ESP8685-WROOM-03 Programmer

For one of my new projects, I wanted to program an ESP8685-WROOM-03 module without soldering. Because let’s be honest... sometimes you just don’t want to mess around with flux, heat, and tiny pads. So I designed a simple programming adapter that you just click onto the module, flash your firmware, and done.

The result?
A super simple ESP8685 programmer built with:

✔ A 3D printed enclosure
✔ Pogo pins (PA50-B1) for reliable contact (link)
✔ 4 small magnets (8x1.5) that hold everything in place (link)
✔ And of course: KISS → Keep It Stupid Simple

No fancy machining. No complex assembly. Just a straightforward 3D print, some pogo pins, magnets, a bit of glue, and ready to go.

Why this programmer?

The ESP8685-WROOM-03 is a compact and powerful Wi-Fi/MCU module that is perfect for embedded projects. The only downside… the contacts are located on the bottom side of the module, which makes programming difficult without:

• an adapter board.
• soldering temporary wires.
• fiddling with tape or test clips.

And I didn’t want any of that. So I made a tool that makes my life easier.

Designed in Fusion 360

I created the design in Autodesk Fusion 360. Simple, clean, and functional:

• Rounded form factor.
• Cutout to hold the module in place.
• Precisely positioned pogo-pin holes.
• Four magnet slots.

With the magnets, the module stays perfectly aligned while flashing. No slipping, no bad contact, just click and program!

3D Printing, material & setup

I printed the design on my 3D printer:

• Material: PLA
• Layer height: 0.2 mm
• 20{91c9fad616bf0725810074c79079914b0bb05d8bf60d02d56ac06d2922548669} infill
• No supports required

Print time: less than an hour. After printing, I glued in the pogo pins and magnets. That’s it.

Magnets + Pogo Pins = Magic

The beauty of this design is the simplicity:

• Magnets pull the module into the exact position
• Pogo pins make instant contact with the flash pads
• Connect your USB-to-UART programmer and you’re ready to flash

Programming without soldering suddenly becomes a great experience.

How to use it

1. Place the programmer on your desk
2. Drop the ESP8685 module in the cutout
3. Magnets snap it into place
4. Connect your USB programmer
5. Flash using esptool, ESPHome, PlatformIO, or Arduino IDE

Done. Hardware should be this simple.

Conclusion

This ESP8685 programmer is the perfect example of KISS design:

• Don’t make things more complicated than they need to be
• Use what you already have: 3D printer, magnets, pogo pins
• Ideal for prototyping or small production batches
• No soldering stress

I love how it turned out, and maybe you will too.

Downloads / Files

Want to program your ESP8685 the easy way?
You can download the 3D model for free* and print it yourself.

* Free to use under the MIT license, attribution is required.

Download