membership.

A: Shipping times can vary depending on the seller and your location. Here are some general estimates for the Wemos D1 Mini board:

Would you like more information on any of these options?


I really hate feeling forced into buying from Amazon. I think I can go with Phipps Electronics instead.

Q: I just want a board that functions similarly to the Wemos D1 Mini board - providing a WiFi portal - and ships quickly.

A: Got it! Here are some alternatives to the Wemos D1 Mini board that provide similar WiFi functionality and ship quickly to the US:

  1. NodeMCU: This is a popular alternative that also uses the ESP8266 microcontroller. It’s compatible with the Arduino IDE and offers similar WiFi capabilities. You can find it on Amazon with 2-day shipping for Prime members, or standard shipping for non-members.
  2. LOLIN C3 Mini: This board is pin-compatible with the Wemos D1 Mini and uses the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, offering both WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0. It’s available on AliExpress with expedited shipping options.
  3. QT Py ESP32-C3: This is another compact development board using the ESP32-C3 microcontroller. It’s available from Adafruit with fast shipping within the US.

Would you like more details on any of these options?

Q: Please show the details for the QT Py ESP32-C3. I would like to see options from Adafruit.

A: Sure! Here are the details for the Adafruit QT Py ESP32-C3 WiFi Dev Board:

You can find more information and purchase it directly from the Adafruit website.

Does this look like a good fit for your project?

Q: Are there any options similar to the Wemos D1 available from Adafruit?

A: Yes, Adafruit offers a board that is similar to the Wemos D1 Mini. It’s called the Adafruit HUZZAH ESP8266. Here are some details:

You can find more information and purchase it directly from the Adafruit website.

Does this look like a good fit for your project?


There we go! I want to make a fun little WiFi portal! I hope it works out.

WiFi chip


This is how far I got this semester:

Feather M0 radios with USB cables, one inside clear enclosure

This was my final presentation for Prototyping Electronic Devices.